As most of us know, the Government’s ESOS programme aims to revolutionise energy efficiency in UK businesses.
But for better or worse, it only mandates that firms carry out an audit of their efficiency status. No legal requirement for installation of improvements exists.
Therefore, it is down to individual firms to take up the mantle, and deliver the step change in energy efficiency so badly required.
The top 5 ways to ensure ESOS audit recommendations are delivered in 2016
1) Maintaining board engagement
The Guardian writes that low cost changes in building operations can save from 5% to 30% of building energy usage, but often these changes aren’t made.
‘Policy, rate structures and utilities all make a difference, but in the end, the motivation for change remains with corporate entities and individuals,’ the paper concludes.
In other words, board members must get fully behind ESOS recommendations. They will need clear arguments pressing for the urgency of change and clear costings to support this.
These are best delivered through an insightful presentation, describing why embedding recommendations now futureproofs a business, and offers genuine cash benefits and quick payback.
2) Upfront costs & ROI
Upfront costs and financing are often one of the main barriers to implementing energy efficient upgrades. Therefore creating a compelling argument that considers ROI and payback is essential. These should be placed within the context of today’s worrying energy security and energy pricing fears.
Commentators estimate the UK is heading towards a 40 to 55 per cent energy supply gap by 2025. Market forces will ensure this directly translates into significantly higher energy costs. A recent report confirms this could weaken the UK’s energy security, and is likely to lead to higher electricity costs.
Thus, any financial argument for embedding ESOS recommendations must place upfront costs within the context of future savings, and within the additional security against blackouts that energy efficiency provides.
3) Moving ESOS away from the compliance team
For ESOS to be effective, it must be far more than a tick box exercise. It must be seen as a starting point for implementing meaningful energy efficiency.
Where compliance teams are tasked with ESOS, all too often its potential remains unrealised. Pass management over to the energy team, who understand the costs, risks and implications more clearly, and are better equipped to drive home the benefits.
4) CSR, branding & reputational benefit
The Government wants firms to be energy efficient; that’s why ESOS exists. Capitalising on the CSR and branding opportunities from making your improvements should be a no brainer.
And remember, taking efficiency steps may not be mandatory now, but it might be soon. Then, competition will rise, as will the costs and the availability of installers. Get ahead of the game and sell your firm as a disruptive leader.
5) Seek out experts in energy efficiency technologies
There are a myriad of ways in which companies can become more energy efficient, and there is no ‘one size fits all’, so it is worth seeking trusted advice.
However, in all cases, a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions should begin with the incoming electricity supply. This is where Efficient Power Solutions’ eVO+R dynamic voltage optimisation (or ‘VO’) comes in: it ensures continuity of supply and increased resilience against an ever more unstable electrical supply grid.
Efficient Power Solutions also offers further energy saving solutions, such as Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), which control the speed of motors, fans and pumps, and bespoke Monitoring and Targeting (M&T) services that track energy use and identify scope for reduction. This powerful option will deliver future savings right across your estate, and continue ESOS benefits long into the future.
