UK anaerobic digestion plants gain standardised competency certification

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants across the UK are enhancing safety, compliance and operational standards with the rollout of Competency Management System (CMS) certification — a framework developed by Energy and Utility Skills (EUS) and recognised by the Environment Agency (EA).
Eco Verde Energy (EVE) has now implemented CMS certification across all five of its active AD sites.
Together, the facilities have the capacity to process 235,000 tonnes of agricultural and food waste each year, turning it into renewable energy and electricity for the national grid.
The certification represents a shift away from reliance on individual Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board (WAMITAB) qualifications.
Instead, it allows EVE to demonstrate collective technical competency across entire sites, supporting greater operational flexibility and strengthening environmental compliance, said the company.
Will Rogers, EVE’s Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director, said the CMS framework ensures accountability at every level.
“The benefit of the CMS certification is that it’s the collective responsibility of everybody on site as they all have technical competency,” he said.
The CMS is fully aligned with EVE’s existing management systems — including ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 — helping reduce duplication, streamline audits and build stronger safety and environmental performance.
Scalability is another key advantage. With multiple sites nationwide and ambitions for expansion, EVE said CMS certification allows future facilities to be integrated seamlessly into its management approach.
“It works for multi-site operations, because you can scale it and everyone’s working to the same set of standards,” Rogers added.
EVE believes independent third-party certification helps demonstrate the industry’s commitment to responsible, efficient and continually improving operations.
“The industry needs to show that we are being effective in terms of competency approaches, and that we’re demonstrating that to regulators and stakeholders,” said Rogers. “These certifications are assessed against UKAS standards, with rigorous audits over many years. This ensures AD remains a renewable circular business without added environmental risks.”
With the UK aiming to achieve net zero by 2050, EVE says training and certification will play an essential role in building confidence in the sector’s contribution.
“Competent people are fundamental to efficient AD operations. That’s how we contribute to meeting the UK’s net zero targets,” Rogers said.