In large-scale infrastructure projects, every decision matters. Choices around material selection and compliance have long-term implications for safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency. While design and engineering often take centre stage, the certifications behind the materials used are equally critical. Two accreditations shaping the future of precast concrete in the UK are CARES and UKCA.
Why certification matters for large scale construction
Infrastructure projects are complex ecosystems involving multiple stakeholders, tight timelines, and strict regulatory frameworks. Failure to comply with standards can lead to:
• Project delays due to non-conforming materials.
• Structural risks that compromise safety and longevity.
• Financial penalties and reputational damage.
Certifications like CARES and UKCA act as a safeguard, ensuring that every component meets rigorous quality and compliance benchmarks.
CARES: Reinforcement Integrity for Structural Reliability
CARES (Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels) provides independent assurance that steel reinforcement used in concrete products meets strict mechanical and chemical standards. For infrastructure projects, this means:
• Traceability across the supply chain: critical for accountability in public works.
• Consistent quality that supports structural integrity under extreme loads.
• Compliance with BS 8666: The standard for scheduling, dimensioning, bending and cutting of steel reinforcement for concrete.
• Alignment with sustainability goals, as CARES promotes responsible sourcing.
In bridges, culverts, and retaining structures, reinforcement failure is not an option. CARES accreditation ensures that risk is minimized from the ground up.
UKCA/CE Marking: Navigating Compliance in a Post-Brexit Landscape
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark was introduced after the UK left the European Union as the new standard for the Great Britain market. It signals product compliance with UK regulations for safety, health, and environmental protection.
Similar to CE Marking, for infrastructure projects, UKCA certification:
• Evidence of legal compliance with UK construction standards.
• Simplifies procurement for government and private sector projects.
• Future-proofs specifications against evolving legislation.
June 2025 was the date set for transition from CE Marking to UKCA, however, in September 2024, the UK Government extended the use of CE marking within Construction to help businesses transition. Therefore at this time, businesses are able to use either existing CE marking or the new UKCA marking for products placed in UK.
Without either UKCA/CE marking, projects risk non-compliance, a costly mistake in today’s regulatory landscape.
Certification as a Risk Management Tool
Accreditations are more than technical checkboxes; they are instruments of risk management and public trust. In an era of climate resilience and sustainability, infrastructure must not only perform but also demonstrate accountability. CARES and UKCA certification provide that assurance.
How engineers and specifiers benefit
For engineers, specifying certified precast concrete components reduces uncertainty and ensures alignment with project requirements. It also supports:
• Lifecycle performance: materials that meet standards last longer and require less maintenance.
• Stakeholder confidence: critical for projects funded by public or private investment.
• Sustainability reporting: as accreditations often tie into environmental best practices.
The Future of Compliance in Infrastructure
Increasing project scale and complexity is driving stricter compliance requirements for construction products. Critical components such as retaining walls are classified under AVCP Level 2+ within the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). AVCP Level 2+ means manufacturers undergo strict third-party audits and continuous monitoring, not just self-certification. To confirm compliance, specifiers should request the manufacturer’s certificate and verify the CPR number on the product, ensuring continuous oversight by an accredited Notified Body.
Accreditations such as CARES and UKCA are not optional, they are integral to achieving structural safety, regulatory conformity, and long-term infrastructure resilience.
Ready to use precast concrete in your next project?
With both CARES and UKCA certification covering British Standards BS EN 15258 – Precast concrete for retaining wall elements and BS EN 1090 fabrication and assembly of steel and aluminium structures, JKH can produce precast products that meet mandatory certifications for major infrastructure projects such as HS2, Tideway Tunnel, Crossrail, and other nationally significant schemes, giving clients confidence in quality and compliance throughout the supply chain.
Certification documents are available for download here.