Chartered environmentalist Dylan Harvey tells CM People how a passion for problem-solving evolved into a career focused on embedding sustainability in construction projects.

For construction professionals, sustainability is no longer an optional add-on. It’s an integral part of good design and delivery. 

That commitment to embedding sustainability at every stage of a project sits at the heart of everything Dylan Harvey does. A chartered environmentalist and experienced design manager, his route into the industry was initially driven by a natural aptitude for technical drawing and problem-solving.

“Originally, that attracted me to architecture and engineering,” he explains. “But as I gained a better understanding of those roles, I found myself drawn more to specialist trades. 

“Architects and engineers have become less specialised over the last 20 to 30 years, moving toward broader oversight. That’s what led me to a specialist subcontractor, rather than continuing solely in engineering or architecture.”

This early focus on technical precision eventually aligned with a growing awareness of environmental responsibility. “In the 2010s, sustainability started becoming a greater driving force,” he says. “By the early 2020s, it was clear that sustainability is intrinsically linked with design. 

“As a design manager and engineer, it became obvious – they go hand in hand. You can’t do one without the other.”

Net-zero carbon strategy

Achieving chartered environmentalist status was a pivotal step in Harvey’s professional journey. Tasked with developing a net-zero carbon strategy for a previous employer, he took ownership of the initiative rather than outsourcing it. 

“I realised that we needed to build our own knowledge,” he explains. “I decided to take on the role myself, write the strategy, and educate myself. 

“Through my involvement with the Chartered Institution of Building (CIOB), I realised that chartership isn’t just about demonstrating skills – it’s about demonstrating the importance of sustainability and standing up for it, even when it’s overlooked.”

“There are so many people who throw the word ‘sustainability’ around without understanding it. Having chartered status changes the narrative and allows people to take your advice seriously.”

Dylan Harvey

Chartership has had a practical impact on Harvey’s everyday project work. “It gives you instant credibility when discussing sustainable design,” he notes. 

“There are so many people who throw the word ‘sustainability’ around without understanding it. Having chartered status changes the narrative and allows people to take your advice seriously.”

Harvey’s influence extends beyond individual projects through his work with the Society for the Environment. As a member of the Registration Authority (RA) assessment panel, he reviews and audits applications from a variety of professional membership bodies, ensuring consistent standards in awarding chartered environmentalist status. 

“It’s about contributing to the future of sustainability and guiding where the industry is going,” he says. “Through the Society for the Environment, we can influence far more than just the built environment. Members include everything from farming and chemical institutions to universities and environmental organisations, so the reach is vast.”

Cost concerns

Even with professional recognition, achieving sustainability objectives across construction projects presents ongoing challenges. Concerns around cost remain a key barrier. 

“Many people see sustainability as adding nothing and being more expensive, or just another contractual requirement,” Harvey says. 

“Education is critical. With credibility, you can convince colleagues and clients that it’s not just about compliance; it’s about doing everything you can to embed sustainability, often without significantly increasing costs. There are ways to offset costs while achieving meaningful impact.”

For those early in their careers, or professionals seeking to make sustainability a core focus, the advice is simple: get involved. 

“To solve problems, we have to be involved,” Harvey insists. “Don’t just observe and have opinions. Membership bodies offer many avenues to engage, and even if engagement seems low in your area, that’s all the more reason to step in and drive change.”

Applying for chartered environmentalist status can feel daunting, but the process is inclusive. “Even if you don’t work directly in environmental services, that doesn’t mean you can’t be chartered,” he says. 

“Working in the built environment provides opportunities to influence sustainability every day. Your experience is valid and impactful.”

Looking ahead, the next stage in Harvey’s career is about tackling new challenges. “I’m always looking for problems to solve and opportunities to overcome them,” he says. “Sustainability presents ongoing challenges, but also immense potential to make a difference – not just for the built environment, but for society as a whole.”

Whether it’s navigating project budgets, influencing colleagues, or shaping national standards, Harvey’s sentiment is clear: credibility and active engagement are key to building a sustainable future.

What is a chartered environmentalist?

Find more information about becoming a CEnv member here.