Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable forestry, timber innovation and public policy. The award follows the release of the Environment Agency’s FloodReady Action Plan, which was led by Professor Bonfield and strengthened the role of nature-based solutions in building climate resilience.
Throughout his career Professor Bonfield has been an influential advocate for sustainable forestry and low-carbon construction and has played a pivotal role in advancing the use of timber as a renewable material across the built environment. In recognition of his wider contribution to research and innovation in the construction industry, he was awarded an OBE in 2012.
Professor Bonfield has chaired the work that led to the creation of Grown in Britain, now a nationally significant organisation supporting research, development and certification for UK forestry and wood products. He also chaired a number of major independent government reviews, including those focused on forests and woodlands, and most recently the Environment Agency’s FloodReady Action Plan.
As the leader of the FloodReady review, Professor Bonfield brought together government, housebuilders, insurers, housing policy leaders, such as the National Housing Federation, and flood action groups to improve how homes in England are protected from flooding. The FloodReady report sets out a practical and affordable roadmap to bring property flood resilience (PFR) into mainstream planning.
Commenting on the Honorary Fellowship, the Professor of Sustainable Development said: “I’ve been a huge fan and admirer of the work of the Institute since the earliest days in my career when I worked as a wood scientist and timber engineer, so it is particularly special to now join this superb organisation in this way. I feel so honoured and look forward to playing my part in contributing to our future success.”
The Honorary Fellowships will be formally presented at the Institute of Chartered Foresters National Conference 2026: Innovation for a Resilient Tomorrow, which will take place in May 2026 at the International Convention Centre Wales.
Louise Simpson, Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, said: “Congratulations to Professor Peter Bonfield OBE and Paul Brannen on being awarded Honorary Fellowships. Their exceptional contributions to forestry and the wider sector exemplify innovation, leadership and dedication to advancing our profession.”
Professor Bonfield’s contribution to sustainable development directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, 15: Life on Land and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Read the Environment Agency’s FloodReady Action Plan.
Find out more about Sustainable Development at the University of Westminster.
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