These Good Practice Guidelines (GPG) are being developed by AEnvCoW as follow-on guidance to the recently published EnvCoWs: Industry Guiding Principles for Developments.

The purpose of the GPG is to provide clear, consistent guidance on the role of the EnvCoW, establishing what the role is, how it should function, and how it interacts with wider project governance. They aim to standardise good practice across the industry by clarifying expectations for, and requirements of, EnvCoWs, supporting their independence, and promoting transparent, evidence-based monitoring of environmental compliance. To help reduce the compliance gap, they also clarify the responsibilities of other environmental roles involved in the development and delivery of projects. 

This research, supported by NatureScot and AEnvCoW and produced by Kara Moore (The University of Edinburgh), explores how Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practice can, and should, evolve from a static prediction exercise into a learning, lifecycle process through monitoring, feedback and adaptive management.

At AEnvCoW’s 2025 Spring Conference in Manchester, Richard Patterson – Chartered Civil Engineer and NEC specialist with over 35 years’ experience – presented and led highly sought-after workshops on Using NEC X29 as a Vehicle to Guide Environmental Compliance and The Role of the EnvCoW as a Contractual Extension of the NEC Site Supervisor. These sessions were exceptionally well received. Building on the discussions and questions raised, Richard has written this article examining where and how the EnvCoW fits within the NEC Engineering and Construction Contract. We are pleased to now share it with a wider audience.

How does an EnvCoW fit into an NEC Engineering and Construction Contract

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AEnvCoW Management Committee Member, Dan Carrington, reflects on the direction of the industry through his own observations and experiences during his 16 year career.

If you are a member, and this strikes a chord with you, please do send us feedback, or a brief summary of your own musings, which we may include in our stakeholder consultation for Developing Quality & Training in the EnvCoW Role Action Plan. Please entitle your email ‘FAO: Dan – Developing Quality & Training’.

Ramblings of an EnvCoW: Working on Site – Have things Changed?

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AEnvCoW Management Committee Member, Dave Sargent, has recently had his first article published by CIEEM, after nearly 30 years of construction based experience in environmental management. In the article, he muses on the changes he has witnessed and the challenges ahead. AEnvCoW would like to thank CIEEM for their permission to place this article on our website and it can be viewed here.

Does the E in EnvCoW Stand for Evolution?

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AEnvCoW Response Summary

As highlighted in the NPF4 briefing, our economy relies on our significant natural resources for food & drink, tourism, energy and financial services. Pressure from planning and development in terms of housing, renewable energy and infrastructure creates significant environmental risks, particularly during the construction phase.

The Association outlines its understanding of the challenges in the current planning system and the opportunities within NPF4 to better protect natural resources during development. Evidence suggests poor environmental performance during construction is common, with avoidable impacts on watercourses, species, designated sites and habitats. The Association considers these impacts likely to increase as climate change exacerbates extreme events and environmental pressures.