Certified Environmentally Responsible Contractor (CERC) is a Certification Program administered by Environmental Risk Professionals that recognizes contractors who train their employees to understand and mitigate the environmental risks associated with their business. This can be accomplished by either using best practices to prevent pollution incidents from occurring or obtaining additional environmental, health and safety training from various sources. As part of the certification process, the contractor’s pollution liability coverage is evaluated and must meet the minimum standards set forth by the CERC Certification Program. In addition, the CERC Program includes the following:

  • CERC Certificate
  • Tools for highlighting the CERC program in RFPs and SOQs
  • Digital marketing templates
  • Public relations and community engagement ideas
  • Exclusive company spotlight article on LinkedIn written by Environmental Risk Professionals
  • Access to the marketing team at Environmental Risk Professionals for assistance with promoting your business as a CERC
  • Co-marketing opportunities

When something goes wrong on a jobsite and an environmental incident occurs, a CERC will not only be trained to mitigate the risk, they will have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves, the general contractor, and the project owner against claims that may arise due to their contracting operations.

General and Trade Construction Contractors

General and Trade Contractors are required to have the following:

  • Pollution Prevention Practices – These are written documents on the best practices to recognize and mitigate environmental risks. They are provided to contractors to train their employees on the best practices to prevent environmental incidents from occurring. Pollution Prevention Practices were written by Environmental Risk Professionals and can be purchased by visiting https://www.envriskpros.com/
  • Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) Insurance Policy – All Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance policies contain some form of total pollution exclusion. Occasionally insurance carriers are willing to give back limited coverage by endorsement; however, these endorsements do not typically address all risks, leaving a contractor exposed. A CERC has obtained a CPL policy that meets minimum requirements including but not limited to coverage for cleanup costs, mold, natural resource damage, transportation pollution, non-owned disposal sites and more

Frequently Asked Questions for General and Trade Contractors

What are the minimum requirements to become CERC certified?

To become CERC certified, you must have qualifying pollution coverage and train your employees on the information provided in the Pollution Prevention Practices authored by Environmental Risk Professionals. In some situations, Pollution Prevention Practices may have been provided by your insurance agent. Pollution Prevention Practices were written by Environmental Risk Professionals and can be purchased by calling 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are Pollution Prevention Practices?

Pollution Prevention Practices are described in detail Here

Do I have to have Pollution Prevention Practices from Environmental Risk Professionals?

Yes. CERC is a certification program that was created by Environmental Risk Professionals and requires General and Trade Contractors to mitigate environmental risk by implementing Pollution Prevention Practices and carrying pollution insurance. CERC-approved Pollution Prevention Practices are only available through Environmental Risk Professionals.

How much do Pollution Prevention Practices Cost?

Pollution Prevention Practices are $250.00. The cost may be waived as part of the CERC program in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more details. If you do not have an agent, or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the insurance requirements of the CERC program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

I already have an insurance policy, how do I know if it qualifies for the CERC Program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

What does it cost to become CERC certified?

The certification fee is $750.00. The fee may be waived in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more details. If you do not have an agent or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the training requirements?

The training requirements are for your employees to read and understand the information provided in the Pollution Prevention Practices.

How much time and effort are required to become certified?

Once qualifying pollution coverage has been obtained, the time and effort is dependent on training your employees on the Pollution Prevention Practices. Once that is complete, you must notify Environmental Risk Professionals to receive your certificate.

Does Environmental Risk Professionals have a safety person that provides onsite training and/or inspections?

No, the certification process does not include training or inspections conducted by Environmental Risk Professionals personnel. If you are looking for ideas on how to train your employees, Environmental Risk Professionals suggests holding a short training session (e.g. a lunch and learn) with your employees and sharing the Pollution Prevention Practices with them. Keep a record of the training in your files. In lieu of a training session, share the Pollution Prevention Practices with your employees (e.g. email) and require them to sign off they have read and understand them. Be sure to keep a copy of the sign off sheet for your records.

I have the required insurance coverage and have trained my employees on the Pollution Prevention Practices. How do I get my certificate?

To obtain your CERC certificate you must either fill out and return the certification request form provided by Environmental Risk Professionals to certifications@envriskpros.com, or navigate to the Get Certified page and complete the online certification request form. To request a copy of the certification request form, email certifications@envriskpros.com.

Does the CERC Certification expire?

The CERC Certification expires in conjunction with the expiration date of your insurance policy.

Is this CERC Certification similar to LEED?

No, LEED is a certification program for green building. CERC is a certification program for contractors that mitigate their environmental, health and safety risks and carry pollution insurance to respond in the event a pollution incident occurs during job performance.

Is CERC similar to other safety plans that are required by some insurance carriers?

No, CERC has no affiliation with any insurance carrier and is an optional certification. However, CERC may have a beneficial influence on the carrier’s future quotes, but Environmental Risk Professionals cannot provide any guarantees this will happen.

How does Environmental Risk Professionals know if a contractor is actively following the Pollution Prevention Practices?

