With reports for Phase 3 of the UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) required by 5 June 2024, a leading testing, inspection and certification expert is advising participants to act now for robust understanding of their energy consumption.
The mandatory efficiency assessment and monitoring scheme requires engaged organisations to conduct audits of their buildings, transport and industrial processes with the aim of identifying saving opportunities. Ahead of the compliance deadline, Claire McGeechan, consultant at BM TRADA, is prompting imminent action.
“Although the deadline might seem a while away, there is no time to be complacent.” said Claire. “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.”
Under ESOS, UK organisations with an annual turnover in excess of £44m and annual balance sheet of over £38m, or those that employ at least 250 people in the UK, must submit a report every four years. The specifics of Phase 3 remain unconfirmed, however, Claire believes ISO 50001 certification provides a clear framework for managing energy usage.
“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.”
ISO 50001 is an energy management certification that provides a framework to understand energy usage and improve efficiency while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. It is a means of compliance for ESOS Phase 3.
Claire also urges organisations to ensure awarding bodies and auditors have the necessary accreditations.
“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 information on BM TRADA’s certification services, please visit: https://www.element.com/certification/iso-50001-energy-management-certification
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