The Association of Environmental Clerks of Works (AEnvCoW) is the UK and Ireland’s professional body for Environmental Clerks of Works (EnvCoWs). Established in 2009, we serve as both a qualifying body and a unifying voice for EnvCoWs, supporting their role as independent professionals who monitor and report on compliance with planning consents, environmental permits, legislation, and good practice during construction projects.

Our mission is to raise professional standards, promote the EnvCoW role within development teams, and drive environmental compliance to reduce impacts on biodiversity and natural heritage. Through knowledge sharing, good practice guidance, and collaboration with regulators, policy makers, and other industry bodies, we aim to make the EnvCoW role standard practice on projects where environmental risks exist. At the heart of our work is a commitment to safeguarding the natural environment while supporting innovative and sustainable construction practices.

Position Statement

AEnvCoW defines an Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) as: “An independent environmental or construction professional with direct responsibility for monitoring and reporting on compliance with planning consents, environmental permits, legislation and mitigation.” An EnvCoW does not ‘ensure’ compliance on a project; their role is strictly to monitor and report. EnvCoWs who consider themselves responsible for ‘ensuring’ works are likely performing a different environmental function, with direct responsibility for delivering compliance.