Less than 4% of ESOS-eligible companies have completed required energy audit

The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) requires all large companies in the United Kingdom to undertake energy audits at least once every four years, with the first compliance deadline set for 5th December 2015. According to the most recent statistics, only 371 out of the estimated 10,000 obligated companies (3.7%) have completed their energy audits.

However, in its latest ESOS newsletter the Environment Agency announced a new extension for ESOS assessment with the following key points:

• Enforcement actions will not be taken provided notification is received by 29th January 2016.
• Organisations committed to achieving ISO50001 have until 30 June 2016 to achieve certification.
• Qualifying organisations who are unable to comply by 5th December 2015 must notify the Environment Agency, justifying why they are unable to comply and the likely date by which they will be compliant.
• Domestic level energy consumption does not require fully-compliant energy audits.
• Organisations with zero energy consumption need only declare to the Environment Agency.
• Three-month derogation period between enforcement notice and any civil actions.
• Enforcement and civil action only to be sought in the most serious cases of non-compliance.

Whilst this provides some relief for those companies who are currently, or yet to start, undertaking energy auditing activity, it is in effect only a four week extension after accounting for the Christmas break. Therefore, companies are still encouraged to engage an ESOS Lead Assessor as soon as possible.

For more information on how Delta-Simons can assist your organisation to comply with ESOS, please contact Dan Ellis, Sustainability Consultant.