What is ESOS?
Let’s start with the basics and discuss what ESOS is, and how it came about. In 2012, the Energy Efficiency Directive was set out by the EU to reach its 20% energy efficiency target by 2020. ESOS is the UK’s response to ‘Article 8’ of the Energy Efficiency Directive, with the aim to cut carbon emissions. This will be done by requiring large businesses to identify energy reduction measures and make energy savings. Thousands of large UK organisations will be affected by the scheme.
What do I need to do?
An approved ESOS Lead Assessor will undertake an energy audit on large companies every four years. All large companies must undertake this audit. The audits will include the estimated total energy consumption of the organisation, this will cover buildings, industrial processes and transport. The audit well then help to identify energy saving opportunities, and must be signed off by a board-level director before being submitted to the Environment Agency.
The scheme requires large companies to take action now, as the first deadline for all paperwork to be submitted will be 5 December 2015.
Do I comply?
Your organisation qualifies if it meets the ESOS definition of a large undertaking. So, what is the definition of a large undertaking?
A large undertaking is:
- any UK company that either employs 250 or more people, or
- has an annual turnover in excess of 50 million euro (£38,937,777), and an annual balance sheet total in excess of 43 million euro (£33,486,489)
- an overseas company with a UK registered establishment which has 250 or more UK employees (paying income tax in the UK)
How can I find out more?
More information on ESOS can be found on the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-savings-opportunity-scheme-esos#check-if-you-need-to-comply
