Why it pays to get ahead on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 4 audits

Under ESOS, large UK organisations must assess their total energy use and identify opportunities to improve efficiency over a four-year cycle. Phases 3 and 4 introduce new and strengthened requirements designed to drive genuine energy and carbon reductions, not just compliance.

Here’s why getting ahead now matters more than ever:

1. Avoid the end-of-phase rush

We have found that in every ESOS phase, many organisations leave compliance until the final year, leading to a shortage of qualified and good quality Lead Assessors and auditors; more of a rush to get audits completed; and unnecessary stress. Starting early ensures you secure support from your preferred Lead Assessor and can phase site audits and data collection sensibly.

2. New obligations: Action Plans and Annual Progress Report

For Phases 3 and 4, participants will not only need to submit an ESOS compliance report but also prepare an Energy Action Plan outlining how they intend to implement the identified opportunities.

You are also required to produce annual progress reports showing how these actions are being taken forward. These requirements make it essential to start early, to prioritise measures, allocate resources (including budgets!) and embed ESOS outcomes into your wider business planning.

3. Unlock energy and cost savings sooner

By identifying and acting on opportunities early in the cycle, organisations can start reducing energy use and emissions straight away, rather than waiting until the compliance deadline. This spreads investment and accelerates payback.

4. Strengthen your Net Zero strategy

Starting early gives you time to integrate recommendations and opportunities into your carbon reduction or Net Zero strategy, keeping targets realistic and achievable and in turn, turning compliance into a powerful driver for long-term sustainability.

5. Improve data quality and governance

Data accuracy and reporting quality is key to compliance and the wider benefits, early preparation means you can review energy data systems, resolve any gaps, and establish a robust framework for ongoing performance tracking and reporting.

At JRP Solutions, we’re already helping clients prepare for ESOS Phase 4, setting the foundations for compliance, energy savings, and carbon reduction well ahead of 2027.

Whilst not mandatory under ESOS, JRP have chosen to include a complimentary water consumption assessment as part of their support service, due to the significant energy demand associated with water use, including the abstraction, treatment, pumping, and heating of water. Effective water management can therefore directly significantly reduce both energy consumption and carbon emissions.

If you’d like to discuss your organisation’s approach to Phase 4, or how to turn ESOS into an opportunity to drive real performance improvement, get in touch with us.

Book a call or email info@jrpsolutions.com