PRESS RELEASE

April 2014

Delivering Confidence in Energy Provision
World Accreditation Day, 9^thJune 2014

The vital role that accreditation plays in delivering confidence in the provision of energy is the focus of this year's World Accreditation Day, which takes place across 90 countries on 9^thJune.

In a world of ever increasing energy demands and finite fuel resources, the pressures on industry to improve energy efficiency and cut emissions increase. The complex international supply chains and processes, combined with the rapid development of alternative renewable energy sources, has given rise to a number of pressing questions from both government and the general public.

How clean and safe is energy provision? Are providers meeting emissions levels and how accurate are the measurements? How trustworthy are efficiency claims? Are renewable energy projects value for money? Does it meet the needs of the world's current population without impacting negatively on future generations?

All of these issues, and many more, can be addressed by the accreditation of conformity assessment services, such as inspection, testing, certification and calibration services. Raw materials, samples, products, services, management systems and personnel can be all evaluated against a standard, code of practice or regulatory requirement. In addition to generating confidence in the integrity and safe delivery of energy provision, accredited conformity assessment services allow regulators to set policy objectives and accurately check for compliance against regulations.

A wide range of aspects of energy provision are already accredited, covering both traditional and renewable energy sources. These include fuel testing, gas operative assessment, offshore verification and the inspection of nuclear facilities, as well as solar power and wave/tidal systems testing, wind farm inspection and microgeneration installation for the home. Most recently, UKAS has announced the first UK accreditation for certification against the ISO 50001 energy management system standard, which helps organisations improve energy related performance and identify energy reduction opportunities.

On announcing World Accreditation Day 2014, a joint statement by the chairs of both ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and IAF (International Accreditation Forum) said. "Energy is an oft-overlooked necessity for daily tasks and activities. As the demand for energy grows, methods for harnessing, storing and sharing energy need to be enhanced. Regulators are tasked with the efficient provision of energy as well as ensuring the safety of end users. Through the standardisation and regulatory process, coupled with accreditation, consumers and businesses are assured that they are purchasing a quality product that is safe, can be utilised for its intended purpose and meets energy efficiency goals."

To help celebrate the dayWorld Accreditation Day 2014 promotional materialscan be downloaded from the UKAS, ILAC and IAF websites, whilst a specially commissioned video is available to view online:http://ukas.com/media-centre/videos/World-Accreditation-Day-WAD-2014.aspFor the latest updates follow : #worldaccreditationday

ENDS

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