The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme is now into its third phase. Designed to help organisations meet necessary sustainability goals, it’s driving positive business change in relation to both cost and environmental considerations.
Otherwise known as the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme, ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme which was introduced by the UK government to drive progress in large organisations. Its aim is to ensure that enterprises of a certain size and annual energy consumption take the necessary steps to improve their energy efficiency – both to drive savings and reduce their carbon footprint. They can do this by having ESOS compliance.
But how exactly does the scheme work, and is your business one of the many who must meet the compliance criteria?
What is ESOS?
ESOS applies to the many businesses across the UK who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Over 250 employees
- Turnover in excess of £44 million
- An overseas organisation with over 250 employees in the UK
- An annual balance sheet totalling of more than £38 million
- A company which is part of a larger organisation that falls into any of the above categories
The scheme is estimated to impact around 10,000 businesses in the UK, as only one of the above criteria is necessary in order for compliance to become mandatory.
What are the benefits of ESOS?
Mandatory government schemes can often be met with scepticism and criticism due to the fact that the criteria must be met. It’s all too easy to imagine mountains of paperwork, red tape and hurdles to contend with, but the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme has been designed in order to make things easier for large organisations.
Not only does ESOS help to raise awareness of energy consumption issues, but it also ensures that companies are running as efficiently as possible. For businesses, this has two distinct benefits: helping to reduce carbon emissions and helping to lower energy bills. This is a win–win situation, helping support green initiatives while also reducing monthly overheads.
Businesses who accurately factor the scheme into their budgets can enjoy greater budget certainty, while securing a qualified lead assessor can help organisations gain peace of mind. ESOS is designed to help organisations take control with clear guidelines and minimal disruption.
When do you need to comply by?
The initial deadline of ESOS phase 1 has long since passed, taking place in December 2015. All of the businesses involved in the scheme are required to carry out assessments every 4 years in order to maintain compliance. The dates for each phase of ESOS are as follows:
Phase 1 Compliance Dates: 31st December 2014 – 5th December 2015
Phase 2 Compliance Dates: 31st December 2018 – 5th December 2019
Phase 3 Compliance Dates: 31st December 2022 – 5th December 2023
ESOS regulations require organisations to assess their energy use every four years, seeking out new efficiency opportunities. This can help businesses enjoy long term sustainability benefits.
Consultiv Utilities can help you achieve ESOS compliance
Achieving ESOS compliance can take work. But Consultiv Utilities are on hand to help ensure that your organisation is ESOS compliant with minimal disruption and maximum benefit.
Whether you took part in Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the scheme, or whether your organisation is new to the initiative, we are ready to assist you on your ESOS journey right away.
We will conduct audits to ensure that the overall process can run as smoothly as possible, maximising the time you have to achieve compliance. With our support, ESOS compliance can be a simple and rewarding process.
Are you ready to achieve compliance? Get in touch with the team at Consultiv Utilities today.
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