Implementing Energy saving recommendations
Senior management buy-in is key to establishing a successful energy use reduction programme.
ESOS audits will identify cost-effective recommendations, including the pay-back period for proposed measures and there is an excellent opportunity to engage the board on energy expenditure and potential savings.
It may be helpful to present financial savings that can arise from energy efficiency in terms familiar to the board – such as equivalents in increases in turnover, and all potential costs and benefits of recommendations should be captured (e.g. reduced tax liabilities reduced waste, and greater energy security and reduced exposure to future price shifts).
Sources of financial support for implementing audit recommendations should be evaluated and presented.
Among the available schemes are:
- Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) which provide businesses with enhanced tax relief for investments in equipment that meets published energy-saving criteria.
- Quality Assurance for Combined Heat and Power (CHPQA) - CHP operators can claim CCL exemption on fuel inputs to and power outputs from its CHP.
- Plug-in Car/Van Grant
- Green Fleet Reviews - free transport audits, supported by the Department for Transport.
- Renewable Heat Incentive - Government scheme, delivered by Ofgem, to provide financial support for the installation and use of renewable heating systems in business and homes.
You must also notify the relevant scheme compliance body of a breach in compliance as soon as you become aware of it.
