Chairman's Column
Just as SocEnv is about what it can do for society, it is also about our constituent bodies that collectively and through their representatives have made this society what it is today. In recognition of that commitment, both during SocEnv’s creation and in
subsequent development, we have decided to feature a different constituent body from time to time in this newsletter. The first of such features IEMA, one of our founder member bodies. Lead by Russell Foster, IEMA’s CEO, they have made significant contributions towards the management, strategic thinking and overall progression that brings SocEnv to you today.
This is an opportunity to thank Russell and his team, along with all the other constituent bodies, for sharing the vision that is SocEnv, for promoting our values and for their sheer determination to make a difference to our lives, in a measured, rational and affordable manner.
In this edition we also highlight an additional four constituent bodies; the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists; the Energy Institute; the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining; and the Society of Environmental Engineers; all of which have recently joined the SocEnv community and they are also most welcome.
I have to say that to find so many organisations independently evaluating the potential of SocEnv to make a difference and as a consequence, seeking to join and share their context with us, not only reinforces the original concept that is SocEnv, but will, in my view, lead to greater understanding across all disciplines and if I am really optimistic, through that interaction will flow innovation.
My best wishes for a successful 2008."
Tim Boldero, Chair
SocEnv welcomes another four new Member Bodies during Winter 2008
The winter months are not traditionally associated with growth, but the Society for the Environment has expanded considerably since our Autumn newsletter and we are delighted to welcome four new member bodies…
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists representsspecialists in the science of architecture, building design and construction; those that form the link between concept and construction.
The Energy Institute is the leading chartered professional membership body for practitioners in the energy industry, and promotes the safe, environmentally responsible and efficient supply and use of energy in all its forms and applications.
The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining is the professional body that exists to promote and develop all aspects of materials science and engineering, geology, mining, mineral and petroleum engineering and extraction metallurgy.
The Society of Environmental Engineers
exists to promote and support the work of those professionals who measure, model, control and simulate of all types of environment.
“It's extremely exciting to see the Society grow so fast, and to form new relationships with such prestigious organisations,” said Tim Boldero, SocEnv Chairman. “Our ability to support and promote the work of environmental practitioners across even more diverse disciplines will be greatly enhanced by the talent and ideas that these new member bodies bring.”
This means that SocEnv's 21 Member Bodies now represent a total of more than 300,000 practitioners between them. For a full list of members, visit www.socenv.org.uk/members
We look forward to welcoming both The Institute of Mechanical Engineers and The Association of Building Engineers, whichhave recently applied to join the SocEnv community and will be awarded their license to award Chartered Environmentalist in the Spring.
The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) was formed in 1999, when the Institute of Environmental Management and the Institute of Environmental Assessment came together, and is now based at St Nicholas House in Lincoln.
The merger proved to be a fruitful one. Since the IEMA's inception, membership has tripled to more than 12,000, with over a thousand members based outside the UK. The institute now employs 34 staff, up from just 12 in 1999.
Its members can be found working across the public and private sector: in the Environment Agency, among local authorities and in private industry, fulfilling a variety of roles. Most hold job titles such as Environmental Manager, Assessor or Auditor. The membership ladder begins with Student, Graduate or Affiliate grades, which progress onto Associate (AIEMA), Full (MIEMA) plus Fellow (FIEMA) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) for the more advanced practitioner.
The IEMA has successfully registered 480 Chartered Environmentalists since 2005. Members benefit from best practice guides, a free magazine ‘The Environmentalist’ (published 10 times per year), networking events, regional and national conferences, professional indemnity insurance and online resources, including the UK's largest environmental jobs portal.
The Institute continues to play an important authoritative role in all matters concerning the environment, through its various links to Government and other decision-making bodies. For the past four years the IEMA has been the competent body for the EU Eco-Management Audit Scheme (EMAS), and it also runs the highly acclaimed Acorn Scheme, for staged attainment of ISO 14001.
For information on events, services, products, membership, training and publications, visit www.iema.net
New Renewables Target Welcomed
The UK's new target of 15% renewable energy production by 2020, set by the EU in January, has been welcomed by SocEnv Member Bodies, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE).
In a joint statement, the institutions said that the world must move "purposefully" towards a sustainable energy supply, with developing countries leading the way.
"This new target must stimulate the 'big push' for renewables Prime Minister Blair promised in July 2006, and achieving it rests absolutely on an accelerated, ambitious and coordinated package of measures being implemented urgently across the UK energy field."
Cornish farm project wins IEEM award
A scheme working towards greener agriculture has won the Best Practice Award from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) - a Constitutent Body of SocEnv.
The Farm Environment Link Project (FELP), run by Cornwall's Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, was deemed to have done the most to advance the IEEM's five objectives around environmental management and education. FELP advises farmers where economic benefits can be achieved whilst actively improving the environment, to create a ‘win-win’ situation.
"I am thrilled that Cornwall FWAG has won this award," commented FWAG adviser Sean Bennett. "This project has been a great success in helping farmers to make the most of the assets on their farm, encouraging new ways of looking at how the farm business and the environment can work in harmony. The project has been well recognised locally as being an outstanding success, but to have won this national acclaim is just fantastic."
CIWEM renews online VAT plea
The discrepancy in the way that print and online publications are treated by the tax office has been highlighted by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Renewing its call of March 2007, CIWEM is appealing to the Prime Minister to correct the "travesty" whereby online books and journals attract VAT at a rate of 17.5%, whereas paper versions are subject to 0%.
CIWEM argues that online publications are more environmentally sound, and that they should be promoted as part of the Government's drive to reduce CO2 emissions.
