22 October 2025
As the UK’s National Accreditation Body, UKAS recognises that the climate crisis requires a robust and collective response. That is why we worked with ISEP to launch a vital new report: Net zero in the accredited conformity assessment sector.
The report provides an invaluable first look into how organisations from this critical sector (testing, inspection, certification, verification, and accreditation bodies) are responding to the urgent need for climate action.
The research reveals a varied landscape. While there is clear action from larger organisations, a significant ‘commitment gap’ exists, with many smaller firms yet to begin their net zero journey.
The challenges identified are not unique; like many other professional service industries, the accredited conformity assessment sector is grappling with the complexities of quantifying Scope 3 emissions, internal resource constraints, and a lack of specific guidance to translate ambition into credible action. These hurdles are a common thread for many businesses navigating the transition.
As the backbone of quality and trust, the accredited conformity assessment sector's role in the wider economy's net zero transition is fundamental. Its services are the essential governance mechanisms that underpin credible climate action, from verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) data to assuring new low-carbon technologies. Therefore, it is imperative that the sector itself demonstrates leadership.
"This hopefully influential report demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between professional bodies to encourage action to address climate change. UKAS, with the support of ISEP, is demonstrating how leadership by a key sector oversight body can support and encourage its customers to commit to and take action towards net zero."
The report sets out a clear path forward, with key recommendations centred on collaboration. It calls for the collective development of a sector-wide climate action plan, the creation of specific guidance to address shared challenges, and the establishment of networks to share best practice. The next steps hinge on a collaborative effort between UKAS, government, sector bodies, and individual organisations to build capacity and accelerate progress together.
I encourage all sustainability and environmental professionals, organisations, experts and leaders within the accredited conformity assessment community to download the full report and explore in detail its findings, recommendations, useful references and cited sources.
