The comparative benefits of the Certified Environmental Practitioner Program in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand launched the Certified Environmental Practitioner Program (CEnvP program) in 2004. One of the key drivers for the Institute establishing this program was to promote one of its principal objectives – to advance ethical and competent environmental practices in Australia and New Zealand. This research study was designed to critique the CEnvP program by establishing an understanding of the benefits and strengths of the program as perceived by environmental practitioners. The program states that the main advantage of achieving the CEnvP qualification is recognition as a competent environmental practitioner who applies high professional and ethical standards in their work. In this regard, the CEnvP program is partially successful, but has a long way to go before being as recognised as international environmental certification programs. However, even at these early stages, recognition is perceived as the major benefit of the CEnvP program. It is important for the environmental sector that the program is given the necessary time to establish support and to serve at the forefront of promoting ethical, responsible environmental practices.