Environmental 2 mins read

ASI and UKAS to strengthen strategic collaboration in sustainability

Assurance Services International (ASI) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) are pleased to announce the signing of a cooperation agreement to provide assessment services of UK-based Certification Bodies for ASI Voluntary Sustainability Standards. This partnership will bring together UKAS accreditation and ASI assurance under the ASI Two-Tier Assurance Program.

In the words of Guntars Laguns, Managing Director of ASI: “This agreement aligns with our vision of forging strategic partnerships with National Accreditation Bodies throughout the EEA and UK. With UKAS’s reputable standing in the world of accreditation, we look forward to pursuing common synergies and priorities to drive sustainable practices forward.”

Matt Gantley, Chief Executive of UKAS, said: “We are delighted to partner with ASI with respect to the accreditation of several reputable schemes operating in the sustainability area. We fully recognise the important role these schemes play in meeting the expectations of a more environmentally and sustainability-aware market. This cooperation agreement is  crucial in helping UKAS expand our knowledge and capability within this sector.”

The partnership between ASI and UKAS is expected to foster sustainability and promote rigorous accreditation processes. Both parties will inform Certification Bodies about next steps in the practical implementation.

About ASI

ASI is the leading global assurance provider for social and environmental standard systems. Our mission is to assure the credibility of voluntary sustainability standards and initiatives and support them to deliver real social and environmental impact through our assurance services. For more information about ASI, please visit: www.asi-assurance.org

About UKAS

UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for the UK. Its role is to check that organisations providing conformity assessment services such as certification, testing, inspection,  validation & verification and calibration services, are meeting a required standard of performance. The assessment criteria used by UKAS are internationally recognised as being the best indicators of accurate, impartial and consistent performance. UKAS accreditation demonstrates an organisation’s competence, impartiality and performance capability against internationally recognised standards. For further information about UKAS accreditation, please visit: www.ukas.com.