FAQ: What is the difference between ESOS and SECR?

ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) and SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) are both energy and carbon reporting schemes that organisations within the United Kingdom follow. However, the two scheme frameworks differ from one another, having different purposes, coverage, reporting requirements and formats.

Purpose: ESOS – Designed to help companies identify cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities. SECR – Designed to improve the quality and transparency of energy and carbon reporting by companies.

Coverage: ESOS – Only applicable to large companies in the UK with over 250 employees or an annual turnover of over €50 million and an annual balance sheet total of over €43 million. SECR – Only applicable to companies listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange with more than 250 employees.

Reporting requirements: ESOS – Requires companies to carry out an energy audit every four years and to report on their energy consumption and efficiency opportunities. SECR – Requires companies to report on their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in their annual financial reports.

Detail of reporting: ESOS – In-depth and comprehensive reporting, involving a full energy audit and the identification of energy efficiency opportunities. SECR – Reporting designed to be straightforward and cost-effective, that focuses on the recording of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Both frameworks are designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and their different requirements should be complied to by companies across the UK.