The environment is your responsibility

The current carbon statistics don’t make for positive reading. Roughly 40% of global, human derived carbon emissions come from the construction, operation, or maintenance of buildings. Heating, cooling, and lighting buildings - operational carbon - account for 28% of global emissions, with the remaining 11% attributable to embodied carbon. 

If these percentages were based on a small overall carbon output, that might be ok. But they are based on massive quantities. 

Beyond carbon (just one environmental challenge), the construction industry consumes large volumes of raw materials and generates approximately one-third of the world’s waste. Plus, hard infrastructure is thought to be the second largest driver of man-made pressure on biodiversity - second only to agriculture.

Having said all of this, there is a huge scope of opportunity for change. CIOB Trustee Paul Vega FCIOB CEnv outlines how CIOB members are key drivers in our collective journey towards a more sustainable world:

“Through strategic leadership, informed decision-making, and applying advanced knowledge, CIOB members can influence positive environmental outcomes. CIOB members can lead the formulation of organisational visions and policies that prioritise sustainability and environmental protection. They can ensure that these policies align with global sustainability goals, promoting the adoption of sustainable building practices, minimising waste, and optimising energy efficiency. 

“Members can also educate their clients about the benefits of sustainable construction, including long-term cost savings, health benefits, and environmental impacts. They can drive collaboration within their team, which encourages the sharing of best practices and knowledge across disciplines, leading to more holistic and sustainable project outcomes. CIOB members can, and should, lead the way.”

Chartered Environmentalist members at CIOB

The Society for the Environment was created 20 years ago to champion competence in environmental practices across sectors. The first objective was to create a chartered designation to professionalise this work – and so, Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) was born. One of the key reasons – a platform to spearhead change. 

20 years on and change is needed more than ever with climate, biodiversity and environment emergencies in full swing. 

The CIOB started offering CEnv registration to members who have proven relevant competence in 2006. Amanda Williams CEnv reflects on 18 years of collaboration and opportunity:

“In 2006 we wanted to give any members who are working to incorporate sustainable practices into the built environment the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and take a lead. CEnv is due recognition for the contribution members were, and are, making to a more sustainable future. This objective hasn’t changed. The built environment can be more sustainable. It needs to be. But we need more professionals from across more sectors to catalyse quicker, wider reaching, and more sustainable change.”

Now there are over 200 CIOB members that have been peer recognised as environmental leaders with the CEnv letters after their name. They join nearly 8,000 other CEnv professionals in leading the way and this community is growing.

Lead the way to a sustainable built environment

Demand is growing for individuals who have the knowledge and experience to help solve some of the big environmental challenges of our time and the Chartered Environmentalist award is a demonstration of knowledge, expertise and professionalism in this area.

The CIOB is a licensed member of the Society for the Environment, which provides our members who have the appropriate levels of environmental expertise with the opportunity to get recognition for their commitment and expertise in sustainable development by applying for the CEnv registration.