30 September 2025 - Engineering and construction company, Laing O’Rourke has become the first group in the UK to achieve certification across all UK entities for its work to enhance quality in the built environment.
The international company which delivers state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients, has been certified by BSI to the quality management systems standard BS 99001 across all UK entities, demonstrating work to foster a culture of quality at the heart of their operations and bring benefits including safer buildings and process improvement.
The scheme is tailored specifically for the built environment, providing a structured framework to help organizations to embed quality at the heart of project execution, and meet the evolving demands and complex challenges facing the sector today.
The standard, Quality management systems for the built environment (BS 99001) was published in 2022 and builds upon the internationally recognized ISO Quality Management Systems (9001) standard, adding sector-specific requirements. To achieve certification to BS 99001, companies must demonstrate a clear focus on quality risk management, leadership accountability, competency and change management across all phases of its work, from design and procurement through to construction and handover. The management system is subject to an extensive and continuing independent assurance process to support the certification.
The goal of the standard is to encourage organizations to foster a culture of quality, supporting regulatory compliance, reducing lifecycle costs, and enhancing reputation. Certification requires businesses to integrate quality management into their project-based work, focusing on design quality, temporary works, and sustainability throughout the project lifecycle. It emphasizes the importance of competence management, meticulous planning, and documented information. The standard also requires businesses to consider social, economic, and sustainability factors, including progress towards net zero emissions.
Matt Page, Senior Vice President, Assurance Services EMEA at BSI, “This milestone highlights a growing emphasis on leadership and robust quality processes throughout the project lifecycle. BS 99001 sets a higher standard by integrating sector-specific requirements such as competence, design control, traceability, and construction records. Laing O’Rourke’s comprehensive certification represents a major step forward for the industry and sets a new benchmark for tier one contractors. Achieving certification underscores Laing O’Rourke’s drive for continuous improvement.”
Peter Lyons, Managing Director – Europe “At Laing O’Rourke – we are pioneering modern methods of construction with a laser focus on the highest standards of quality and building safety for our clients and our people.
“To be the first group in the UK to achieve this certification is a testament to the dedication of our teams to injecting quality into every step of the construction process. I am proud that Laing O’Rourke is again leading the way for the industry.”
Visit the BSI website for more information on BS 99001.
