Introduction
Welcome
to the second edition of
EnviroSci
News,
the electronic publication from the Institution of
Environmental Sciences. Rapid changes are afoot at the
Institution, with the re-launch of the IES website and the
introduction of the new grade of Student Membership. The new-look
website has a superb design and a wider selection of information and
resources. We have also expanded our volunteer team and would like
to welcome Lyndsay Glanfield to the team. This will enable us to
continue developing the services we offer to our members. Thanks to
everyone who gave us feedback on the first edition and we look
forward to receiving more of our members' suggestions and comments.
In This Issue
-
News from the IES
-
Environmental News and Resources
-
Forthcoming Events
-
Feature Article
-
Further Articles
-
Career Profile
News from the IES
Welcome to our new cohort of Student
Members!
Since introducing the new
membership grade of Student Member, the IES has been inundated with applications. We would like to welcome all of our
newest members to the Institution, and hope that you continue to be
involved with the IES throughout your professional careers.
Once you receive your certificate, you may begin to use the
post-nominal of StMIEnvSc.
Student Members should
also remember that we are happy to hear about any suggestions,
comments or submissions that may be of interest to your fellow
members.
IAQM & IES Respond to Defra's UK Air
Quality Strategy Review
The
Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), a
sister
organisation of the IES, has responded to a consultation on Defra's
UK Air Quality Strategy Review. A full review of the process
involved with the consultation response can be found in the
Further Articles section.
The IAQM has also
released their latest newsletter (Summer 2006), available as a .pdf
file
here.
IES Furthers Ties with Other
Organisations
The
IES strives to collaborate with other organisations that have
similar aims to our own, and has agreed on the exchange of articles,
information and ideas wherever possible and collaboration on
projects of joint interest with the Environmental Chemistry Group (ECG). This
organisation is part of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and
considers all aspects of the complex relationships between chemistry
and the environment. To find out more about the aims and objectives
of the ECG, please visit
www.rsc.org/membership/networking/interestgroups/environmental/.
List
Job Vacancies with EnviroSci News
If you are
hunting for candidates to fill a position, or are interested in
finding some bright new graduates, then EnviroSci News will
advertise your employment vacancies in the next edition. Please send the position title, organisation / company
name, office location and the URL to your website or advert to
enquiries@ies-uk.org.uk.
This is currently no charge for this service.
Website Update
The IES
website has been completely overhauled, and now benefits from
a much improved
interface, modern graphical design and a growing archive of previously published Environmental
Scientist journals. It can be accessed at
www.ies-uk.org.uk. Please email the
Webmaster if you have any comments
or suggestions.
Environmental News
and Resources
Parliamentary 'POSTnote'
on Carbon Footprints of Electricity Generation
All
electricity generation systems have a ‘carbon footprint’, that is,
at some points during their
construction and operation carbon dioxide (CO2)
is emitted. There is some debate about how large these footprints
are, especially for ‘low carbon’ technologies such as wind and
nuclear. This Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology note
(POSTnote) compares the life cycle CO2
emissions of different electricity generation systems currently used
in the UK, including fossil-fuelled and ‘low carbon’. Download the
full article at
www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn268.pdf.
New Ecological Impact
Assessment Guidelines from IEEM
IEEM
officially launched the Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines at
the BES / IEEM conference at Bath Spa University on 11 July 2006. The
Guidelines provide a recommended procedure for the ecological
component of Environmental Impact Assessment. New standards were
developed for the assessment of the ecological impact of projects
and plans, so as to improve the consideration of the needs of
biodiversity and thereby reduce the impacts of any development. The
document can be viewed online and download as a .pdf at
www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.html.
Next Generation of
Scientists Could Be Lost, Say Key Science Organisations
The Royal Society has
brought together a partnership of science organisations, called
Science Community Partnership Supporting Education (SCORE), who hope
to address the issue of declining numbers of students studying the
Sciences. A full press release is available at
www.royalsoc.ac.uk/news.asp?id=5215.
RESTATS - A Greener Map
of the United Kingdom
Being able to pinpoint
renewable energy sites across the UK has been made easier with an
interactive, online map published by RESTATS - the Renewable Energy
STATisticS database. The site provides a description of solar power,
wind farms and biofuel projects and their status – whether it is
approved, under construction or operational. The website will allow
users to monitor the government's progress towards their aim of 20%
of UK electricity coming from green energy sources by 2020. To view
the website:
maps.restats.org.uk.
We have implemented a Resources
page, where we are constantly adding new, important and useful
resources for environmental professionals. If you know of a relevant
site that would be of use to your fellow Members, please submit it
to
enquiries@ies-uk.org.uk.
Forthcoming Events
IES & IAQM 'Workshop on Indoor
Air Quality' - 4th December, 2006
The IES and its
sister organisation, the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), are
holding a workshop examining indoor air quality issues.
