The Dept of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced the results of its consultation for the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), which includes using registered lead energy assessors.

ESOS is the UK’s way to implement Article 8 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and introduces mandatory energy audits for non-SMEs. ESOS is expected to result in cost benefits of £1.6bn to the 9,400 participating businesses. The scheme demonstrates the real cost benefits of practical energy saving actions, which are also exemplified by winners of the CIBSE Building Performance Awards.

Set out in Parliament on 26 June, the ESOS Regulations require that the lead ESOS energy assessors be sourced from existing schemes run by professional bodies such as the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants register. ESOS applies to all non-SMEs that are not public bodies and covers energy used in buildings, transport and industrial processes.

CIBSE technical director Hywel Davies said: “DECC has recognised the need for qualified and expert energy assessors like CIBSE’s for this important scheme, which will help large enterprises realise the real business benefits of taking action to improve their energy efficiency.

“By not setting up yet another new scheme DECC have been able to ensure that the average cost to a business for an ESOS assessment will be around £17,500. The anticipated average savings from acting on the recommendations made are approximately ten times that figure, so this is potentially very beneficial to participating businesses.”

All participants must produce results for an ESOS-compliant assessment by 5 December 2015 and will continue the scheme in four year phases. Existing energy management assessments such as ISO50001, Display Energy Certificates (DECs) with Advisory Reports and Green Deal Assessments can provide compliance or part compliance. Unless companies have a certified ISO50001 energy management system that covers the whole organisation, or the group of organisations with whom they are participating, they will also need a lead auditor to review their overall compliance with ESOS.

CIBSE requires its registered assessors to embrace an extensive knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance. It also requires participants to comply with conduct and impartiality standards and includes mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements to ensure that their competence, skills and knowledge are current, as required for ESOS. CIBSE has been consulted in the process of developing the ESOS standards, PAS and accreditation arrangements and is committed to developing the scheme to meet the ESOS requirements and deliver cost effective energy assessments to a high standard.

The timetable, regulations and associated guidance are now available via www.cibse.org/esos. The Environment Agency will administer ESOS alongside its role managing the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

For more information on contacting CIBSE Energy Assessors or on the requirements for registration email epc@cibsecertification.org with ESOS in the subject line.

To find out more about CIBSE Energy Assessors visit: www.cibse.org/energy