This focuses on the post consent and construction phase of developments. The scope of the group is to identify, and provide, solutions for a wide range of issues that impede basic environmental compliance. AECoW will be promoting the role of the ECoW and highlights how an ECoW can help shine a light on these issues and help drive up environmental compliance and standards.

This group is open to all IEMA and AECoW members, so please get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be involved.

AECoW is aware that the ECoW experience can often be isolating and we know from feedback that our members seek opportunities to meet/communicate with other ECoWs. 

As part of addressing this we are aiming to develop, and support, local networks of member groups. We are delighted to announce that a group for our north-east England members has been established, where they can share experiences, information ask, learn from others’ approaches, provide advice, or just use to have a rant with like-minded individuals!

Please get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to set up a group as we need local volunteers to spearhead this at a local level.

Please note that we are changing our name and omitting ‘Ecological’ from our title as we believe that ‘Environmental’ addresses all relevant technical disciplines. The aim is that this contributes to reducing confusion with the roles. We are also developing a new website with an associated email address so communication with our members will be easier. We hope to be launching this in the summer – watch this space! 

We are in the process of supporting CECA in developing a working group aimed at developing clarity and consistency across a number of topics, such as the ECoW scope and how they are procured, with regard to ECoWs and the construction industry under the banner of CECA’s Environment Forum.

Once an outline format is agreed the working group we will invite stakeholders, such as the LPA’s, the major energy providers, Scottish Water, Transport Scotland, ICE and CITB among others going forward.

Ultimately, we are seeking to provide better support to the industry and ultimately raise its environmental compliance and reduce associated risk. We hope to do this by developing the quality of ECoWs and establishing clarity around the role and better training for those providing it, which forms the basis of our Strategy. 

The Association has been working with SNH, SEPA, CECA and a representative from the Heads of Planning Services, on many topics to drive up standards in the industry, including providing advice on the commissioning of ECoW roles to influence the planning system, providing feedback, and formal consultation, on SEPA’s Sector Plans and guidance, such as:

• Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction, SNH, 2019; and
• Guide to Hydropower Construction Best Practice,  SEPA, SNH, Scottish Renewables, 2019.