Registration opens for the 2019 Society for the Environment World Environment Day Awards and lectures

“A Spotlight on Net Gain” - 4 June 2019

The custodians of the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) registers, the Society for the Environment, are delighted to announce that Kew Gardens will host the Society’s Annual World Environment Day Awards and Lectures – “A Spotlight on Net Gain” – on 4 June 2019, the eve of World Environment Day.

World Environment Day promotes environmental awareness and sustainability across the globe – a United Nations initiative held annually on 5 June. It has highlighted important global issues since its origins in 1974 – including climate change, marine pollution and wildlife crime. This year’s global theme focuses on the blight of air pollution. The Society has been championing World Environment Day for a number of years, and this year’s registration launch follows the huge success of last year’s event and awards, held at Arup, London.

 

The event, free to attend for current CEnv and REnvTech registrants, is a fantastic showcase for celebrating the work of environmental professionals, with a delegate list from across the Society’s twenty-five Licensed Professional Bodies. Aspiring CEnv and REnvTech registrants will also have the chance to network with current registrants and Society for the Environment staff to discover more about the benefits of registration.

 

On the 2019 agenda is a series of insightful expert lectures on the chosen topic of “Net Gain” - a topical choice, complementing the connected global World Environment Day theme of "Air Pollution”. In his Spring Statement, The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain as a requirement for developments and the Government’s Twenty-Five Year Environment Plan included a commitment to delivering a wider Environmental Net Gain. Among the speakers discussing this topic will be Nick Blyth CEnv, Policy and Engagement Lead at IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) and Claire Wansbury CEnv, Associate Director of Ecology at Atkins.

 

The event will also see Sir Graham Wynn HonFSE provide the annual HonFSE Lecture, and the presentation of the 2019 Environmental Professional of the Year Award – recognising the outstanding work of CEnv and REnvTech registrants. This prestigious award will contribute to an evening of celebrating and showcasing the achievements of those striving to protect and enhance the environment on a daily basis. Nominations will open in the coming days.

 

Vice Chair of the Society for the Environment and event Chair, Dougal Driver CEnv, said: “Whether you are nervous of the threat or excited by the challenges that face the environment there is no doubt that we live in interesting times, with consistent focus upon the agendas we hold dear as registered environmental professionals. The concept and process of Net Gain has gathered common parlance in policy and professional circles; perhaps for the first time there is an environmental term that makes sense to all and can be deployed by sectors with or without a deep-rooted interest in the environment. It is simple and it is deliverable and so it is important on marquee days like World Environment Day that we highlight the opportunity that Net Gain presents to all of us.

When better to recognise excellence in the environmental field then on World Environment Day and so it is exciting to see the Society announce new Honorary Fellows and of course this year‘s winner of the Environmental Professional of the Year award. I congratulate all of the award nominees in advance and urge them to use their success as fuel (renewable of course) to advocate Net Gain to all.”

The event is of particular significance this year as it marks a 15 year milestone for the Society. Everyone is encouraged to attend to celebrate the anniversary, World Environment Day and the work of environmental professionals. Registration is free for CEnv and REnvTech registrants and a minimal £25 early bird price is available to other interested parties until 31 March. Register your attendance today at socenv.org.uk/event/WED2019 until 3 June.

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Climate change