When is the ESOS Phase 3 Qualification Date?

With the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) occurring in four-year windows, it’s easy to put it at the back of your mind. As we get to grips with 2022, it’s worth noting that the ESOS phase 3 qualification date is on the horizon.

In this post, we’ll discuss why the date matters and when you need to get things done.

What is the ESOS qualification date?

Whether it’s your first time dealing with ESOS, or you just need a refresher, the first step is to understand what the dates actually mean.

To summarise, ESOS requires large undertakings to calculate, record and report on their energy consumption every four years. Those four-year windows are known as phases, and each phase has its own qualification date and deadline.

As you can imagine, the deadline is the date by which you need to fulfil your obligations (more on that below). On the other hand, the qualification date is the day on which you need to check whether your organisation qualifies for the scheme. In other words, whether you’re legally obliged to complete an ESOS assessment.

When is the phase 3 qualification date?

The ESOS phase 3 qualification date is 31st December 2022. If your organisation meets either or both of the criteria below, you’ll need to complete the ESOS requirements:

• The organisation employs 250 or more people
• It has an annual turnover exceeding £44 million, and an annual balance sheet total exceeding £38 million

Many businesses that qualified for previous ESOS phases will be well above one or both thresholds, making the phase 3 qualification date less significant. However, if you’re close to the figures above, you’ll want to make sure whether or not you’re eligible on the qualification date at the end of 2022.

What do I need to do?

If you employ fewer than 250 people and don’t meet the turnover and balance sheet criteria, you’re not eligible for ESOS and not obliged to complete an assessment. However, if you are eligible, the next of the ESOS phase 3 dates comes into play – namely, the deadline.

By 5^th December 2023, you will need to have completed the following:

• Appoint a lead assessor – Whether it’s a properly trained internal employee or external contractor, every eligible organisation needs an ESOS-approved assessor.
• Calculate your total energy consumption – This includes all energy used by your organisation’s activities (industrial processes, transport) and any assets held (buildings, vehicles).
• Identify areas of significant energy consumption – If any of the organisation’s assets or activities account for 90% or more of its total energy consumption (and aren’t covered by ISO 50001, DECs or GDAs) they’ll need to be identified and audited.
• Notify the Environment Agency – Submit an ESOS notification of compliance online to keep the Environment Agency in the loop.
• Record your compliance – Whether it’s paper or digital, you need to keep records of your compliance in an evidence pack to show the steps you’ve taken.

Need a hand with ESOS phase 3?

While it might seem like the distant future, the ESOS phase 3 qualification date is just around the corner. If you think your organisation might be eligible, it’s important to have a plan in place in time for the ESOS phase 3 dates.

Volta Compliance can act as your lead assessor to fulfil ESOS phase 3 requirements on your company’s behalf. We work with businesses throughout Yorkshire, keeping them compliant as well as reducing their energy use to minimise costs in the long run.

To find out more or arrange a site visit, simply call us on 0113 436 0402 or email info@voltacompliance.com.