As we edge closer to 2050, the UK Government needs to take drastic action if we are to deliver our Net Zero Carbon commitments. With the pressure on, many policies and procedures are under scrutiny to ensure they achieve optimum results, including the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS). Changes to the Scheme came into force at the end of 2023 - we take a look at what you need to know.
What is ESOS?
ESOS is a UK legislation which mandates organisations to audit their estates and establish opportunities for saving energy.
Who does ESOS apply to?
ESOS applies to your organisation if:
Changes to Phase 3 of ESOS have been introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) following a consultation on proposals to strengthen and improve ESOS.
The consultation aimed to make the scheme work for UK businesses and focused on seeking ways to improve the quality of ESOS audits by strengthening the minimum requirements and standardising the process. Aligning ESOS with Net Zero Carbon target requirements has also been addressed.
The majority of changes are suggested for implementation in Phase 4 with a qualification date of 2026. However, there are a number of changes that will apply from Phase 3 onwards that businesses will be required to follow.
What’s changing in Phase 3?
What’s changing in Phase 4 onwards?
What’s changing in Phase 5 onwards?
By including a Net Zero Carbon element and measuring GHG emissions, recommendations that may not have fallen under ESOS scope before, will now be incorporated and their implementation will be monitored. For example the elimination of fossil fuels such as a gas boiler, or on-site renewable energy generation might not have previously been ESOS recommendations, but they will be considered now. This, as well as including medium-sized organisations down the line, will help the UK reach its 2050 Net Zero carbon targets.
Compliance with such policies will entail CAPEX costs for businesses. With this in mind, Government-led financial incentives to support this transition would be welcomed. Also, the huge cost savings that can be gained from ESOS would provide much needed help to tackle current rising energy costs.
Tackling compliance earlier on in the process is always recommended, the earlier you engage with the process, the more likely you are to achieve success and identify potential cost savings.
Our team have extensive experience in carrying out both ESOS and Net Zero Carbon audits and strategy advice. We can help you comply with ESOS, implement robust energy management systems, create action plans and set targets for energy efficiency.
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Your contact information:
All fields are mandatory *
RPS is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We will only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you have requested. We would also like to contact you about our products and services, as well as other content that may be of interest to you.