UK businesses urged to get ready for new energy regulations

British business is being advised to get ready for the implementation of the UK’s response to the energy efficiency directive from the EU. 

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is currently putting the finishing touches to the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) which will required more than 7,000 businesses to produce detailed reports on their energy use.

Under the ESOS scheme any company with more than 250 employees, a turnover of more than €50m(£41.5m) or an annual balance sheet total of more than €43m (circa £35m) will now be affected.

Exact details, including penalties for non-compliance, will be revealed by DECC in June.

Global supply chain risk management firm Achilles is urging businesses to prepare now and get ahead of the game. Achilles runs the Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme (CEMARS), which measures energy use and emissions and to help organisations meet ISO accreditations.

Jon Williams, head of CSR and sustainability at Achilles, commented: “The ESOS scheme is already being seen by businesses as a real ‘double-edged sword. Many businesses don’t measure and record their energy use and face a big administrative burden unless they get external support.

“However, for those not already focused on carbon reduction and energy efficiency, ESOS compliance represents short-term pain for long-term gain. Ultimately, this is a fantastic opportunity for companies to save thousands of pounds on their energy bills while communicating positive messages on their achievements.”

The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive came into force in December 2012. It was agreed businesses affected would have to comply, and carry out energy audits within three years – with a deadline of December 2015.

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