What are the advantages of combining ESOS and SECR?

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) are two government-mandated schemes to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in UK businesses. While they have different requirements, there are many benefits to combining your approach to fulfilling them.

What's the difference between ESOS and SECR?

Both ESOS and SECR require businesses to collect and report energy data, but there is a fundamental difference between the two. ESOS requires businesses to identify and implement energy efficiency measures, whereas SECR involves reporting energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Combining both ESOS and SECR can deliver several benefits for your business:

• Efficiency: By combining the two schemes, businesses can save time and resources by collecting and reporting data only once.
• Lighten the workload: SECR data is reported annually, whereas ESOS follows a four-year cycle. Using more up-to-date data lessens the initial audit process for ESOS which can be time-consuming.
• Improved decision-making: Understanding your energy consumption and carbon emissions empowers your organisation to make more informed decisions about energy efficiency measures.
• Reduced compliance risk: Complying with both schemes at once reduces the risk of fines or penalties.
• Better communication: Responsibility for complying for each regulation may fall to different individuals or even departments. Combining the two allows for better communication and avoiding duplication or inconsistent data.

How to combine ESOS and SECR

There are a few different ways to combine ESOS and SECR. One option is to use a single energy management system that can collect and report data for both schemes, such as our Pulse Net Zero platform. Alternatively, you can use separate systems but integrate them so the data is easily shared between the two. You can also manage the data for them both manually through a spreadsheet, but this will leave you open to the risk of inaccuracies through human error.

The best way to combine ESOS and SECR will depend on the specific needs of the business. For some organisations streamlining everything into one platform makes sense whereas others will utilise two solutions for contractual or preference purposes. However you do it, combining meeting both regulations will save time, money, and resources while improving energy efficiency and reducing their environmental impact.

Here's a round-up of how to combine your ESOS and SECR compliance:

• Start by identifying the data that you need to collect for both schemes.
• Choose a system that can collect and report this data efficiently.
• If using multiple systems, integrate them to easily share the data.
• Get buy-in from all stakeholders, including senior management, employees, and customers.
• Set clear goals and objectives for the combined program.
• Monitor and report on progress regularly.