Following a stringent audit, VGC has achieved ISO 50001 certification.
This certification means that we satisfy the legal requirements of ESOS, the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, which is mandatory for all large UK businesses.
ESOS was introduced in the UK as a result of the European Commission’s Energy Efficiency Directive. This states that all EU member states must introduce a programme of regular energy audits for large organisations. ESOS came into force on 17 July 2014. Because we have successfully achieved ISO 50001 : 2011 Energy Management Systems certification, VGC is exempt from the ESOS assessment.
ISO 50001 brings the company a number of benefits:
- We comply with ESOS legal requirements.
- Measurement and management of energy consumption helps us to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
- It helps us to promote energy efficiency internally and with our suppliers.
- It reassures our clients and partners that we are a responsible company.
With rising energy costs and increasing concern about greenhouse gas emissions, we are committed to efficient energy management, best practice and sustainability.
Our 2016 corporate objectives include ‘manage and reduce our environmental impact’.
Our ISO 50001 certification is valid for three years with a programme of annual surveillance audits by certifying body BM Trada. A recertification audit takes place in year three before the certificate expires.
The ESOS assessment (energy audit) requires organisations to:
- measure their total energy consumption, including energy consumed by buildings, transport and industrial processes, for a continuous 12 month period
- conduct energy audits covering at least 90% of the organisation’s total energy usage, to identify cost-effective recommendations. Energy audits must be conducted every four years.
- appoint a lead assessor to carry out, oversee or review the energy audits and overall ESOS assessment.
- report compliance to the Environment Agency.
“We are delighted to have achieved ISO 50001.” said John Hannan, HSQE director. “Not only does it satisfy our statutory requirements under ESOS, but it means that we have an effective and auditable management system. That will help us to drive continuous improvements and we will save money as well as reduce the environmental impact of the VGC Group.”
