If your business emits pollutants into the air or operates under an environmental permit, you must comply with the Environment Agency’s MCERTS standards. MCERTS certification ensures that your emissions data is accurate, credible, and legally compliant — protecting your company from unlimited fines and enforcement action.
In this guide, we explain what MCERTS is, why stack emissions and air emissions testing are essential, and how Alkali Environmental can help your business remain compliant.
What Is MCERTS?
MCERTS (Monitoring Certification Scheme) is the Environment Agency’s UK framework for ensuring the accuracy and quality of environmental monitoring. It sets strict technical standards for:
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Stack emissions testing (periodic and continuous)
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Air emissions monitoring for industrial facilities
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Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
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Effluent flow and water discharge monitoring
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Ambient air quality and odour testing
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Laboratory and personnel certification
If your operations involve emissions to air — such as stacks, chimneys, or vents — your permit will almost certainly require MCERTS-accredited testing.
Why MCERTS Compliance Matters
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Legal Requirement:
Most environmental permits under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) require MCERTS-certified monitoring. -
Avoiding Unlimited Fines:
Since December 2023, the Environment Agency removed the £250,000 cap on fines for permit breaches. Penalties are now unlimited, scaled to company turnover and severity. In 2022, more than 30 UK businesses were fined millions for failing to meet emissions monitoring requirements. -
Credibility of Data:
MCERTS-accredited reports are trusted by regulators, ensuring your data is accepted without dispute. -
Protecting Your Operations:
Non-compliance can result in permit suspension, production downtime, and reputational damage.
Who Needs MCERTS and Air Emissions Testing?
MCERTS testing is mandatory for many industries, including:
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Power generation and energy plants
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Waste and recycling facilities
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Cement, brick, and construction industries
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Food production plants
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Chemical processing and industrial manufacturing
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Any site with air emissions or stacks
Stack Emissions Testing: Your Compliance Checklist
Stack emissions testing under MCERTS ensures that pollutants such as NOx, SOx, particulates, and VOCs are measured accurately. If your permit references air quality limits, you are legally required to use MCERTS-accredited consultants.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
If your company conducts any operations that emit pollutants, MCERTS-compliant stack and air emissions testing is essential — not just for compliance but for protecting your business.
Failing to conduct valid stack or air emissions testing can lead to:
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Unlimited monetary penalties.
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Permit revocation or enforcement notices.
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Costly shutdowns and reputational damage.
How Alkali Environmental Can Help
At Alkali Environmental, we are fully MCERTS and UKAS accredited. Our services include:
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Stack emissions testing (periodic and continuous)
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Air emissions monitoring for all industries
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CEMS installation, calibration, and support
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Effluent flow, odour, and ambient air quality testing
We ensure your monitoring data is accurate, compliant, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is MCERTS testing?
MCERTS is the UK certification scheme for environmental monitoring. It ensures your emissions data meets legal and technical standards set by the Environment Agency.
Q: Do all businesses need MCERTS stack emissions testing?
Not all, but any site with air emissions or a stack covered by an environmental permit will typically require MCERTS-compliant testing.
Q: What happens if I fail to comply with MCERTS?
You risk unlimited fines, permit suspension, and enforcement action. In severe cases, production may be forced to halt.
Contact Alkali Environmental
Need MCERTS testing or air emissions monitoring?
Our accredited team provides cost-effective, professional solutions to keep your business compliant.
You can also enquire about having us handle your Environment Agency (EA) emissions reporting, ensuring accurate data submission and complete regulatory peace of mind.
Key Words: MCERTS testing UK, stack emissions testing, air emissions monitoring, MCERTS accredited, environmental compliance UK.
