Certification Body • 3 mins read
Overview
Accredited certification plays a crucial role in helping organisations demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised standards. It provides confidence to customers, regulators, and stakeholders that certified organisations are meeting rigorous quality and compliance benchmarks.
UKAS is inviting expressions of interest from certification bodies wishing to participate in a new pilot accreditation programme for ISO 46001, the international standard for water efficiency management systems.
About ISO 46001
ISO 46001 sets out a framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a water efficiency management system. It applies to organisations of all types and sizes that use water and focuses particularly on end-use consumers.
The standard covers the full range of water efficiency management activities, including monitoring, measurement, documentation, reporting, design and procurement practices, and personnel training. By providing a structured approach to managing water use, ISO 46001 supports organisations in reducing consumption, improving performance, and embedding sustainable resource management practices.
Certification to ISO 46001 will be assessed alongside ISO/IEC 17021-1, ensuring that accredited certification is delivered consistently and to internationally recognised principles.
By becoming accredited to certify against ISO 46001, certification bodies can help their clients improve sustainability performance and demonstrate leadership in efficient resource management. This emerging standard also represents an opportunity to expand service portfolios into a globally relevant and commercially valuable area of environmental management.
What is a UKAS pilot accreditation project?
A pilot accreditation project is an essential step in extending UKAS’s accreditation offerings. As these standards have not previously been subject to accredited conformity assessment, UKAS undertakes a structured development process to evaluate their applicability and establish a proportionate and effective assessment methodology.
The pilot involves collaboration with interested certification bodies to refine the accreditation approach, ensuring it aligns with industry needs and best practices.
Express your interest
UKAS invites certification bodies to express their interest in participating in this pilot accreditation programme for ISO 46001.
If your organisation is interested, please provide the following information by 28 February 2026 to [email protected]:
- The estimated number of clients you currently have or anticipate for this standard
- The geographical locations where accredited certificates would be issued (e.g. UK only, Europe only, or global)
- The number of non-accredited certificates already issued and their respective locations
- Your estimated timeline for clients to be ready for:
- Stage 1 audit
- Stage 2 audit
- Details of how you currently scope certifications for this standard, along with example certificates
Your participation in this pilot provides a unique opportunity to help shape the future of accredited certification in water efficiency management.
By fostering robust and internationally recognised accreditation frameworks, UKAS ensures that organisations can confidently implement best practices, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.