As the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is to be introduced this year, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has announced plans to help the freight industry comply with the requirements set out in the new legislation.

In line with the EU Energy Directive, the mandatory energy assessment applies throughout the UK to all large companies (with more than 250 employees) who will be required to conduct energy audits every four years, with the first needing to take place by December 5, 2015.  

Through the FTA managed Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) the Association has been fully engaged with the development of ESOS and can help freight companies comply with the scheme.

Within the publication of Government best practice guidance, the LCRS has been highlighted as a scheme that can help companies in scope of ESOS compile the necessary freight transport data for energy audits.

Karen Packham, FTA general manager, consultancy and tendering, said: “With our highly experienced and fully qualified team of transport auditors who understand how fleet operations function, FTA is best placed to offer practical advice and is able to provide specialist audits to ensure members are fully compliant with the ESOS requirements, and will gain all the benefits that the scheme has to offer.” 

The audits will cover transport, buildings and industrial operations with the scheme administrator being Environment Agency. 

Companies are required to: 

• Measure total energy consumption across transport, buildings and industrial activities
• Conduct energy audits to identify cost-effective energy efficiency recommendations
• Appoint an ESOS Lead Assessor to either carry out, oversee or approve audits
• Report compliance to the Environment Agency (the scheme administrator) 

Packham said: “Organisations have to conduct their ESOS audits every four years, but with the initial deadline of the 5 December 2015 it is imperative that freight operators should undertake the process as a matter of urgency and FTA is here to help make that as simple and straight forward as possible.”