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Please read questions and answers below. If you cannot find your answer, please send us your question, we will answer you as soon as possible.

F.A.Q. 

Why change lighting to LED? 10 Reasons.

LED lighting uses significantly less energy (typically around 90% less than a standard tungsten or halogen bulb).

Properly specified LED lamps last for up to 50,000 hours. In an office 9:00 to 5:00 situation that’s around 22 years.

LED lamps are easier and safer to recycle.

LED lamps give a better quality of light and avoid strobing and glare which can lead to headaches.

LED lamps provide instant light, no warm-up required.

LED lamps can be switched on and off without any effects to their longevity.

LED lights can be specified to dim if required.

LED lighting is broadly unaffected by warm or cold environments.

LED lamps require little maintenance a key consideration when compared to alternative lamp life and access to change bulbs

LED technology is moving at a pace and prices will now give paybacks typically under 3 years.

 

It should be remembered that the light effects of LED may have effects on health and well-being in certain situations and this should be considered at procurement.

Why are motors important in energy saving?

Globally, motors and pumps account for more than 50% of all energy consumed. Addressing savings from motors is therefore very important.

Motor efficiencies has improved greatly in recent years and the opportunity to install variable speed drives can deliver massive savings in the right environment which can be calculated using the cube law.

We will profile your motors to understand their cycles and how they are being operated so that we can provide you with accurate and confirmed data-lead energy savings according to Certified Measurement and Verification (CMVP) Standards.

For our most recent multi-site factory customer, we have saved over £110,000 per annum in motor controls alone.

Contacts us to find out more.

 

Why should I Insulate?

Insulation makes a huge impact on thermal comfort in both winter and summer. In most cases it is the single most cost-effective measure that can be implemented in any built environment.

Insulating the fabric (shell) of a building will reduce this structure’s u value. This is the heat flow in watts through a square metre of the fabric surface (wall, roof, window etc) per degree of temperature difference. It is measured in W/m2K.

By insulating effectively, the installer can reduce heat flow dramatically and reduce the amount (and therefore expense) of heating a building. As an example, an uninsulated loft under a pitched roof may have a u value as high as 3.0. With 450mm of insulation between and above joists, this could be reduced to 0.07W/m2K. At a given temperature difference, halving the u value can halve the heat loss.

How should I start addressing energy efficiency?

Establish a baseline using your billing data and use this as a point from which to target savings.

Find out the surface areas of your buildings and divide total energy use by fuel type against each area.

Compare this against similar types of buildings as a benchmark.

Conduct an energy audit of your site equipment and operation to establish where the significant energy users are.

Target profligate usage and poor behaviours (leaving on equipment, lights and screens etc).

Make quick wins.

Produce and energy policy and get it adopted by senior management.

Conduct a formal energy assessment with a qualified energy manager that understands your business and is independent of particular products and manufacturers.

Don’t rush into installing technologies that seem to offer anything that looks too good to be true.

If in doubt, talk to us.

Legislation ESOS and SECR

What are ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

ESOS applies to all large organisations across the 28 European (EU) members states (and will continue to include the UK beyond Brexit).

Deadline for compliance and notification of Phase 2 completion is 5th December 2019.

Contact us for a confidential and no obligation discussion and advice on how we can assist you to establish this, and if mandated, deliver compliance and significant financial savings.

SECR

New legislation known as the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Emissions Reporting (SECR) is a Regulation that comes into force in the UK from 1st April 2019.

The regulation applies to large companies and LLPs that meet two of the three criteria below:

Turnover:                   £36 million or more

Balance Sheet Total:  £18 million or more

Employee Numbers:  250 or more

The published guidance is available on-line. We can deliver this service should you need it. Alternatively we can help you to establish if you need to comply or what you may need to do to comply. Contact us to find out more.

Am I affected by ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

If you are a large organisation in the UK (and this will continue beyond Brexit).

A large company in the UK is defined as:
having 250 or more employees

or has an annual turnover of €50m

and a balance sheet of €43m.

