Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)

ESOS was introduced in 2014 to ensure large enterprises in the UK are energy efficient. Organisations that meet the qualification criteria are required to carry out a mandatory energy assessment every four years, with the intention of finding new ways to save energy. These assessments must be carried out during each official ESOS phase by an approved ESOS Lead Assessor.

An ESOS report will measure the energy consumption of buildings, transport and processes.

Organisations that are required to carry out ESOS assessments are those that meet the following criteria, as of the qualification date for each phase:

• Over 250 employees in the UK or
• An annual turnover exceeding €50m (£44.1m) or
• A balance sheet exceeding €43m (£37.9m)

Organisations subject to the Public Contracts Regulations (2006) are exempt.

The four currently laid out phases of ESOS are as follows:

An ESOS assessment will require 12 consecutive months of total consumption data, including the qualification date but not the compliance date. Energy covered by ISO 5001 is not required to be assessed. Once reviewed by a Lead Assessor to verify compliance, ESOS assessments are signed off at board member or director level within an organisation, usually by the managing director or finance director.

The ESOS scheme is managed by the Environment Agency in England, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Natural Resources Wales.

Qualifying organisations who fail to meet compliance deadlines are liable for a fine of £50,000, plus an additional fine of £800 per day up to a maximum of 80 days. False or misleading records can also result in a £50,000 fine.