Construction

Construction – encompassing the planning, execution and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure – is fundamental to the economy and society. Accreditation ensures that products, materials and processes are tested, standards-compliant and internationally recognised – creating trust, safety and quality for the public, authorities and businesses.

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Overview

Construction is a cornerstone of our economy and society, encompassing the planning, manufacture, execution and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. Sustainability, recycling of building materials, international recognition of construction products and harmonisation of technical specifications are now as central to the sector as the construction process itself.

Accreditation within this sector covers a range of areas:

• Construction products – from cement to complex system solutions
• Materials and substances – concrete, aggregates, steel, timber, plastics and more
• Building material and substance testing – mechanical, chemical and physical testing
• Inspection – monitoring of construction work and production processes
• Factory production control – ensuring consistent quality
• Declaration of performance – demonstrating conformity with standards and regulations

Role of accreditation

Accreditation is a key instrument for trust and safety. It ensures that testing, inspections and certifications are carried out independently, competently and to internationally recognised standards.

Accredited bodies ensure compliance with technical standards and statutory requirements. They help identify faults at an early stage, prevent defects and clearly establish liability. Examples include testing the strength and durability of concrete, certifying fire protection materials and inspecting precast concrete plants.

Importance for the public, businesses and public authorities

The built environment we live and work in shapes our quality of life. Accreditation delivers significant added value in terms of safety, transparency, trust and sustainability. For public authorities, this a sound basis for decision-making and reduced planning uncertainty; for the public, safe buildings and infrastructure; and for businesses, stable supply chains and greater marketability for tested products.

Types of accreditation offered