Ecologist
An ecologist surveys, assesses and mitigates the impact of development on wildlife and habitats. Required by planning conditions on the vast majority of new residential and commercial developments. MCIEEM (Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) is the recognised qualification. Often the gatekeeper to planning permission in sensitive locations.
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Ecologist
Surveys and assesses ecological impacts of development. MCIEEM. Required for most planning applications.
EnvironmentalBat Consultant
Specialist ecologist with bat survey licence. Natural England licensed. Required for almost all loft conversions, demolitions and works to older buildings.
EnvironmentalArboriculturist
Tree surveys and arboricultural impact assessments for planning. AA membership, BS 5837 reports.
EnvironmentalContaminated Land Specialist
Investigates and remediates contaminated ground. CGeol or CIWEM membership. Required on brownfield sites and where planning conditions require.
EnvironmentalFlood Risk Assessor
Produces Flood Risk Assessments for planning applications in flood zones. MCIWEM or MRICS with flood specialism. Required for development in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
EnvironmentalBREEAM Assessor
Assesses buildings against the BREEAM sustainability standard. BRE licensed assessor. Required on many commercial and public sector projects as a planning condition.
EnvironmentalEnvironmental Impact Assessment Specialist
Assesses and documents environmental effects of major developments. IEMA or MCIEEM. Required for EIA developments.
EnvironmentalNoise and Vibration Consultant
Assesses noise and vibration impacts from development and on development from existing sources. IOA membership. Required by planning conditions on sites near roads, railways and industrial uses.
EnvironmentalAir Quality Consultant
Assesses air quality impacts of development and traffic. IAQM membership. Required in Air Quality Management Areas and for developments generating significant traffic.
EnvironmentalHeritage and Archaeology Consultant
Assesses the impact of development on archaeological and built heritage assets. CIfA (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists) membership. Required when development may affect known or potential heritage assets.
EnvironmentalHydrologist
Models rainfall, river flows and catchment hydrology. MCIWEM. Required for Flood Risk Assessments on sites near watercourses.
EnvironmentalGround Investigation Specialist
Carries out ground investigations including boreholes and trial pits. CGeol or ICE membership. Required before any significant foundation or earthworks design.
EnvironmentalSustainability Consultant
Advises on sustainable design, zero carbon strategies and green building standards. BREEAM AP, IEMA or CIBSE membership. Required on projects targeting sustainability certifications.
EnvironmentalLandscape and Visual Impact Assessor
Assesses the visual impact of development on landscape character. CMLI. Required for development in sensitive landscapes including AONBs and National Parks.
EnvironmentalWater Quality Consultant
Assesses impacts on watercourses, groundwater and drainage. MCIWEM or CGeol. Required where development may affect water quality or drainage catchments.
EnvironmentalBiodiversity Net Gain Consultant
Calculates and ensures biodiversity net gain (10% minimum required for most developments since April 2024 under the Environment Act 2021). MCIEEM. Now required for the majority of planning applications.
Environmental qualifications explained
CIEEM, CIWEM and IEMA are the primary professional bodies for environmental and sustainability specialists. Here is what the key designations mean.
The primary chartered qualification for ecologists in the UK. MCIEEM demonstrates competence in ecological survey and assessment. Required for producing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), bat surveys, biodiversity net gain reports and ecological impact assessments submitted with planning applications.
MCIWEM is the chartered qualification for flood risk assessors, hydrologists, drainage engineers and water quality consultants. Required for Flood Risk Assessments submitted to the Environment Agency and for drainage design on most planning applications in flood risk areas.
IEMA membership is the recognised qualification for sustainability consultants and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) coordinators. MIEMA demonstrates competence in environmental assessment, sustainability strategy and environmental management systems.
Chartered Geologist (CGeol) from the Geological Society is the key qualification for contaminated land specialists and ground investigation specialists. Required for Phase 1 and Phase 2 contamination investigations and ground investigation reports submitted as part of planning applications on brownfield sites.
Chartered membership of the CIfA is the professional standard for heritage and archaeology consultants. Required for archaeological assessments, heritage statements and watching briefs submitted with planning applications where development may affect archaeological remains or designated heritage assets.
All environmental and sustainability professionals should hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance. CIEEM members are required to maintain adequate PII. Ask for a current certificate before appointing. Minimum £500,000 per claim for most environmental instructions.