Circular Economy Minister celebrates 20 years of Chartered Environmentalists

Circular Online 10 months ago

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh has celebrated the 20-year milestone since the first Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) certificates were signed. SocEnv was launched in 2002, in partnership with eight founding bodies, including the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), with the aim of supporting competence in environmental practices across sectors. The organisation then began creating a chartered designation to professionalise this work, which led to the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) professional registration receiving a Royal Charter in 2004. The first cohort of 65 officially received their CEnv certificates on 20 September 2004 and the CEnv community has now surpassed 8,000 professionals.
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

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Glasgow-based manufacturer Munro has secured £2 million to expand production of its all-electric 4x4 vehicles, signalling a deeper shift toward **low carbon design** and **eco-friendly construction** methods across heavy-duty sectors. Although designed for mining and defence, these EVs align strongly with the push to cut the **carbon footprint of construction**, particularly in off‑road and infrastructure projects. Their £17 million order backlog underscores market demand for **sustainable construction** technologies that reduce reliance on diesel machinery. Integrating electric utility vehicles into site operations also supports **whole life carbon** reduction strategies within broader **decarbonising the built environment** commitments.

Research into chemical recycling byproducts is opening new opportunities for **low embodied carbon materials**. A carbon-rich residue known as char, once confined to rubber applications, is gaining traction as a potential component in **green building materials**. Material scientists believe that using char as an additive could improve durability while reducing the **environmental impact of construction** products. Its potential integration into flooring, sealants, and composites supports **circular economy in construction** principles, strengthening links between **resource efficiency in construction** and the next generation of **sustainable building practices**. The material’s life cycle credentials also make it an emerging candidate for **embodied carbon** reduction in both commercial and residential projects.

The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) has introduced the UK’s first accredited training in carbon accounting, addressing urgent industry needs for accurate **whole life carbon assessment** and transparent reporting frameworks. This initiative is likely to advance the level of **environmental sustainability in construction** by equipping professionals with the skills to integrate **lifecycle assessment** and **life cycle cost** analysis into project decision‑making. For developers committed to **net zero whole life carbon** targets, stronger certification pathways reinforce accountability across design, supply, and operation stages, embedding **life cycle thinking in construction** at every scale.

Wood-product manufacturer West Fraser has turned focus towards enhancing awareness of the sustainable properties of its CaberMDF range. By emphasising durability and waste minimisation, the company highlights **sustainable material specification** and the role of existing product lines in achieving **low-impact construction** outcomes. The approach reflects the sector’s preference for transparent **environmental product declarations (EPDs)** and measurable performance rather than purely promotional claims. Such product stewardship contributes to achieving higher **BREEAM** and **BREEAM V7** ratings, supporting **green building products** strategies already used widely in **sustainable building design** and **eco-design for buildings**.

Energy infrastructure developments are also reinforcing the framework for **net zero carbon buildings**. A new power purchase agreement by Ecotricity will deliver hourly matched renewable electricity to major UK venues, illustrating a growing emphasis on precise energy tracking. This model may soon become a blueprint for **energy-efficient buildings** in both commercial and residential sectors. As supply chains electrify, with initiatives such as Tesco’s 1,000th electric delivery van, logistics networks increasingly align with **carbon neutral construction** goals. Collectively these steps advance **green infrastructure**, reduce embodied emissions, and integrate practical pathways towards **sustainable urban development** within the global shift to **sustainability** across the **construction** industry.

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