Advice to big business: take early action ahead of ESOS Phase 3 deadline

With reports for Phase 3 of the UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) required by 5 June 2024, a testing, inspection and certification expert Claire McGeechan is advising participants to act now for robust understanding of their energy consumption.

A consultant at BM TRADA, McGeechan advises organisations to start preparing now, as the process requires access to data from December 2022 and a well-planned audit strategy. The scheme mandates audits of buildings, transport, and industrial processes to identify energy-saving opportunities.

ESOS applies to UK organisations with an annual turnover exceeding £44m, a balance sheet over £38m, or those employing at least 250 people in the UK. While the specifics of Phase 3 are yet to be confirmed, McGeechan suggests that ISO 50001 certification provides a clear framework for managing energy usage.

ISO 50001 is an energy management certification that helps understand energy usage, improve efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. It can be used for ESOS Phase 3 compliance, but the certification bodies and auditors must have the necessary accreditations, particularly UKAS accreditation, for the certification to be compliant under ESOS regulations.

Claire McGeechan comments:

“Although the deadline might seem a while away, there is no time to be complacent.Reports must be ready to submit before the deadline, which relies on access to data from December 2022 and an effective audit strategy. Neither of these aspects are quick wins so ensuring the right processes are in place is key. Compliance relies on having collated the right data over the required period, through comprehensive understanding of how and where energy is used, as well as the identification, commitment to and implementation of improvement actions.

“Although the data collection process should already be underway, it’s worth taking stock to prevent any gaps in processes. Energy management systems certification is therefore an ideal step and can help organisations prepare. Not only that, but it is a valuable way to demonstrate commitment to energy efficiency and the environment to customers, investors, and the wider community.

“To use ISO 50001 for ESOS compliance, the issuing certification body must be UKAS accredited otherwise certification will be non-compliant under the regulations. UKAS accreditation also provides confidence in the issuing body, and in turn, the competence of the organisation that has been certified.”

To find out more on BM TRADA’s certification services, please visit: https://www.element.com/certification/iso-50001-energy-management-certification