We will soon be known as The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

We’re also going to look slightly different.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is undertaking a rebranding process in preparation for changing its name to The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. ISEP members will continue to set the standard for sustainability and environmental professionals globally – transforming the world today for a sustainable tomorrow.

The change from IEMA to ISEP is more than just a name change. We have carried out a detailed review of our future purpose and mission, and are developing a fresh new look and feel to our brand – including our logo. This will bring a new clarity to the organisations strategic direction and help to equip members and the profession with the recognition and credibility they deserve.

Taken together, these measures provide an excellent opportunity for the Institute to reach out globally and attract new members. Sustainability and environmental professionals who want to join an organisation that sets the standard for anyone wanting to deliver change within business and society around the world.

What are we changing?

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is undertaking a rebranding process in preparation for changing its name to The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. ISEP members will continue to set the standard for sustainability and environmental professionals globally – transforming the world today for a sustainable tomorrow.

Changing our name and brand from IEMA to ISEP will be a gradual process, with plenty of time given to the transition between the old brand and the new.

In the short-term, day-to-day we will continue to call ourselves IEMA until we complete the rebranding process and launch our new identity. Even then there will be a period of time (perhaps up to a year) when we use both names, as we continue on the journey of evolving our brand.

The immediate next steps in the Future Purpose of IEMA project will include making legal and compliance changes to our new name. Followed in the medium term by strategic changes focused on our future purpose and mission, and branding changes as we undertake a thorough creative rebranding process. Members will have a number of opportunities to engage and feedback, beginning early this year and continuing throughout 2025.

Why are we changing?

Since IEMA was founded 25 years ago, the environment and sustainability professions have been transformed, moving from the fringes of the global economy – right to the centre.

The Future Purpose of IEMA project explored whether IEMA’s purpose and identity was “fit-for-the-future” of a professional membership organisation with over 22,000 members across 125 countries.

We have been running an open, inclusive and consultative approach with the aim of involving thousands of members in a range of workshops, research, surveys and interviews to ensure as many members as possible can get their voice heard.

Beginning in 2023, the Future Purpose of IEMA project has been a comprehensive two-year review of IEMA’s purpose and brand identity – including our name.

In 2023, we carried out consultative research with members and the wider sector to better understand IEMA’s current and future purpose and place within the sustainability and environmental space.

In 2024, we reviewed our brand identity to align with these research outcomes.

In the 2nd half of 2024, we carried out a members survey focused on our name and brand identity, supported by three webinars, focus groups and interviews to refine options available.

Based on the preferred choice of members, IEMA’s Board made the recommendation that our name should evolve from The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) to Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

The membership voted by Special Resolution in favour of changing the name of the organisation from IEMA to The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), which occurred at an Extraordinary General Meeting on Monday 9th December.

81.19% of members who participated in the vote supported the Special Resolution, which exceeds the 75% voting threshold under the Institute’s Articles of Association.

The Board and Senior Leadership took forward the decision made by members and applied to Companies House (UK Government) to formally change our name.

Following approval from Companies House, the next steps in the Future Purpose of IEMA project will include legal changes for our new name, strategic changes focused on our future purpose and mission, and branding changes as we undertake a thorough creative rebranding process.

How will the changes impact what IEMA does?

The aim of the Future Purpose of IEMA project has always been to bring clarity to our brand, our future purpose and our strategic direction, in order to equip members and the profession with the recognition, standards and credibility they deserve. 

Ultimately the consensus feedback is that this new name better reflects the broader scope of roles and responsibilities that our growing membership inhabit.    

A fresh new name, brand and strategic purpose will help to grow awareness and strengthen recognition of the vitally important sustainability and environmental work that our members do every day in businesses and societies around the world.