Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) is the UK Government's replacement legislation to numerous existing, and some soon to expire, programmes covering energy and carbon reporting and taxation. SECR came into force on the 1st of April 2019.

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This latest legislation is for large unquoted companies and large limited liability partnerships (LLPs). The criteria are, if within a year, two or more of the following requirements are met:

• Annual turnover of £36 million or more
• Balance sheet total of £18 million or more
• Employs 250 people or more

Large companies quoted on the stock exchange (PLCs) already must comply with reporting their greenhouse gas emissions. Companies that are currently reporting under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme or Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) will typically now have to comply with this new legislation.

ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria as follows.

• Either an annual turnover more than 50 million euros (£44,845,000) and an annual balance sheet total more than 43 million euros (£38,566,700) or employs 250 people or more.
• An overseas company with a UK registered establishment which has 250 or more UK employees (paying income tax in the UK).

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The Environment Agency is the UK scheme administrator. Organisations that qualify for ESOS must carry out an ESOS assessment every four years. These assessments are audits of the energy used by their buildings, industrial processes, and transport to identify cost-effective energy saving measures.

There are numerous differences between an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a Display Energy Certificate (DEC).

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a) Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

For the private sector, you will need a valid EPC if you are buying, selling, or renting a property. This applies to commercial / industrial properties as well as domestic. An EPC sets out how energy efficient the building is as well as the potential rating it could achieve.

b) Display Energy Certificate (DEC)

You will need a valid DEC if your building is frequently visited by the public, has a total floor area greater than 250m² or occupied by a local authority. A DEC certificate sets out the actual energy consumption performance of the property.

MEES requires landlords to make the essential energy efficiency improvements to obtain a minimum EPC rating of “E”, and to ensure compliance before any lease is granted. Ratings below this are considered sub-standard.

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This regulation ensures the quality of private rentals and aims to reduce overall carbon emissions, which is key to a cleaner environment and happy tenants.

Whether it be assistance with savings, understanding your bills or looking at how much energy you use, Dukefield Energy has the necessary knowledge and experience to help with you.

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We will work with you to optimise your usage through on-site surveys and equipment / appliance analysis. We will also review your invoices (including water) to ascertain profile patterns and operational processes.

Our services can provide in-depth analytical reports containing recommendations for energy reduction and potential cost savings.

In June 2019, parliament passed legislation requiring the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) to reduce by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. 2050 is a long way off however so many organisations are working towards a net zero position now.

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What is Net Zero?

Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. The Climate Change Act (2008) named six major greenhouse gases:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – the major polluter
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s)
• Perfluorocarbons (PFC’s)
• Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

A gross-zero target would mean reducing all emissions to zero, which is not unfortunately realistic; Net Zero recognises that there will be some emissions but that these need to be fully offset. When the level of carbon emissions produced are cancelled out by the amount removed, the UK will be a net-zero emitter. Carbon is produced from new and existing buildings, transport, and processes.

Whether you need help on what exactly net zero carbon means or advice on how to set a plan in motion UPG is well-placed to assist you. Through a variety of avenues such as data analysis, building surveys, recommendations (large scale and day-to-day), cost predictions and third-party installation services (e.g. renewable energy equipment, boiler systems, etc) we will ensure you are on your way to becoming Net Zero sooner rather than later.

This is a low-cost way of engaging with people to highlight how they interact with energy in such a way that waste is ultimately avoided; highlighting the implications and altering their approach (changing hearts and minds) will lead to energy and cost reduction.

Analysis from Behave indicates that up to 19% savings can be achieved by changing attitudes; What does a 19% saving mean to your business…

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Energy is omnipresent and demand for it continual. Despite efforts in recent years to switch to more sustainable sources of energy, fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) still dominate the energy mix resulting in harmful environmental impacts. A physical reduction in the use of energy is needed to meet sustainable energy goals, next to increasing legislation such as ESOS and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Consumption though can be reduced by using it more effectively, investing in efficient equipment and undertaking conservation measures. By adopting a more energy-efficient lifestyle - in short-changing our behaviour - usage and cost will reduce.

Improving energy efficiency is believed to be the fastest and most cost-effective method of limiting global warming and thus reducing energy demand.

Energy is used in industry (27%), in transport (31%), and in households, offices and commercial buildings (42%).