The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators

Martin G Bigg BSc MSc PhD FRSC FIEMA CChem CSc CEnv has been a Freeman of the Company since 2019 and was installed as The Master in July 2023. 

As Emeritus Professor of Environmental Technologies Innovation at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, Martin continues to be a committed champion for the environment, sustainable development and better regulation.

After studying and research in chemistry, Martin graduated to manage more exciting pharmaceutical and agrichemical manufacturing. He then crossed to the other side, joining Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution (later part of the Environment Agency), regulating everything from power stations to rendering plants, establishing international pollutant reporting and supporting local authorities on air pollution control.  As Head of Industry and Waste Regulation he led the development and delivery of many EU Directives, including on major accidents, incinerators and industrial emissions, and UK environmental permitting regulations. 

Recruited by UWE in 2011, Martin directed a multi-million EU programme involving universities, NGOs and local authorities, supporting regional enterprising businesses develop innovative environmental technologies. 

Reflecting his community commitment, Martin became a Board Member and Chair of the Bristol Green Capital Partnership and steered the winning Partnership bid for the European Green Capital 2015 for the City of Bristol.

Martin has always supported the environment profession and until 2020 was Chair of Council and Board Member at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Recently he has collaborated in EU/China government projects on future environmental regulation.  He has also worked with the World Bank on environmental inspection, permitting, better regulation and tackling environmental issues in Russia, the Middle East, Tajikistan, and Mongolia.

Martin is a Trustee of the Water Conservation Trust responsible for the programme supporting students at 15 universities.

Martin comes from south London and after 10 moves around England now lives in Hertfordshire.  He is supported by his wife Eileen, children and grandchildren.  He loves walking, travelling and challenging opportunities.