There are companies that may have recently achieved these employee numbers or financial targets as new entrants that may not be required to conduct ESOS for Phase 2.

Contact us for a confidential and no obligation discussion and advice on how we can assist you to establish this, and if mandated, deliver compliance and significant financial savings.

SECR

From 1st April 2019, if you meet ESOS requirements or are a large company or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) as defined under the Companies Act 2006, yoiu will be required to act on SECR if you also meet two of the three conditions below:

  • More than 250 employees
  • Annual turnover greater than £36m
  • Annual balance sheet total greater than £18m

The requirements of the SECR apply to company financial years beginning on or after the 1st April 2019. We would advise companies to establish whether or not they are going to b affected by this Regulation.

We can organise this service should you need it. Alternatively, we can help you  in establishing whether you need to comply and if so, what you may need to do to comply. No charge for helping to establish this. Contact us to find out more.

How many UK companies are affected by ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

There are around 7,600 large companies that are affected by ESOS.

 

SECR

There are up to an additional 8,000 (in total together, perhaps 15,000) companies affected by ESOS and SECR.

What do ESOS and SECR replace/streamline?

ESOS

Phase 2 updates ESOS Phase 1. ESOS stands alone from SECR.

SECR

Companies reporting to CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (until 31st March 2019) should now comply with this legislation along with others that meet the threshold above.

Who must carry out ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

An ESOS Lead Assessor from one of the national registers https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-savings-opportunity-scheme-esos#approved-registers-of-esos-lead-assessors must carry out or sign-off the work.

See: https://clsenergy.com/are-you-getting-the-best-advice/

SECR

A competent individual from the company or from a trusted and qualified consultant.

Who is exempt from ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

A company that has only met the thresholds during the past two years, may not be mandated. Contact us confidentially to discuss your individual circumstances.

SECR

Companies consuming less than 40,000kWh of energy during an annual reporting period. This amount of energy must include electricity and all combustible fuels (such as mains gas, heating oil, petrol, diesel, LPG, gas oil etc).

Do ESOS and SECR apply to UK only?

ESOS

No. It applies to all large companies across all 28 EU member states. Note there are exceptions to areas such as the Channel Islands, contact us to find out more or if you are unsure. CLS Energy are directly registered and qualified to conduct compliant assessments in the UK, Eire, Denmark and Sweden. Together with our Associates, we can deliver assessments at sites in all 28 member states.

As the Energy Efficiency Directive is ‘a directive’, all states have different criteria for assessments. For example, under the Eire version of ESOS, (the Energy Auditing Scheme), Public Service Organisations that either meet the definition of a large enterprise, or have either an individual building of more than 500m2 floor area or an annual energy spend of more than €35,000, must also comply.

SECR

Yes. Reporting applies to UK energy consumption only. Sites that sit outside of the UK outside or not registered in the UK are exempt.

How do I find a good ESOS Lead Assessor or SECR Consultant?

ESOS

Seek a Chartered or Certified ESOS Lead Assessor from the Government register (link earlier) with experience of this work. See https://clsenergy.com/what-to-look-for-in-your-esos-assessor/

SECR

You don’t need an external person as you  can choose to carry out in-house. Alternatively, seek a Chartered or Certified Energy/Fleet Specialist and get three quotes.

We can organise this service should you need it. Alternatively, we can help you in establishing whether you need to comply and if so, what you may need to do to comply. No charge for helping to establish this. Contact us to find out more.

What must be reported for ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

Collect and record 12 months of Total Energy Consumption (TEC) data recorded to include 31st Dec 2018 (Phase 2). Appoint Lead Assessor. Profile data. Analyse energy consumption and efficiencies. Identify energy savings opportunities. Include site assessments. Director Sign Off. Notify Environment Agency. Maintain records.

SECR

Purchased electricity, gas, fuels and transport. Specifically reporting: Associated greenhouse gas emissions. One or more intensity ratio. Previous year’s figures for energy use and greenhouse gas emissions (except in the first year). Information about energy efficiency actions taken in the company’s financial year.

