CIWEM Code of Ethics

Introduction

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is an independent professional body representing over 12,000 environmental professionals. CIWEM's agreed purpose is to develop and promote better and integrated management of the environment; to foster a deeper understanding of water and environmental issues and to enhance the quality of people's lives. This is achieved through CIWEM's Royal Charter, education, training and professional development; dissemination of information; conferences and events; research and publications; contact with Government agencies and other bodies, partnerships with other organisations and the publication of Policy Position Statements (PPS).

Purpose

The Code of Ethics is an aspirational set of ten principles with which CIWEM members must comply. Its purpose is to guide professional environmentalists as they strive to achieve even higher standards of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Background

The initiative began with CIWEM's contribution to the World Water Vision, but was broadened to include all aspects of the environment. A tremendous amount of effort went into producing the Code of Ethics and many national agencies were consulted. The Code of Ethics was approved by the Council of CIWEM at its meeting on 6th April 2001.

The Code of Ethics represents a major initiative from CIWEM at a time when many people are worried about doing the right thing to balance the needs of a healthy, thriving and content society with those of a flourishing natural environment, and when experts have to demonstrate that they are worthy of public trust.

Publication of CIWEM's Code of Ethics coincided with a consultation on 'Guidelines for Environmental Reporting', conducted by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The final Guidelines urge organisations to establish environmental policies and targets and to report on their environmental performance annually.

At the time of publication of the Code of Ethics, several environmental institutions were discussing the creation of a single umbrella body for the environment, which could inherit the role of guardian of individual ethical behaviour. This body, Society for the Environment (SocEnv), was launched in October 2002.

Similar Codes have been adopted by the European Water Association and a number of other national organisations belonging to the European Water Association.

Code of Ethics

Members of the Institution will be expected to use their influence to the fullest extent and to behave to the best of their ability to maintain a sustainable environment in the following way:

• Ensure that the uses of natural resources are fair, equitable and sustainable and take account of the needs of a diverse environment.
• Never knowingly or deliberately over-exploit natural resources.
• Never knowingly or deliberately cause the environment to be damaged or nuisance to be created by the discharge of unacceptable quantities of any substance or energy in any form.
• Recognize that in contributing to the provision of environmental services they provide an important contribution to human well-being.
• Ensure that the uses of the environment do it no harm or to the native wild-life within it and wherever possible enhance it.
• Embrace the needs of the community.
• Promote the concepts of integration of the management of the wider environment.
• Use their wisdom in serving the community and constantly strive to learn more.
• Serve as an example to others for responsible environmental behaviour.
• Never engage in corrupt practice and maintain a high standard of professional behaviour which will serve as an example to others.

References

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2001) Environmental Reporting - General Guidelines

March 2003

Note:- CIWEM Policy Position Statements (PPSs) represent the Institution's views on issues at a particular point in time. It is accepted that situations change as research provides new evidence. It should be understood, therefore, that CIWEM PPSs are under constant review, that previously held views may alter and lead to revised PPSs.