The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the United Kingdom that are regarded as a ‘large undertaking’.

The scheme required compliance by 5 December 2015. More information on what is involved in ESOS and who it applies to can be found on the Gov.uk website.  

How is SEPA checking compliance with ESOS?

Following the compliance deadline, SEPA has now completed checks to ensure that all relevant organisations have completed the ESOS assessment process. We will now start the process of checking whether an organisations ESOS assessment complies with the requirements of the regulations.

We also want to encourage organisations to make the most of their ESOS assessment.

Implementing energy saving opportunities

ESOS legislation was developed to help large businesses recognise the business and financial benefits of implementing energy saving measures. Compliance with ESOS should not be seen as a regulatory ‘tick box’ exercise, but an opportunity to reduce risks while improving efficiency and profitability by implementing energy saving improvements.

SEPA’s Regulatory Strategy,  One Planet Prosperity , outlines our new statutory purpose to play a role in sustainable economic growth for Scotland. Our aim is to encourage more businesses to go beyond compliance by recognising the opportunities for profitability through resource efficiency and innovation.

It is not a mandatory requirement to implement the energy saving measures identified through your ESOS compliance audit process, instead, it is anticipated that the assessment will provide a strong, business case for action and implementation of the most feasible options. However, it is recognised that you may still need additional support to take these actions forward.

These organisations provide a wide range of support and information on resource efficiency for businesses, most of which is free. A summary of the support already available is provided below:

Further information

• Energy Technology List
• Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
• Resource Efficient Scotland suppliers database

Contact us

If you have any questions or require any further information or advice on any aspect of ESOS, please contact us.