Guide to how large retailers can comply with ESOS phase two

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Energy has published a free guide to how large retailers can prepare for compliance with phase two of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS).

The mandatory energy assessment scheme requires 'large undertakings', such as businesses with more than 250 employees, or a turnover in excess of 50 million Euros, to measure their total energy consumption and identify energy efficiency opportunities.

The overall deadline is 5 December 2019, but businesses must first assess whether they are required to participate in ESOS by the qualification date of 31 December 2018.

participated in ESOS Phase 1 must repeat the but cannot use the same data, which must be based on at least one year's energy measurement. There are also likely to be a number of new organisations that now qualify for the second phase of ESOS due to a growth in employee numbers or turnover.

Energy's user-friendly guide explains the qualifying criteria and key deadlines, as well as the various routes to ESOS compliance, such as ISO 150001 accreditation, energy surveys, Display Energy Certificates, and Green Deal Assessments. The document also outlines the data requirements that must be submitted and the potential penalties for non-compliance.

Richard Smith, Director of Business Strategy at Energy, said: "Our guide is intended to clear up confusion about the qualification criteria for ESOS and the steps that need to be taken to comply with the legislation. For those businesses taking the ISO 150001 route to compliance, it is particularly important to take action now as it can often take well over 12 months to achieve certification and put in place a high performing energy management system.

"Allowing plenty of time will avoid the last minute bottlenecks experienced in phase one and reduce the risk of penalties for while bringing forward cost savings from improved energy efficiency. "

Energy's in-house team of Chartered Energy Managers are all approved ESOS Lead Assessors and have supported more than 150 organisations in managing their compliance requirements under phase one of the scheme. Assessors identified energy saving opportunities ranging from 5 to 20% and is working with many of these businesses to implement the energy efficiency improvements.