It has been revealed that just 150 of 14,000 qualifying businesses
have carried out an ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) energy audit, with
the 5 December deadline fast approaching. The information came to light after a
Freedom of Information request was carried out by Veolia.
ESOS was introduced by the UK government in order to comply
with the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, which commands that all its member
states must force large organisations to carry out periodic energy audits.
By law, businesses employing at least 250 people or those
with an annual turnover of over £39 million must have their energy-management
systems audited. The aim of this mandatory scheme is to help organisations establish
areas where energy-efficiency improvements can be made.
Non-compliant companies face a penalty of up to £50,000,
plus £800 per day up to a maximum of 80 days. Veolia has calculated that
British businesses could accumulate fines totalling more than £900 million
should they fail to comply.
The Environment Agency had previously sent 14,000 reminder
letters to businesses, but with the vast majority seemingly ignored, only 1% of
firms have had an ESOS
energy audit carried out.
ESOS is adamant that it will punish non-compliant
organisations, so energy managers must urgently focus their efforts on meeting the
mandatory regulations.
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