ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) is a new piece of EU legislation that presents significant opportunities for large businesses in the UK. The latest predictions from the government suggest that ESOS could bring savings of almost £2 bn nationwide.
What do I need to know about ESOS?
The main thing you need to know about ESOS is that if it applies to you, you must comply, and you must do so before 5th December 2015.
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for large UK organisations, and has been implemented to address specific requirements of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. If your organisation qualifies for ESOS, you must carry out assessments every four years. These assessments are used to measure the energy spent on business operations and processes in order to identify and implement cost-effective energy saving measures. The assessment will look at a number of factors, such as the energy used within your premises, and by transport and industrial processes.
Do I qualify for ESOS?
To be classed as a large organisation, your organisation will need to fulfil the requirements of ESOS. Your organisation will be affected by ESOS legislation if:
- you have more than 250 UK employees, or you have fewer than 250 employees, but have:
(i) an annual turnover that exceeds €43 m (£33,486,489); and
(ii) a balance sheet that exceeds €43 m (£33,486,489); or - your organisation is a member of a corporate group that contains a large enterprise.
How can I ensure that I comply with ESOS?
Complying with ESOS may seem like a challenge when you first get started, but the process is fairly simple. To ensure you maintain compliance, you will need to:
- Determine whether your organisation qualifies for ESOS
- Appoint somebody to act as a lead assessor who will be responsible for ESOS compliance
- Assess your total energy consumption
- Complete ESOS energy assessments for each phase of compliance, and identify any opportunities for energy saving
- Report to the Environment Agency to ensure compliance
Another route to compliance is ISO 14001, and whilst it is not a direct route to compliance, it is a good place to start for most qualifying organisations. It is also a good base if you wish to gain ISO 50001 (energy management) certification.
ESOS is so much more than compliance however, and will help your organisation lower energy consumption, make significant cost savings, and reduce your carbon emissions. Get started today so that you meet your obligations well before the 5th December deadline.
