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