 As part of the certification process, Environmental Risk Professionals requires a contractor to self-certify they have implemented the Pollution Prevention Practices. This process must be repeated each time the contractor renews their insurance policy if they wish to remain certified.

Restoration Contractors

Restoration Contractors are required to have the following minimum requirements:

  • Employees Trained on Pollution Prevention Practices
  • Contractors pollution liability coverage

In addition to the above, restoration contractors must also have one of the following certifications:

  • American Council for Accredited Certification
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • Any of the following Restoration Industry Association Certifications
    • – Certified Restorer
    • – Water Loss Specialist
    • – Contents Loss Specialist
    • – Certified Mold Specialist
  • Additional Training (can be added to Certificate)
    • – Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting
    • – Other (as specified)

Frequently Asked Questions for Restoration Contractors

What are the minimum requirements to become CERC certified?

The minimum requirements are described above and include pollution liability coverage, pollution prevention practices, and a certification from one of three different sources. For more information, contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-3468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com

What are Pollution Prevention Practices?

Pollution Prevention Practices  are described in detail Here

Do I have to have Pollution Prevention Practices from Environmental Risk Professionals?

Yes. CERC is a certification program that was created by Environmental Risk Professionals and requires Restoration Contractors to mitigate environmental risk by implementing Pollution Prevention Practices and carrying pollution insurance. CERC-approved Pollution Prevention Practices are only available through Environmental Risk Professionals.

How much do Pollution Prevention Practices Cost?

Pollution Prevention Practices are $250.00. The cost may be waived as part of the CERC program in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more details. If you do not have an agent, or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the insurance requirements of the CERC program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

I already have an insurance policy, how do I know if it qualifies for the CERC Program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

What does it cost to become CERC certified?

The certification fee is $750.00. The fee may be waived in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more details. If you do not have an agent or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the training requirements?

The training requirements are for your employees to read and understand the information provided in the Pollution Prevention Practices. In addition, you must be certified by the ACAC, RIA or IICRC. See minimum requirements for Restoration contractors described above the FAQ.

How much time and effort are required to become certified?

Once qualifying pollution coverage has been obtained, the time and effort is dependent on training your employees on the Pollution Prevention Practices. Once that is complete, you must notify Environmental Risk Professionals to receive your certificate.

Does Environmental Risk Professionals have a safety person that provides onsite training and/or inspections?

No, the certification process does not include training or inspections conducted by Environmental Risk Professionals personnel. If you are looking for ideas on how to train your employees, Environmental Risk Professionals suggests holding a short training session (e.g. a lunch and learn) with your employees and sharing the Pollution Prevention Practices with them. Keep a record of the training in your files. In lieu of a training session, share the Pollution Prevention Practices with your employees (e.g. email) and require them to sign off they have read and understand them. Be sure to keep a copy of the sign off sheet for your records.

I have the required insurance coverage and have trained my employees on the Pollution Prevention Practices. How do I get my certificate?

To obtain your CERC certificate you must either fill out and return the certification request form provided by Environmental Risk Professionals to certifications@envriskpros.com, or navigate to the Get Certified page and complete the online certification request form. To request a copy of the certification request form, email certifications@envriskpros.com.

Does the CERC Certification expire?

The CERC Certification expires in conjunction with the expiration date of your insurance policy.

Is this CERC Certification similar to LEED?

No, LEED is a certification program for green building. CERC is a certification program for contractors that mitigate their environmental, health and safety risks and carry pollution insurance to respond in the event a pollution incident occurs during job performance.

Is CERC similar to other safety plans that are required by some insurance carriers?

No, CERC has no affiliation with any insurance carrier and is an optional certification. However, CERC may have a beneficial influence on the carrier’s future quotes, but Environmental Risk Professionals cannot provide any guarantees this will happen.

How does Environmental Risk Professionals know if a contractor is actively following the Pollution Prevention Practices?

 As part of the certification process, Environmental Risk Professionals requires a contractor to self-certify they have implemented the Pollution Prevention Practices. This process must be repeated each time the contractor renews their insurance policy if they wish to remain certified.

Environmental Firms

Environmental Firms are required to have the following:

  • Contractors Pollution Liability Insurance coverage
  • OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER

In addition, the certificate can highlight any additional training that may help your company stand out even more including:

  •  EMR<= 1.0
  •  Asbestos Training
  •  First Aid and CPR
  •  Confined Space Entry
  •  Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting
  •  Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
  •  Written Health and Safety Program
  •  Other as specified

Frequently Asked Questions for Environmental Firms

What are the minimum requirements to become CERC certified?

To become CERC Certified, you must have qualifying pollution coverage and meet the minimum training requirements for employees described above.

What are the insurance requirements of the CERC program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

I already have an insurance policy, how do I know if it qualifies for the CERC Program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

What does it cost to become CERC certified?

The certification fee is $750.00. The fee may be waived in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more detail. If you do not have an agent or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the training requirements?

The minimum training requirements are for applicable employees to be OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER trained.

How much time and effort are required to become certified?

