The Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS)
ESOS Phase 3 Compliance
ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria. It is the UK’s implementation of Article 8 (4 to 6) of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU). This directive sets out obligations to help Europe achieve its target of 20% energy reduction by 2020.
Organisations that qualify for ESOS must carry out comprehensive assessments of energy use and energy efficiency opportunities every 4 years.
We are now in Phase 3 of the scheme which runs from 6th December 2019 to 5th December 2023. This means that you can start working on your energy audits and identification of energy savings opportunities now.
ESOS Phase 3 Qualification Criteria
ESOS will apply to any UK organisation if it has > 250 employees or an annual turnover > 50 million euro (£38,937,777) and a balance sheet > 43 million euro (£33,486,489).
ESOS Assessment
If you qualify for ESOS and your organisation is fully covered by ISO 50001, you do not need to carry out an ESOS assessment. You just need to notify the Environment Agency that you are compliant with ESOS.
If you qualify for ESOS, but your organisation is not fully covered by ISO 50001, you need to carry out an ESOS assessment. The assessment helps you work out what your organisation needs to do to comply with ESOS regulations.
ESOS Phase 3 Guidance
The regulations require organisations that qualify to take the following steps before 5th December 2023.
- Measure total energy consumption for buildings, industrial processes and transport
- Conduct audits to identify cost-effective energy efficiency recommendations for areas of significant energy consumption
- Report compliance to the Environment Agency.
The environmental regulator may issue civil sanctions including financial penalties if your organisation doesn’t comply with the ESOS regulations.