What is the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)?
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria. Qualifying organisations must carry out ESOS assessments every four years.
These assessments are audits of the energy used by their buildings, industrial processes, and transport to identify cost-effective energy-saving measures. The third phase of the scheme must be completed by 5th June 2024. Download our helpful guide and start preparing for ESOS Phase 3 now.
Phase 3 timeline
We’ve helped over 100 UK businesses achieve ESOS compliance by conducting energy audits and fulfilling the necessary reporting requirements for Phases 1 & 2.
The typical process for ESOS is as follows:
Step 1: Determine eligibility for ESOS
Step 2: Allocate one of our ESOS compliant Lead Assessors to the project
Step 3: Evaluate energy consumption, review estate portfolio and determine what site surveys are required applying an appropriate sampling regime
Step 4: Complete the necessary site surveys
Step 5: Issue site survey reports
Step 6: Compile energy consumption covering a 12-month period that includes the qualification date of 31st December 2022
Step 7: Finalise report, obtain board-level signoff and register relevant consumption data and report findings with the Environment Agency
Our Guide to ESOS Phase 3
For more information please fill out the form below to download our helpful guide to ESOS Phase 3.
ESOS regulation and penalties
Your environmental regulator is responsible for compliance and enforcement activities. It may issue civil sanctions, including financial penalties, if an organisation does not meet the scheme’s obligations.
What are the benefits of complying with ESOS?
If your organisation complies with ESOS, then you will benefit from:- A reduction in your energy consumption
- Identify a number of cost saving opportunities
- Understand ways to lower your carbon emissions
Summary of key changes for Phase 3
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The de minimis exemption is to be reduced from 10% to 5% of total energy consumption.
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Reporting will become standardised to boost audit quality. A new template will be provided that lead Assessors will use for reporting.
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ESOS reports will require an overall energy intensity metric in the overview section. Suggested metric include kWh/m2 for buildings, kWh/unit output for your industry as well as kWh/miles travelled for transport.
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Half-hourly consumption data will be analysed and included within reports.
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A target or action plan to be submitted once Phase 3 concludes, which will be a reporting requirement for Phase 4.
Read our latest ESOS related news
30/11/2023
[Watch-on demand] Enhancing ESOS: Phase 3 & beyond
Trident's head of sales and marketing, Richard Holdsworth interviewed sustainability engineer and qualified ESOS Lead Assessor Derek Tonge about the proposed changes outlined by the Government in its consultation response and the impact of these changes on Phase 3 of ESOS and beyond.
30/11/2023
ESOS Phase 3 deadline – Dates for your diary
The next key date in the diary is 31st December 2022. If your company meets the conditions for ESOS on that date, you must comply.
30/11/2023
Government consultation could lead to ESOS reforms
The government has launched a consultation, seeking views on proposed changes to the scope and scale of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). The measures aim to improve the uptake of energy efficiency measures and increase the benefits for participating businesses.
Other compliance services
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)
