For the initial plant validation under the scheme the plant must demonstrate that they operate within the parameters specified in Tables 1 to 5 in the PAS110. The initial validation requires 3 consecutive passes from 3 different portions of production. For example if the hydraulic retention time is 40 days samples of digestate should be taken at least 40 days apart. You should consider the timing of sample testing to coincide with spreading opportunities and laboratory capacity. Be mindful that the laboratories cannot test samples over the Christmas period and the final date for submitting samples is early December. Following validation the plant must continue to submit samples in accordance with Table 4 of the PAS110. For information on submitting samples please contact the appointed laboratories directly using the contact details provided.
Two laboratories have been appointed to carry out testing under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme. These laboratories are ATL Ltd and NRM Laboratories, A division of Cawood Scientific Ltd.
ATL Ltd; and
NRM Laboratories, A division of Cawood Scientific Ltd
Digestate samples sent to the laboratories for certification purposes will need to be accompanied by the PAS110 Digestate Analysis Request Form, which can be downloaded here. The Microsoft Word version of this form can also be downloaded here.
WRAP have published a report on the Residual Biogas Potential Test which is one of the key tests for satisfying the ADQP and PAS110 standards.
To download a copy of the Residual Biogas Potential Test Report please follow the link to the WRAP website by clicking here.
Laboratory Approval Scheme
REAL has established a framework for laboratories approved to undertake testing on the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (and Compost Certification Scheme).
The Laboratory Approval Scheme (LAS) document sets out the respective responsibilities of REAL, the Certification Bodies (CBs) appointed under the Schemes, and the Approved Laboratories. The LAS document is available to download here.
Terms and Conditions for Approved Laboratories
Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL) finalised a set of terms and conditions for laboratories appointed to undertake testing under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme.
These terms and conditions include:
A laboratory’s appointment will be dependent on the laboratory’s compliance with all the terms and conditions set out in this agreement. If REAL should have evidence that the laboratory has not complied with these terms and conditions, their appointment may be terminated.
When appointed by REAL, the laboratory agrees to comply with all requirements specified in this agreement at all times.
Independent assessment
REAL appointed Heriot-Watt University in 2016 and Solidsense in 2017 to carry out independent audits to check CCS Approved Laboratories' conformance with their Terms and Conditions. A collection of audit summary reports can be found below:
In 2020, REAL appointed the Open University to carry out independent audits to check CCS Approved Laboratories' conformance with their Terms and Conditions.
Applying to become a BCS Approved Laboratory
There are currently three approved laboratories appointed to undertake testing under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme. If you wish to become an approved laboratory please read through the guidance notes available for applicants here. Information about the application procedure, assessment techniques, and the application fees, can be found in this guidance document.
Once you have read through the guidance notes, you can download the application form. At this stage we only require basic information to complete the form, including your business details and the parameter tests performed by your laboratory/subcontractors.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us using the email address info@realschemes.org.uk.
For any complaints that you would like to make against one of the BCS Approved Laboratories, please use the BCS Laboratory Complaint Form and contact details listed below. REAL BCS requests that you copy us in to these emails using the email address info@realschemes.co.uk.