A new energy audit scheme was launched last week to encourage businesses to invest in energy efficiency. It requires all large businesses in the UK to undertake mandatory assessments looking at energy use and energy efficiency opportunities at least once every four years.
ESOS applies to large UK undertakings and their corporate groups that:
- employs at least 250 persons; or
- employs fewer than 250 persons but has an annual turnover in excess of 50 million euro and an annual balance sheet in excess of 43 million euro
SMEs will not be required to participate unless they are part of a large corporate group enterprise. They will be able to carry out ESOS assessments on a voluntary basis and the government encourages SMEs to consider such voluntary action.
ESOS assessments will look at key buildings, transportation and industrial/commercial processes and examine data about their energy usage in order to recommend cost-effective measures to save organisations energy and money.
With the rising cost of electricity all users of energy must look at short, medium and long term strategies. Short term plans include buying smarter and more flexibly. Medium term plans include behavioural and small technological changes such as staff engagement and recycling, installing Building Management Systems and LED lighting. Load shifting of energy usage has also provided savings and an income to UK clients that participate in the National Grid’s Frequency Response scheme, earning up to £30,000 per annum.
Long term plans are more capital intensive. These include the use of gas to power engines (CHP) and providing clients the opportunity to switch fuel usage from purchasing electricity to gas. This saves clients an average of 20 percent of their energy spends.
Call alfaenergy’s energy efficiency team to see how we can assist you: 0208 090 1834
