Obtaining my Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) was a huge milestone, it provides an external accreditation that improves my more credibility in the workplace and provides professional recognition for my competence, commitment, and responsibility in environmental management. It validates the extensive effort invested in understanding environmental regulations, client specific procedures, mitigation approaches, and continuous stakeholder engagement. To me, REnvP signifies that my role goes beyond administrative tasks, directly influencing sustainable outcomes for projects, environments, and future generations.
Abdulmohsen Alkathiri REnvP
Mott Macdonald, Environmental consultant
What does an average day look like in your career?
My typical day varies depending on project priorities and deadlines. Generally, I start with reviewing critical emails, project timelines, and action items. Tasks often include conducting desktop research, analysing baseline environmental and social data, drafting sections of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and preparing project bids. My role regularly involves interpreting international standards such as IFC Performance Standards, coordinating with technical teams, and managing documentation to make sure that they have clarity, compliance, and alignment with client requirements.
How did you get to where you are now?
My journey started with an internship on carbon capture research at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), where I worked closely with the sustainability general manager. This experience sparked my interest within the environment & sustainability sector. I started my first job as an Environmental Consultant with AECOM, delivering work for one of Saudi Arabia’s largest giga projects NEOM. This role had a significant impact on my career, deepening my understanding of both local and international frameworks. Following this I joined Mott MacDonald, which marked a significant milestone as I became the company’s first Saudi environmental professional.
Throughout my career, I pursued professional certifications, including ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, Mostadam AP, and Practitioner membership with IEMA. I am also going to be attending upcoming online workshops from Stanford University on the Invest Model to gain more exposure to Natural Capital.
In what way does your role consider and protect the environment?
My responsibilities involve identifying and mitigating potential environmental impacts so that they don’t materialise. Through conducting ESIAs, Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), drafting management plans, or performing technical design reviews, I address environmental and social risks associated with project development. I undertake gap analysis, compliance with environmental regulations, and problem solving to achieve sustainable project outcomes. I regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage stakeholders to develop actionable, science
based strategies for biodiversity protection, pollution control, resource management, and community engagement.
What are the top three key knowledge areas that are crucial to your role?
The top three knowledge areas in my current role which I believe most critical are:
1. Structured problem solving
2. Presentations and reporting
3. Legislation & Standards
What part of your job do you find the most exciting?
The most rewarding aspect of my role occurs during critical project milestones, such as successfully delivering challenging bids under tight deadlines or receiving positive feedback from senior specialists on deliverables I have prepared. I particularly enjoy stakeholder interactions, turning initial scepticism into genuine appreciation for the environmental outcomes achieved.
What are your 3 top tips for those applying for REnvP?
My top three tips for those applying for REnvP are:
1. Be authentic by clearly sharing your own experiences and unique contributions, rather than just aiming to meet the competency requirements.
2. Use real world, specific, tangible examples from your career that highlights your direct involvement and the impacts of your decisions.
3. Focus on continuous learning by actively pursuing professional development, keeping up with changes in environmental practices and standards, and showing openness to new and innovative approaches.
Why would you encourage others in your sector to aspire to become a REnvP?
I strongly encourage professionals, especially my fellow Saudis since our representation is currently very limited, to pursue REnvP as it significantly improves professional credibility and offers recognition for your expertise and commitment, and connects you with a global network of environmental professionals.
What’s next for you? What are your key aims for the coming months / years?
In the short term, my focus is on improving and strengthening my soft skills so that technical excellence is matched by persuasive communication, confident facilitation, and effective team leadership. My main goal is to become the first Saudi Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) by the end of 2026, which would reflect my dedication to strengthening local expertise and leadership in engineering, environmental, and sustainability consultancy.
Profile correct as of July 2025.
Abdulmohsen Alkathiri REnvP’s registration:
Abdulmohsen Alkathiri is registered as a REnvP via membership of the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals (ISEP).
Useful links:
Meet other Professionals:
About KerstinApplying to be a REnvTech has opened my eyes to realise what I am already doing to put in place best practices. I also enjoy knowing there’s a professional body to keep myself accountable for my actions impacting the environment.
Kerstin MacDonald REnvTech
About JoI have found that the process of applying for professional accreditation is always a good opportunity to do a self-reflection on your past experience, but this can be quite a challenge if you’re working from memory, so I would suggest keeping a tracker of your experience and skills, so you can quickly refer back to it when needed.
Jo Cerejeira REnvP
About AlessandroAchieving CEnv registration has enhanced my credibility and recognition in the field of environmental sustainability, opened new opportunities for collaboration, and allowed me to contribute more effectively to the advancement of sustainable practices. The CEnv designation has also provided me with a valuable network of like-minded professionals who are committed to driving positive change in the industry.
Alessandro Bisagni CEnv
