EMEX 2015, 11 - 12 November, ExCel London
Stand: E75
PRESS RELEASE: 4 November 2015
Universities need granular energy data to meet ESOS January deadline
Universities receiving more than 50% of funding from private sources will need to comply with the government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme. To comply, universities must start the auditing process and inform the Environment Agency of this activity before 5 December 2015. The final deadline for ESOS report submissions is 29 January 2016.
Those universities that are new to the process or remain unsure of their status must be aware that the report submission deadline has already been extended and that there is unlikely to be any further lenience.
Despite being less than three months away, those institutions that have struggled to interpret the regulations can still meet the deadline by deploying rigorous remote energy monitoring and putting in place expert energy analysis support. Failure to do so will result in a fixed £50,000 fine.
Jason Plent, Managing Director of Minimise Solutions, explained: "University estate managers were initially unsure whether they would need to comply with ESOS as it does not cover public buildings. However, those universities that are not subject to the Public Contracting Regulations 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012 in Scotland must comply with ESOS.
"If more than half of a university's income is from private sources it may not need to comply with public contract regulations. This means that it should seek advice on ESOS compliance immediately.
"There is still much debate around the impact of student loans, which must be counted as private income and could result in many more universities falling under ESOS regulations.
"There is now only a matter of weeks left to compile and submit a full and audited ESOS report. But it is doable, by following a strict processes, putting in place expert resource, and pre-booking an audit with a qualified Lead Assessor," he said.
"The cost to do so is, in most instances, a fraction of the potential fine," he advised.
EMEX 2015 provides university facilities and energy managers with the ideal opportunity to discuss any last minute ESOS compliance issues. The Minimise Solutions team will be on stand E75 and will be happy to share recent university ESOS compliance experience, including an ongoing project to monitor energy use and behaviours in student accommodation at the University of Surrey.
Ends
For more information, please visit:www.minimisesgroup.com/minimise-solutions. Email:info@minimisesolutions.com. Phone: 0330 313 3220. Twitter: @minimisegroup.
Editorial contact: Please contact Adrienne Robins at Green Tiger Communications on 07855 643094 or emailAdrienne@greentigercommunications.co.uk.
Notes to editors
Minimise Solutions is part of the Minimise Group.
Minimise Group helps organisations become more sustainable, increase profitability and meet environmental, corporate and legislative targets. Minimise Group is made up of five complementary divisions:
Minimise Energy: innovative energy reduction technologies, products and services, designed to help businesses achieve on-going energy reduction goals and enhance bottom line performance.
Minimise Solutions: a strategic consultancy and advisory team, helping to deliver sustainability, meet reduction targets and comply with legislation.
Minimise Finance: offers tailor-made financing options, funding energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes from savings made in energy maintenance and related costs.
Minimise Water (incorporating Green Compliance): offers a complete range of water management and air hygiene technologies and services to help reduce the cost of compliance and save money on operating costs.
Minimise Generation: maximising businesses' potential to generate and store renewable energy on site, drive operational savings and reduce carbon emissions.
As part of APC Technology Group plc, we deliver an integrated range of innovative technologies, products and services backed by the financial strength and stability of a 33 year-old London Stock Exchange listed company.