The Tier 1 firm achieved third-party approval in preparation for the introduction of mandatory BIM on all government-funded projects from 2016.

Assessed using the BRE Global Business Systems Certification Scheme, Interserve’s BIM management systems and processes were place under the microscope during a two-day audit.

Interserve joins architect Building Design Partnership as the first industry firms permitted to use the BRE Global Badge of Compliance.

The only other third-party BIM accreditation body, Lloyds Register, has also certified just two firms: EDC, a mechanical and electrical engineering consultant and AEC3, a specialist consultant that supports the introduction of BIM at businesses.

Ian Renhard, managing director of Interserve Construction, said: “We are incredibly proud to be the first contractor to have achieved this certification. It is concrete evidence of Interserve’s commitment to BIM as a key vehicle for delivering the best value to our customers.”

The Government decided to set the BIM project target to encourage the industry to agree common data standards throughout the lifecycle of a project chain.

This would involve multiple tiers of the supply chain, from consultants, architects, landscape architects, designers, contractors, facilities management consultants and the client, achieving BIM recognition by next year.

Alex Jones, Interserve’s National BIM Manager, said: “We have definitely earned this certification and we are very proud, having implemented UK BIM standards across demanding public and private sector projects.

“This is another milestone for Interserve as we transition from analogue to digital in preparation for the 2025 construction strategy target.”