New Energy Saving Assessments Proposed for Large Companies

The government yesterday announced its proposals for an Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), designed to enable companies to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and save money on energy bills. The scheme proposals, which remain open for consultation until 3rd October 2013, require large enterprises to undertake ESOS assessments in order to identify cost-effective ways to invest in energy efficiency.

Under the scheme, which is being developed as part of the UK’s implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, large companies (those with 250 employees or more) will be required to undertake energy efficiency audits by December 2015 and every four years thereafter.

Whilst there will be no legal requirement to implement energy saving measures identified through the new audits, the scheme is intended to raise awareness within large organisations of the potential for deriving business benefits through energy efficiency.

With net benefits of the scheme estimated at £1.9 billion, the ESOS anticipates to help businesses identify ways to save up to £56,400 per year in energy savings.

The consultation closes on 3rd October 2013, with legislation expected to come into force during 2014. For further information, click here.

If you need further help in understanding and managing the environmental responsibilities and impacts of your organisation, please contact our team of specialist environmental consultants. For further information about RiskWise Environmental Management, please visit the RiskWise website.