Once qualifying pollution coverage has been obtained, the time and effort is dependent on your verification that the minimum training requirements have been met. Once that is complete, you must notify Environmental Risk Professionals to receive your certificate.

Does Environmental Risk Professionals have a safety person that provides onsite training and/or inspections?

No, the certification process does not include training or inspections conducted by Environmental Risk Professionals personnel.

I have the required insurance coverage and meet the minimum training requirements. How do I get certified?

To obtain your CERC certificate you must either fill out and return the certification request form provided by Environmental Risk Professionals to certifications@envriskpros.com, or navigate to the Get Certified page and complete the online certification request form. To request a copy of the certification request form, email certifications@envriskpros.com.

Does the CERC Certification expire?

The CERC Certification expires in conjunction with the expiration date of your insurance policy.

Is this CERC Certification similar to LEED?

No, LEED is a certification program for green building. CERC is a certification program for contractors that mitigate their environmental, health and safety risks and carry pollution insurance to respond in the event a pollution incident occurs during job performance.

Is CERC similar to other safety plans that are required by some insurance carriers?

No, CERC has no affiliation with any insurance carrier and is an optional certification. However, CERC may have a beneficial influence on the carrier’s future quotes, but Environmental Risk Professionals cannot provide any guarantees this will happen.

Transporters

Transporters are required to have the following:

  • Employees trained on Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practices
  • Qualifying Pollution Liability Coverage

In addition, Transporter must have the following:

  • Employees with Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
  • Registered with the Federal or State Department of Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions for Transporters

What are the minimum requirements to become CERC certified?

The minimum requirements are described above and include pollution liability coverage, pollution prevention practices, best management practices, an active USDOT registration and drivers with CDL licenses . For more information, contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-3468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com

What are Pollution Prevention Practices?

Pollution Prevention Practices  are described in detail Here

Do I have to have Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practice from Environmental Risk Professionals?

Yes. CERC is a certification program that was created by Environmental Risk Professionals and requires Restoration Contractors to mitigate environmental risk by implementing Pollution Prevention Practices and carrying pollution insurance. CERC-approved Pollution Prevention Practices are only available through Environmental Risk Professionals.

How much do Pollution Prevention Practices Cost?

Pollution Prevention Practices are $250.00. The cost may be waived as part of the CERC program in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more details. If you do not have an agent, or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the insurance requirements of the CERC program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

I already have an insurance policy, how do I know if it qualifies for the CERC Program?

For insurance coverage requirements, please click Here. If you still have questions, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at  info@envriskpros.com.

What does it cost to become CERC certified?

The certification fee is $750.00. The fee may be waived in certain situations. Contact your insurance agent for more details. If you do not have an agent or if you would like a referral to an agent with knowledge of the CERC program, please contact Environmental Risk Professionals at 1-800-815-9468 or via email at info@envriskpros.com.

What are the training requirements?

The training requirements are for your employees to read and understand the information provided in the Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practices. In addition, you must employ drivers with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and the company must be registered with the Federal and/or State Department of Transportation.

How much time and effort are required to become certified?

Once qualifying pollution coverage has been obtained, the time and effort is dependent on training your employees on the Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practices. Once that is complete, you must notify Environmental Risk Professionals to receive your certificate.

Does Environmental Risk Professionals have a safety person that provides onsite training and/or inspections?

No, the certification process does not include training or inspections conducted by Environmental Risk Professionals personnel. If you are looking for ideas on how to train your employees, Environmental Risk Professionals suggests holding a short training session (e.g. a lunch and learn) with your employees and sharing the Pollution Prevention Practices with them. Keep a record of the training in your files. In lieu of a training session, share the Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practices with your employees (e.g. email) and require them to sign off they have read and understand them. Be sure to keep a copy of the sign off sheet for your records.

I have the required insurance coverage and have trained my employees on the Pollution Prevention Practices. How do I get my certificate?

To obtain your CERC certificate you must either fill out and return the certification request form provided by Environmental Risk Professionals to certifications@envriskpros.com, or navigate to the Get Certified page and complete the online certification request form. To request a copy of the certification request form, email certifications@envriskpros.com.

Does the CERC Certification expire?

The CERC Certification expires in conjunction with the expiration date of your insurance policy.

Is this CERC Certification similar to LEED?

No, LEED is a certification program for green building. CERC is a certification program for contractors that mitigate their environmental, health and safety risks and carry pollution insurance to respond in the event a pollution incident occurs during job performance.

Is CERC similar to other safety plans that are required by some insurance carriers?

No, CERC has no affiliation with any insurance carrier and is an optional certification. However, CERC may have a beneficial influence on the carrier’s future quotes, but Environmental Risk Professionals cannot provide any guarantees this will happen.

How does Environmental Risk Professionals know if a transporter is actively following the Pollution Prevention Practices?

 As part of the certification process, Environmental Risk Professionals requires a transporter to self-certify they have implemented the Pollution Prevention Practices. This process must be repeated each time the transporter renews their insurance policy if they wish to remain certified.