Specifically, the workshop will examine the ultimate responsibility
for legislation, with a focus on those pollutants which are
regulated in terms of their ambient outdoor levels. The workshop is
free, and seating is available for 40 persons. To book a place or to
enquire further, please contact
enquiries@ies-uk.org.uk.
Scientific Meetings at the
Zoological Society of London - Various dates
The Zoological Society of
London regularly hold Scientific Meetings at their Regent's Park
meeting rooms. In "Deep Sea Biology" (14th November 2006, 6 pm),
leading UK deep-sea biologists will present some of the latest
research findings from the frontier of life exploration on Earth.
"Mongolian Wildlife: Market Forces and Massive Declines" (12th
December 2006, 6 pm) examines the impact that the liberalisation of
the Mongolian economy has had on the wildlife of the region. Entry
is free, and further information on meetings is available at
www.zsl.org/science/scientific-meetings.
Eco Expo Asia
- 27th to 30th October, 2006
Companies from Hong Kong
and all over the world are due to exhibit at Eco Expo Asia, Hong
Kong's first environmental protection trade fair. Eco Expo Asia will
be divided into three main areas: Green World, Green Enterprise and
Green Living. IES members with an interest in environmental systems
and technologies, environmentally-friendly systems and products for
business operations and eco-friendly consumer products and services
may wish to attend. To find out more and register, visit
www.ecoexpoasia.com.
Battle of Ideas
- 28 & 29 October, 2006
The Battle of Ideas is the
annual festival of the
Institute of Ideas. The Battle is an initiative to bring
together different strands of social, political, scientific,
academic and cultural discussion. It looks set to cover some highly
controversial topics with a number of renowned speakers from the
world of politics, business, media and academia. The Battle will
take place on 28 - 29 October 2006 at the Royal College of Art,
Kensington Gore, London SW7. Tickets can be purchased at
www.instituteofideas.com/tickets.
LANDWARDS 2007 'Achieving Traceability Across The Food
Chain' - 3rd May 2007
IAgrE's
LANDWARDS 2007 'Achieving Traceability Across The Food Chain'
conference will acquaint delegates with informed thinking on the
requirements of those involved along the food chain, from
agricultural supplier to food supplier. It will present the latest
developments in the integration of identification technology with
agricultural production systems. The conference will be held at the
East of England Showground in Peterborough, further details can be
found at
www.iagre.org.
'Environmental Chemistry in
the Polar Regions'
Conference - 6th May 2007
The
RSC Environmental Chemistry Group is holding a conference entitled
'Environmental Chemistry in the Polar Regions' on 6th March 2007 at
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London. For more details
please visit
www.rsc.org/ConferencesAndEvents/cfconf/alldetails.cfm?ID=18140.
Feature Article
Interview with the First 'Full
Process' Chartered Environmentalist
By Adam Donnan, IES
|
Since September 2004 the IES has had the
ability, as one of the Constituent Bodies of
the Society of Environment (SocEnv), to
award the title of Chartered
Environmentalist (CEnv) to appropriately
qualified individual members. Since that
date, a quarter of our members have become
chartered environmentalists through the
streamlined ‘grandparenting’ scheme’, which
has now come to a close. Adam Donnan talks
to Emma Bennett, the first member of the IES
to have gone through the new full process,
to discover her thoughts of the procedure
and CEnv status.
Chartered Environmental status is open to
any Full Member of the Institution, and is
the highest level of professional
qualification available to environmental
practitioners. Emma Bennett, the first
Chartered Environmentalist to go through the
new 'full process' portfolio and interview
route, decided to take up the opportunity,
believing that “the CEnv provides a valuable
benchmark of a level of competence in
environmental considerations”. Emma is an
Environmental Strategy Co-ordinator for
Southern Water. She has had a varied and
fascinating career, with responsibilities
for coastal management, water quality and
community involvement in the public and
private sectors; “I consider Chartered
status to provide to prospective employers
and clients a signal of the level of my
competence as an environmental professional,
I would like to contribute to influencing
the manner in which the water industry
implements sustainable development
practices”.
CEnv establishes professional
environmentalists on a par with other
professions such as Chartered Engineers and
Chartered Scientists. 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.
Application for Chartered Status is through
a ‘three-stage process’, where applicants
who meet the criteria must submit a written
report and undertake a Professional Review
Interview. In their application, candidates
are requested to demonstrate that they have
attained at least twelve “units” of learning
derived from a combination of academic and
professional experience. Each year of
relevant formal learning accrues two units
up to a maximum of eight units for each
candidate. Relevant practical experience
will accrue one unit for each year.
