Monitoring Certification Scheme
Glossary of common terms used in the management of land contamination, published on the Planning Portal, defines The Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) as: ‘…a quality assurance scheme for providers of monitoring services, equipment and systems, which is administered by the Environment Agency and accredited by UKAS.’
It establishes standards for monitoring equipment, systems, and professionals to ensure high-quality environmental monitoring, particularly for emissions, water quality, and other environmental parameters. The scheme is widely recognised as a benchmark for accuracy, reliability, and compliance in environmental monitoring.
Its purpose is to ensure that environmental monitoring data is accurate, reliable, and fit for regulatory and reporting purposes and to promote the use of high-quality monitoring equipment and competent personnel for compliance with environmental regulations.
MCERTS applies to various areas of environmental monitoring, including:
- Air emissions monitoring (e.g., from industrial chimneys).
- Water and wastewater monitoring (e.g., effluent discharge quality).
- Continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS).
- Ambient air quality monitoring.
- Soil sampling and gas monitoring.
Key Areas of MCERTS include:
- Equipment Certification.
- Personnel Certification.
- Laboratory Certification.
- Site-Based Monitoring.
MCERTA helps organisations demonstrate compliance with environmental permits and regulations and ensures that monitoring results are accurate, consistent, and reliable. It provides a standardised approach to environmental monitoring across industries and boosts confidence in monitoring data among regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public. Certified products and services are listed on the MCERTS database, allowing industries to select approved equipment and providers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.