Registrant Profile | Richard Flynn CEnv, Expert Specialist

Richard Flynn, BEng, CEng, CEnv, C.Build E FCABE, MIEI, FIET, MCIWEM, C.WEM, PEng, FIPWS, is an Independent Expert Specialist in engineering and building surveying services. Richard has worked in private practice since 1986 and has developed a huge array of skills and expertise. He provides services including:

• Site suitability assessment for wastewater treatment systems for one-off houses to EPA 2009 Standards
• Supervision and Certification of the installation of wastewater treatment systems to EPA 2009 Standards
• Preparation of Management and Maintenance Plans for Treatment Facilities which discharge trade or sewage effluent to groundwater and surface waters (Discharge Licences)
• Environmental Management – site assessment service to assess the suitability of the site for the treatment of wastewater. For example, upgrading and retrofitting of the existing system to provide a more sustainable method of treating and disposing of the wastewater.

Richard’s expertise in these areas is reflected in his many Charterships and recognitions, including as a Registered Building Surveyor and Certified Site Assessor. Via his membership of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), he is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Fellow Chartered Building Engineer (FCABE). He is also a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM) via the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) awarded by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), where he is also a Fellow (FIET). Richard is also a Fellow of the Institute of Party Wall Surveyors (FIPWS).

Through his memberships and affiliations, Richard contributes and debates the environmental cause with his peers and fellow professionals. He has had a strong interest in the environment and sustainability since he diversified into the area of onsite wastewater treatment back in 2004 and witnessed the impact of substandard septic tank systems on groundwater resources. He says his decision to become a member of CABE was influenced by the opportunity to become a Chartered Environmentalist and credits becoming a CEnv with providing him with a platform to grow his business.

CEnv also includes a personal commitment to professional standards and continuous professional development, as well as leadership by encouraging others to promote and advance the environmental cause leading to a sustainable future. Richard takes this commitment seriously which is reflected in his work. For example, Richard is Chairman of the Irish Onsite Wastewater Association (IOWA) and as such Chairs regular meetings of the executive committee, as well as presenting at the Annual Conference and attending meetings with various stakeholders in the industry which cover a broad range of issues such as Building Regulations, Codes of Practice, and National Legislation.

These conferences and meetings give Richard an opportunity, on behalf of his association and its members, to influence decision-making and to encourage others to promote and advance a sustainable and resilient approach by understanding their responsibility for environmental damage and improvement.