ESOS Compliance: Environment Agency Enforcement
Environment Agency enforcement teams are actively seeking an estimated 1,500 businesses that are non-compliant with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS).
Large undertakings and businesses employing 250 staff or more at 31/12/2014 or with a turnover greater than €50m (approximately £38m) were required to review their energy consumption in a format prescribed by the Environment Agency.
The necessary review, which had to be completed by 5th December 2015, covered all energy types before being reviewed by a Board Level Director and approved by an accredited ESOS Lead Assessor.
Risks
Several risks exist for ESOS non-compliance – notably enforcement action and fines through the civil courts which the Environment Agency is becoming increasingly effective in securing. Any enforcement action will include a requirement to complete ESOS.
Significantly the Environment Agency has highlighted corporate structure as the most common risk area and therefore businesses are reminded to consider this in the widest sense.
If a large undertaking forms part of a corporate structure (on 31/12/14) then all undertakings within the structure must comply with ESOS.
Mitigation
The Environment Agency has been clear from the outset that undertakings significantly enhance their mitigation against enforcement action if the ESOS process has been started by firstly appointing a Lead Assessor.
We can help
Our experienced team of ESOS Lead Assessors can help you to reach a position of compliance promptly and efficiently. ESOS is intended to help you to identify opportunities to reduce energy use and while compliance may be your first priority, the benefits from achieving this can be significant – we would be pleased to help you.
Call today for a discussion about how we can support you.
