We are the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - the global professional body for anyone working in environment and sustainability. For 25 years, we have been providing resources, tools, networking, knowledge sharing, and high-quality formal training and qualifications in order to meet the needs of members from their first steps on the career ladder, right to the very top. By doing this we raise the bar for professionalism in sustainability.
Our members are a diverse group, whose work ranges from business and industry, to environmental consultancies, and to local government and academia. What they have in common is a passion to make a real difference and a real impact as both a community of environment and sustainability professionals, and as individuals in their workplaces.
We believe that together we’re positively changing attitudes to sustainability as a progressive force for good. We are the professional organisation at the centre of the sustainability agenda, connecting business and individuals across industries, sectors and borders.
At IEMA, we take a holistic (or ‘big picture’) view of sustainability. For us, it includes impact assessment, environmental management and corporate sustainability, and those working to tackle climate change, waste, enhancing social value and biodiversity, as well as driving efficiency and managing risk. We don’t underestimate these challenges but we believe that together we have a genuine opportunity to change things for the better.
We believe in the power of sustainability to make a real and positive difference for individuals, businesses, communities, society and ultimately our planet, and there’s never been a more important time to focus on sustainability issues. We believe that together we can change perceptions and attitudes about the relevance and vital importance of sustainability as a progressive force for good. Together we’re transforming the world to sustainability.
IEMA was formed by the merging of three organisations in 1998 – the Institute of Environmental Assessment (formed mainly of corporate members), the Environmental Auditors Registration Association (EARA, formed of individual professionals working in Environmental Assessment), and the Institute of Environmental Management.
In 2014, IEMA merged with the Global Association of Corporate Sustainability Officers, incorporating corporate sustainability into the environmental agenda. Since then, we have expanded our work to encompass everything in both environmental management and sustainability.
Way, way back in 1999, I joined the Institute of Environmental Management (IEM) and the Environmental Auditors Registration Association (EARA), just before they merged to form IEMA. Over the past two and a bit decades (yes, I really am that old), I have been a proud and active member of our professional body. IEMA is a fantastic source of information and a true melting-pot for professional collaboration and influence over both industry and government. In all my time as a member I have always felt supported by IEMA and somewhat emboldened by the validation that membership has given me. I remember becoming a Chartered Environmentalist in 2006 and my boss at the time (a Chartered Chemical Engineer) told me that I couldn't become 'Chartered' because I wasn't an Engineer. This 'underestimation' of the importance of environmental management and sustainability as a profession has always stuck with me as another myth worth busting!
My journey with IEMA has been an immensely enriching experience. Originally from a finance background, I felt a calling towards sustainability after four years in the industry. This led me to pursue a Master's in Sustainable Development, which served as a pivotal point in my career transition. Upon completing my studies, I ventured into the realm of sustainability consultancy, where my employer urged me to embark on the IEMA journey. Recognising the value of aligning with a professional body to deepen my understanding of sustainability and stay abreast of emerging trends, I eagerly embraced the opportunity. Upon successfully passing the Associate exam, I seized the chance to contribute further by joining the Sustainable Finance Network Steering Committee. Within this role, I collaborate with industry leaders to drive initiatives aimed at advancing the sustainable finance agenda and promoting ESG principles. It's been immensely fulfilling to help organise various webinars and Insight Journals, thereby disseminating crucial sustainability knowledge within the finance community. For those considering embarking on this journey, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. It's a continuous path of self-improvement and professional growth, offering invaluable opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the world of sustainability.
I started my journey with IEMA back in 2018 as an Associate Member. I was looking for a place where I could learn more about the environment, having just taken on some additional responsibilities at work in my then role as Health and Safety Coordinator. Gradually, over the course of the last five years, I have undertaken several courses from the Foundation in Environmental Management to just completing my Diploma in Sustainable Business Practice. During that time, I've also successfully moved into a Sustainability and ESG Management position within a prominent company with a global footprint, and I also sit on the IEMA Climate Change and Energy Steering Committee. I have no doubt that IEMA has been instrumental in the success of my career, and I will continue to develop my membership as my career progresses with Full Membership as my next milestone.
I joined IEMA in May 2021 as an Affiliate member. As a founding committee member of the Chartered Quality Institute's (CQI) sustainability special interest group, established the same year to promote sustainability within the quality profession in practical terms through the provision of a forum where quality professionals network, exchange best practices and ideas and share material on sustainability issues, I needed to join a globally respected professional body on environmental management and sustainability to enhance my knowledge and skills. Although based in Nigeria, joining IEMA provided me access to CPD opportunities, which enabled me to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, legislation and best practices in environmental management, which I in turn used to provide valuable insights to other quality professionals. IEMA provides a wealth of resources, including guidance documents, case studies and research reports, which are invaluable for me as a management systems consultant seeking to implement best practices in environmental management, and I'm happy to be a part of a global network that provides ample opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration on projects or initiatives.
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