2010 is proving to be an exciting time for change and growth for the Scheme. In just the first half of the year, we have moved office and have parted ways with CEnvP ’s Program Manager for the past two years, Melissa Grant. Melissa was a valued member of the Scheme, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours. We are currently in the final stages of finding a permanent replacement for the role. The Scheme continues to grow and is nearing 300 CEnvPs. The Scheme’s growth has highlighted key areas for opportunity and improvement, including process streamlining and specialist certification.

To facilitate an effective and efficient Scheme that can handle the growing numbers, and subsequently the needs, of CEnvPs, we’ve been reviewing our procedures and implementing new technology to streamline processes. We’ve recently begun using cloud computing storage to help improve Panelists’ and Board Members’ access to applications, reports and documents, aiding effective communication and decision making.

Specialist certification is another exciting growth opportunity for the Scheme, and the CEnvP Board has been working together with the EIANZ Impact Assessment (IA) Working Group on CEnvP Impact Assessment specialist certification. IA as a legally based decision-making instrument is used internationally by governments, non-profit organisations and private companies alike to assess the environmental implications of their development projects. Many practitioners with backgrounds in the sciences, policy and planning are involved in IA, and many CEnvPs are themselves practicing IA professionals. Widespread use of IA has highlighted the need for standards, and the International Association for Impact Assessment has developed guidelines for professionals in the field, upon which CEnvP is building its specialist certification initiative.

The CEnvP IA specialist certification initiative comes at an ideal time when the environmental sector has continued to be an area of growth with increased demand for transparent and sustainable development practices, even amidst the Global Financial Crisis. In a field with such sweeping influence on the sustainability of development projects, it is exciting for CEnvP to be at the forefront, advocating and establishing a standard against which competent IA practitioners can be distinguished. The IA specialist certification is still in its early phases, however we will be sure to keep you updated as more information becomes available on its progress.

Finally, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Board, Panelists and all CEnvPs whose contributions are critical to the success of the Scheme. I welcome your support and feedback as the Scheme develops, and look forward to the opportunity to use your needs and input as environmental professionals to further grow and improve the Scheme.

Yours sincerely,

Nigel Murphy, CEnvP
Chair, Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme

News

New Contact Information

We’ve moved! Please take note of our new mailing address:

Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) Scheme
Suite 16, 79-83 High Street
Kew, VIC 3101
Australia

In addition, the Scheme now has an independent mobile number to facilitate communication between CEnvPs and the Scheme. For all of your inquiries, please call +61 435 760 025.

June 2010 Application Intake - Don't Miss Out!

The next application deadline nears, closing 25 June 2010. Please be sure to pass on the information for anyone considering applying for certification or whom you think would be a well-matched addition to the growing CEnvP network. Application information and documents can be found on www.cenvp.org/apply.

Congratulations to the Newest CEnvPs!

While the ratification process for the December 2009 intake is still ongoing, and we expect to surpass 300 CEnvPs with the next Board ratification review, we’d like to congratulate the following environmental professionals on their certification this year:

CEnvP Professional Leave

Questions are often asked about CEnvPs’ leave policy. Up to one year’s professional leave may be granted, during which a CEnvP must meet half of the standard continued professional development and membership fee requirements. Leave is not a right, application for leave must be in written form, stating the purpose and specific leave dates.

Professional Expertise Renomination

Should a CEnvP want to amend his or her area of professional expertise as recognised by the CEnvP Scheme, he or she should submit to the Program Manager formal notice of the renominated area(s) and justification for the change, including an updated CV.

CEnvP of the Year Award Nominations

Each year, a CEnvP is awarded Certified Environmental Practitioner of the Year in recognition of his or her outstanding contributions to the environmental sector.

The winner is announced at the EIANZ annual conference and awarded a sustainability prize valued in excess of $1000.

To nominate a fellow CEnvP for his or her notable contributions to the field, contact info@cenvp.org for the nomination form.

EIANZ 2010 Conference in Wellington

The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand runs one international conference every year.

This year, the event is titled “From Discovery to Delivery: Science, Policy, Leadership and Action,” focusing on four elements essential in sound environmental management.

It will be held in Wellington, New Zealand from the 26th to 29th October 2010 in the national museum, Te Papa, bayside Wellington. The program is designed to appeal to a range of disciplines and comprises of professional development streams, key note speakers and topics covering “wicked” environmental problems, ecosystem valuation, assessing and monitoring sustainability, business leadership, motivating communities to sustained action and urban and rural environments that a protect the natural environment. For more information, go to www.confer.co.nz/eianz2010.

CEnvP Profile - Michael O'Neill

A member of the Victorian EIANZ committee and the WaterAid Victorian fundraising committee, Michael O’Neill became a CEnvP to further the recognition of environmental professionals and the important role they play throughout Australia.

With skills in water infrastructure planning, environmental planning and project management, Michael has strong reporting and communication skills and has experience working for governmental departments (Qld Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Qld Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation) and private consulting firms including Arup, where he is currently based in the Melbourne office.

Michael’s skills include planning recycled water schemes, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental compliance inspections, community and stakeholder consultation, project management and the conduct of water audits and water efficiency studies in industrial settings.

Michael has a strong understanding of the legislation and regulations relating to water reuse, recycling, trading and ownership and is experienced in liaising with local and State Government officials in order to align projects with Government priorities. He has a strong policy background and works closely with regulatory bodies to improve accountability, processes and environmental performance.

CEnvP Logo Use Reminder

The logo is provided to assist in promoting your own certification, provided that your certification is current, financial and you have submitted the required CPD information required to maintain your certification. We encourage you to make use of the logo wherever possible, since increased brand recognition strengthens the value of your certification, and that of the program itself.

It is important to note that the CEnvP Logo and designation may only be used to refer to a certified individual and not an organisation, company, firm, partnership, corporation, etc. The logo can be accessed via the website portal using your login details or by contacting us. If you have any questions relating to the use of the logo please contact our office.