Why I became a Chartered Environmentalist
Towards the latter end of 2011 I put myself forward to become a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) with the Society for the Environment (SocEnv). The process involves a written career and experience report and an interview, both of which involve reviewing your career. This was something I enjoyed as an opportunity to reflect upon my career to date, appreciate my professional experience and competencies, and re-focus that which is important to me.
The assessment is not all that arduous, assuming you have the background in environment/sustainability. You have to show that through your career you have gained a knowledge and understanding of the aims of sustainable development; can analyse problems from an environmental perspective, developing evaluations of this problems and practical solutions to them; are a leader in sustainable management; and are personally committed to professional standards and the management of the environment. The above is assessed in the context of a written application and a short interview.
I have spent the past decade pursuing a career as an Environmentalist. I am proud of my achievements but have in the past found it difficult to put a label on what I do and who I am professionally. “Environmentalist” conjures up images of tree hugging types. Conversely, labelling yourself as an “Environmental Professional” made it seem somewhat flimsy. I was neither an environmental manager; consultant, advisor – but all three. Being able to differentiate myself as being professionally involved and suitably experienced/qualified within the field, rather than simply being interested in environmental issues, is important to me. The use of CEnv designation gives my employer, colleagues, peers and RICS members’ confidence that I will be acting as an appropriately knowledgeable professional when considering matters environmental.
CEnv establishes professional environmentalists on a par with other professions. Other senior environmental professionals, such as the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Baroness Barbara Young, have noted that the Chartered Environmentalist qualification represents the highest standards of professional practice in sustainable environmental management.
I feel extremely proud that at a mere thirty years I have achieved enough in my career to become a Chartered Environmentalist. I feel the environmental profession is an intellectually stimulating as well as socially imperative one. I believe that the regulation and identification that the Society for the Environment grants to me offers credence to me as a professional.
CEnv is the highest level of professional registration available for environmental practitioners. The designation recognises the demonstration of and commitment to sustainable environmental management and development. The qualification is awarded by the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) and demonstrates proven knowledge, experience and commitment to professional standards in the environmental field.
Rebecca Mooney MIEMA, CEnv
BA(Hons), MSc Environmental Economics and Environmental Management, MSc Environmental Consultancy
Project Executive to Environment and Minerals & Waste Management Professional Groups
If you are interested in becoming a chartered Environmentalist, please go to http://rics.org/socenv