Contact us to find out more.

What are ESOS and SECR reporting arrangements?

ESOS

The Environment Agency must be notified of completed ESOS assessment through:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-savings-opportunity-scheme-esos#submit-your-esos-notification-of-compliance using: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/0YNAR/

SECR

Companies must to publish their UK greenhouse gas emission related to their energy/fuel use.

We can guide you through all of this should you wish to discuss. Alternatively, we can help you  in establishing whether you need to comply and if so, what you may need to do to comply. No charge for helping to establish this. Contact us to find out more.

What are ESOS and SECR reporting timeframes?

ESOS

Four yearly by 5th December 2019 (Current – Phase 2).

SECR

Company must publish this information in annual report from reporting year 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020.

What do I need to do now for ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

Seek and appoint a competent and qualified ESOS Lead Assessor to conduct this work for you or consider carrying out in-house.

SECR

For most obligated companies, start collecting and collating all energy and fuel data from first day of new financial year.

We can organise this service should you need it. Alternatively, we can help you  in establishing whether you need to comply and if so, what you may need to do to comply. No charge for helping to establish this. Contact us to find out more.

What are the penalties for ESOS and SECR noncompliance?

ESOS

Fines of up to £50,000 for non-compliance as well as £500 per day up to a maximum £40,000 after company notified.

SECR

It is a legal requirement to comply with this legislation. Civil penalties apply and action can be taken against Directors or members of an LLP.

Talk to us about this. No charge for helping you to establish this. Contact us to find out more.

Who is responsible for enforcement of ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

The Environment Agency.

SECR

The Conduct Committee of the Financial Reporting Council (under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006).

To whom and how do I report ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

Complete formal notification to the Environment Agency following completion of site assessments, report and summary sign off with company director.

SECR

Include greenhouse gas emissions in CO2e and associated energy information (in kWh) in your annual Directors Report as part of annual filing obligations to Company’s House.

What is included in Transport for ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

All commercial vehicle fuel use for business including mileage reimbursements in kWh.

SECR

All commercial vehicle fuel use for business including mileage reimbursement in kWh and CO2e.

Should Transport be treated differently for ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

ESOS Lead Assessors are almost entirely energy managers. In the UK an right across Europe, there is a lack of Assessors that specialise in transport and freight fleet. We would recommend that you seek and select an ESOS lead Assessor that understands buildings, controls, your operations and processes and fleet. See video.

SECR

Like ESOS, understanding how fleet operates is a specialist area. We would strongly recommend that you work with someone that understands fleet if transport is a significant energy user for you.

What format should I use for ESOS and SECR?

ESOS

There are no specific formats and each Lead Assessor will use their own calculation methodologies. Completion of notification is standardised.

SECR

There are no mandatory formats. We advise a uniform format that will help to monitor and compare annual progress.

Will ESOS and SECR be affected by Brexit?

ESOS

No. there are no planned changes for Phase 2.

SECR

No. this is UK legislation.

Contact us to find out more.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please contact Alan Asbury (CEnv, FEI, CMILT, Chartered Energy Manager), Director of CLS Energy (Consultancy) Ltd www.clsenergy.com on 01865 421008 or via e-mail at alan.asbury@clsenergy.com

Alan is an independent ESOS Lead Assessor specialising in energy fabric, process and fleet and will be pleased to discuss any questions you may have.

I have a question about ESOS and SECR.

ESOS and SECR are complicated pieces of legislation and no list of FAQs will ever answer all questions.

Feel free to Contact one of our Chartered Energy and Fleet Specialists to find out more.

Alternatively, please make contact directly with Alan Asbury (CEnv, FEI, CMILT, Chartered Energy Manager), Director of CLS Energy (Consultancy) Ltd www.clsenergy.com on 01865 421008 or via e-mail at alan.asbury@clsenergy.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanasbury/ 

Alan is an independent ESOS Lead Assessor specialising in energy fabric, process and fleet and will be pleased to discuss any questions you may have.

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