26 February 2026
Environmental compliance has never been just a technical or theoretical requirement. For those working at the heart of the development and construction industries, it is a shared responsibility: to protect ecosystems, support sustainable development, and deliver the environmental commitments made in planning applications.
When compliance is treated as a box-ticking exercise, or inappropriate contractual arrangements are established, the risks are clear – environmental harm, project delays, programme impacts, enforcement action, and loss of public trust. Conversely, when environmental commitments are embedded early, clearly defined, appropriately delegated, and effectively monitored, projects are higher quality, more resilient, and better aligned with both consented requirements and societal expectations.
This belief underpins the mission of the Association of Environmental Clerks of Works. Environmental Clerks of Works play a vital role in bridging the gap between consented commitments and delivery on the ground. Through independent monitoring and informed challenge, they support project teams to meet their obligations and prevent avoidable harm. Yet too often, the role is not consistently defined, understood, valued across sectors or appropriately appointed.
As an Association, we are committed to raising standards, improving consistency, and championing professional practice. Clear expectations benefit everyone – practitioners, clients, regulators, and the environment itself. Effective environmental compliance should be proactive and collaborative, underpinned by good practice, procurement, and contractual arrangements, rather than reactive or adversarial.
That commitment has led to our collaboration with the Institute of Environmental and Sustainable Professionals (ISEP) to jointly publish Industry Guiding Principles for Environmental Clerks of Works. The guidance sets out core principles for effective environmental monitoring, including independence, transparency, reporting, and clear responsibility. While centered on the Environmental Clerk of Works, it provides a wider benchmark for how environmental commitments should be delivered across projects and offers a foundation for future regulatory reform, similar to the role CDM Regulations play in health and safety.
At a time of increasing environmental pressure, scrutiny, credible, transparent environmental compliance has never been more important. We are proud to publish these guiding principles, with the aim of strengthening professional practice, improving project outcomes, and reinforcing environmental compliance as an integral part of sustainable development.