Additionally, candidates are asked to
demonstrate their achievements in Key
Competences, which cover awareness of
sustainable development and professional
development.
The interview is conducted by IES
environmental professionals who already hold
Chartered Environmentalist status, trained
in the professional assessment process.
Part of the interview involves reviewing the
applicant’s career and written reports. Emma
enjoyed this aspect: “It is not something I
have done and I now have a better
appreciation of my overall experience and
competencies.” Applicants are also required
to sign up and adhere to a rigorous code of
ethics.
Emma imagines that future employers will
expect CEnv as a standard grade, and whilst
the award is growing in popularity, CEnv
status will make the prospect of employing
her more desirable. The status gives a
proven edge to candidates applying for
posts. Governments and governmental bodies
in particular seek to appoint advisers and
consultants with this qualification, due to
its assurances about an individual’s
competence. Anyone seeking to be an expert
witness in the legal field on environmental
matters would also do well to attain CEnv
status.
John Gummer, the former Environmental
Secretary for the Conservative Party, was
guest speaker at SocEnv’s first annual
reception in July of this year. In his
speech, Mr Gummer recognised the importance
of the new Chartered Environmentalist
Specification in helping move
environmentalism away from the ‘sandal
wearing’ image and promote the important
work of environmental professionals across a
wide sector of industry. There are now over
4,000 charted environmentalists registered
with SocEnv, working in many different
aspects of the environment including
regulation, industry, academia and
government. Although Emma did find the
application procedure somewhat expensive,
she does think it will be very useful for
her career in the next few years. The
Institution believes that the cost of the
application is incredibly competitive and
reflects the level of achievement and
benefits successful candidates may gain.
_____
Thanks to Emma Bennett for taking the time
to discuss her experiences. Further
information on Chartered Environmentalist
status is available at
www.ies-uk.org.uk/charter/charter.html,
at
www.socenv.org.uk, or contact the IES
office for an application pack.
|
Further Articles
Industrial Symbiosis - Working
Towards a Second Industrial Revolution
Peter Laybourn, Director
of the National Industrial Symiosis Programme (NISP)
|
Industrial symbiosis can help businesses
achieve better resource efficiency and
improve environmental management. This
article provides a comprehensive definition
of industrial symbiosis and outlines how the
NISP can aid businesses in implementing
policies in the pursuit of creating an
environmentally sustainable economy.
Finally, some common misconceptions about
symbiosis are discussed and statistics on
the work of NISP are provided. |
[
Full
text article ] [
Article in Word Format ]
IAQM & IES Response to Defra's UK Air
Quality Strategy Review
Bernard
Fisher, Chairman of the Institute of Air Quality
Management (IAQM)
|
The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM)
and the IES responded to the formal
consultation by Defra on the UK Air Quality
Strategy Review issued on the 5 April 2006.
The Institute prepared a detailed response
after inviting members to share their views,
focusing on the implications on local
authority staff and their responsibilities.
The expected date of issue for the final Air
Quality Strategy is some time before March
2007. |
[
Full
text article ] [
Article in Word Format ]
Call
for Submission of Articles
We are
always looking for our members to contribute relevant articles for
publication in the Environmental Scientist journal and / or the EnviroSci News e-newsletter. To register your interest, contact
enquiries@ies-uk.org.uk, providing an overview of your field of
expertise and a possible topic for the article.
Career Profile
|
 |
Name:
Claire Holman
Nationality: British
Qualifications:
PhD (Lancaster University), BSc
(Molecular Sciences, Warwick
University), FCIWEM, CEnv, CSci, MIEnvSc,
MIAQM
Length of IES Membership: 4 years
Current employer: Peter Brett
Associates (PBA)
Position: Senior Associate and
Leader of Air Quality Team
|
|
Career Summary
After researching ozone pollution with
Prof Roy Harrison (then at Lancaster
University), Claire worked for two
environmental campaigning organisations.
She then spent four years part-time in
public relations for two London
Universities, while starting her own
environmental consultancy business
called Sustainable Environmental
Consultants (SENCO) and caring for two
young sons. The organisation played a
major role in advising the European
Commission on the ‘Auto Oil Directives’,
which set the current vehicle emission
and fuel quality standards. About five
years ago she joined Peter Brett
Associates, a multi-disciplinary
consultancy. Since then, she has
project-managed a multi-disciplinary
team working on an urban extension,
learnt a lot about business and people
management, built a group from scratch
and developed two new business areas:
health impact assessment and
micro-climate studies. |
If you would like to submit a Career Profile, please provide information
about yourself (such as full name, nationality, IES membership grade and year of acceptance,
qualifications, current employer, role, etc), as well as a
paragraph written in third person outlining a short employment
history and an explanation of your current role. Send
your Profile to
enquiries@ies-uk.org.uk.
|
