Everything you need to know about ESOS phase 3

Updated: 16 April 2024
Published: 25 April 2022

The government’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) aims to boost the energy efficiency of UK businesses. It’s a mandatory programme that applies to larger UK companies with a specified turnover and headcount.

As part of ESOS, qualifying businesses must track and report energy usage across their buildings, processes and transport. They’re also encouraged to find cost-effective ways to cut consumption.

The scheme runs in four-year phases. We’re currently in phase 3, and the countdown to compliance has begun.

Here’s how to ready your operations for the 5 June 2024 ESOS phase 3 deadline – and why it’s wise not to wait.

Book an ESOS energy audit

Update: Changes to ESOS reporting system and compliance notification deadline extended to 6 August 2024

The ESOS reporting system will be released in two stages, with no enforcement action being taken against organisations until 6 August 2024 – as long as they register their account(s) in the system by 5 June 2024.

Update: Compliance deadline extended to 5 June 2024

The deadline for compliance with phase 3 of ESOS has been extended to 5 June 2024 (from the previous deadline of 5 December 2023). This is to allow participants to meet the new requirements and for assessors to carry out assessments.

What information will be made publicly available from the ESOS phase 3 notification document?

What should you have in your ESOS Evidence Pack?

Does my business qualify for ESOS phase 3?

The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme applies to companies in the UK and overseas that meet the certain criteria on 31 December 2022.

You need to carry out an ESOS assessment if you have:

More than 250 employees in the UK; or
A turnover exceeding £44.1m AND a balance sheet exceeding £37.9m

Whole corporate groups also qualify if at least one UK group company meets these measures.

If you took part in the two previous ESOS phases, it’s likely you’ll need to participate in phase 3.

You can check the complete government guidance here.

My company qualifies for ESOS. What do I need to do?

ESOS assessment is a six-stage journey – from measuring energy use to Environment Agency reporting and recordkeeping.

Working with a trusted partner can streamline the process, helping you navigate audit requirements and ensure your submission fully complies with ESOS guidance.

1. Calculate your business’s total energy consumption

You’re required to measure all energy use across your premises, industrial processes and fleet.

Under ESOS, energy is defined as combustible fuels, heat, renewable energy, electricity and transport fuel.

Your assessment should cover a representative sample of your operations and sites, and results should be presented in a common unit, such as pounds sterling or kilowatt-hours.

2. Identify and audit areas of significant energy consumption

Pinpoint which assets and activities account for at least 95% of your overall energy usage. Up to 5% of your energy consumption can be classed as ‘de minimis’ and omitted from your calculations.

Once you’ve identified your highest consumption areas, you need to audit them against minimum government requirements.

Any energy audits conducted between December 2019 and December 2023 count towards ESOS compliance.

3. Create an ESOS compliance plan

Use your audit results to map out energy-saving opportunities. Your plans should outline practical ways to minimise waste and improve energy efficiency – and detail their estimated cost benefits.

An experienced sustainability consultant can produce a comprehensive ESOS compliance plan, including innovative and achievable solutions – from installing EV charge points to embracing renewable energy and alternative fuels.

4. Appoint a lead assessor to review your report

A lead assessor oversees your energy audits and signs off your final ESOS assessment.

They can be a professionally registered employee, but working with an external specialist can guarantee compliance and place decades of industry experience on your side.

5. Notify the Environment Agency

When your ESOS assessment is complete, you need to submit your notification of compliance to the Environment Agency.

6. Keep accurate compliance records

You’re expected to maintain records of how you’ve complied with ESOS in an evidence pack – and you’re free to choose the format.

Are there penalties for not complying with ESOS?

Yes, and they’re getting steeper.

Failure to notify the Environment Agency, for example, can lead to an initial penalty of up to £5,000 and a daily fine of up to £500 for each working day of non-compliance.

Making a false or misleading statement could lead to fees of up to £50,000.

When should my business begin its ESOS assessment?

As soon as possible.

The deadline for ESOS submissions is 5 June 2024, but it pays to get ahead of the curve.

In previous phases, organisations that delayed their audit faced a shortage of lead assessors and a race to secure the right expertise.

Early action means early benefits, including measurable cost savings, energy efficiencies and the confidence of total compliance.

Our ESOS support ensures you meet Environment Agency requirements and transform energy use for the long term.

What has changed in ESOS phase 3?

The ‘de minimis’ threshold for ESOS phase 3 has reduced from 10% to 5%. This means you now need to ensure that 95% of your total energy consumption is covered by an appropriate ESOS energy audit.

The Environment Agency have indicated that businesses will not be allowed to simply replicate the same historical ESOS energy audits for ESOS phase 3. They expect to see different and progressive energy audits, rather than ‘tick-box’ compliance activity.

Proposed changes to phase 4 of ESOS will require you to link energy and carbon and have a decarbonisation plan alongside your energy audit. We offer this as standard, so get ahead of the curve with ESOS phase 3 and ensure your business is on the road to decarbonisation.

Book an ESOS energy audit