What is ESOS, and why it’s important
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) supports UK businesses in improving energy efficiency, cutting costs, and reducing carbon emissions. It’s a critical step towards achieving the UK’s net-zero goals.
Launched in 2014, the scheme requires eligible businesses to conduct an energy audit every four years. These audits identify practical ways to save energy and reduce waste, helping businesses operate more sustainably while maintaining performance.
Early engagement for ESOS Phase 4
Getting ahead on Phase 4 ensures you maximise the benefits of energy efficiency improvements. Starting early helps you secure a Lead Assessor, skip the last-minute rush, and prepare for success.
Preparing early helps you go through audit findings and set up energy-saving steps at your pace and within your budget. This proactive approach reduces stress, spreads out costs, and maximises energy efficiency gains over time.
Early planning also means you can work closely with energy consultants, building a collaborative partnership that drives better results. If Phase 3 felt overwhelming, Phase 4 is an opportunity to plan smarter. Make it a more organised, rewarding process that delivers lasting energy savings, cost reductions, and sustainability benefits.
Start crafting your ESOS action plan
Ready to begin your ESOS action plan? Start, customise your plan, and track your progress by following these steps.
Getting started
After submitting your compliance notification for the third compliance date, it’s time to map out your action plan. This should cover:
- Your energy goals: Outline the steps you plan to take to reduce energy consumption.
- Timing: Specify when you plan to implement these measures.
- ESOS recommendations: Identify whether your audit recommended each action.
- Expected savings: Estimate the energy savings you aim to achieve over the four years of the action plan.
- Savings calculations: Describe how you arrived at these savings estimates.
Submit your action plan by 5th December 2024, with approval from a board-level director or senior equivalent.
The extended deadline for Action Plan submissions (5th of March 2025) has now passed.
How ESOS supports your net zero journey
Your first step to net zero
ESOS is more than just a compliance requirement; it’s a meaningful step toward achieving net zero. Through its structured audits, the scheme helps you spot real, actionable energy-saving opportunities. That means tangible improvements in your carbon footprint, bringing your organisation closer to its carbon reduction targets.
A holistic approach to carbon reduction
With ESOS, you see the full picture of your energy usage. Giving a chance to assess how and where you're using energy and to find ways to cut down. Implementing the recommendations from your audit is a powerful move towards reducing emissions in line with your sustainability targets.
Aligning compliance with carbon goals
ESOS fits seamlessly into your carbon strategy, ensuring compliance and long-term growth. It provides insights that save money, reduce emissions, and keep you on target with regulations and climate goals.
Download your ESOS checklist
We’ve covered every essential step so that you can feel confident and prepared. Make compliance simple and get a clear path to energy savings right here.
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