Engineers Ireland has introduced a brand new professional title in an attempt to help combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

The national body held an event to celebrate the official launch of the Chartered Environmentalist title.

This announcement comes ahead of World Earth Day and Ireland's Overshoot Day, the day when human consumption outstrips nature’s resource budget for the entire year if everyone in the world lived like Irish people.

John Power, President of Engineers Ireland, commented: "Engineers play a critical role in shaping the world around us and are uniquely placed to help the world meet critical Sustainable Development Goals – a sentiment echoed by our independent survey respondents.  

"As an institution for professional engineers, our members are encouraged to keep the environment at the heart of their roles. As we approach Ireland's Overshoot Day on Friday and Earth Day on Saturday, we hope to re-affirm the vital role engineers have in delivering sustainable solutions and to provide our Chartered Engineers with the opportunity to attain the Chartered Environmentalist Title."

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Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv, Chief Executive of the Society for the Environment, UK, added: "We see environmental professionalism as the vital component in our efforts to build a sustainable future. A workforce with proven, up to date environmental competence, commitment and overall professionalism must be in place across all sectors globally. The engineering community is major part of this, and we encourage current and future Engineers Ireland members to lead the way. 

"Welcoming the first professional body to our Society for the Environment family with their HQ outside of the UK is hugely positive. Environmental challenges do not stop at geographical borders. We look forward to broadening our Chartered Environmentalist community and facilitating further professional connections to address the challenges we face and turn opportunities into meaningful results."

Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, concluded: "Engineers Ireland has become the first organisation outside of the UK to be licensed by the Society for the Environment to award the Chartered Environmentalist title. Becoming licensed to register this title is an extremely positive development for our engineering members who are dedicated to engineering excellence and who are committed to having sustainable practice integral to their role. The Chartered Environmentalist qualification denotes sound knowledge, proven experience, and a profound commitment to sustainable best practice within our profession and field of expertise."