IGNORE ESOS AT YOUR PERIL – EMEX PROVIDES ANSWERS

The introduction of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme has been a long time coming, with information being drip-fed into the market place for some time. However, 5 December is the deadline that large enterprises have been given to ascertain whether or not they are in scope of the legislation: it’s approaching fast. Following this phase, enterprises will then have to assess their overall position on energy consumption over the next year. The legislation derives from the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) that came into force 4 December 2012.

This update identifies the key features of the directive and the government’s proposed light-touch approach to its implementation.

Those interested in the detail can find the key requirements for ESOS in Article 8 and the associated Annexes of the EED. Those who have not read the directive cover-to-cover will be interested in attending the Environment Agency briefing and the “Practical Implications of ESOS” expert panel, to be held on 19 November at EMEX, The Energy Management Exhibition, Excel London 19-20 November 2014.

The legislation will almost certainly increase the need for enterprises to appoint permanent energy managers — a role facility managers are ideally placed to take up having been provided with the appropriate training.

Certainly the numbers support this case. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change the assessments will cost approximately £17,000 in the first instance and £10,000 for each subsequent assessment. However each business could save on average £56,400 per year.

Jo Scully, the Environment Agency’s ESOS Project Manager, will explain how organisations can meet the compliance deadline and how compliance is to be evidenced. Guidance will be given on the importance of maintaining records, training and the role of approved “lead assessors” in carrying out or signing off ESOS assessments. Following Jo, an expert panel led by the Energy Managers Association and The Energy Institute will discuss ESOS’s practical effects and how to make the scheme work for your business.

“This panel session is ‘required listening’ for all organisations that will be affected by ESOS and forms a good introduction to the legislation while at the same time allowing attendees to ask questions”, says Lord Redesdale CEO of the Energy Managers Association.

Alternatively The Environment Agency has produced a helpful 90 page guide. This and much more, including exclusive case studies, presentations and panel sessions, will be showcased at EMEX.