Evaluation of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme: Interim Process and Early Impact Evaluation Report

This document describes an evaluation of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), a UK policy requiring large enterprises to conduct energy audits and identify energy-saving measures. The evaluation aimed to assess the responses of organizations and assessors, the impact on energy efficiency, and the policy's integration with existing measures. A mixed-method approach was employed, including interviews, surveys, case studies, and data reviews. Results showed that while compliance costs were generally as expected and some organizations made energy efficiency improvements, engagement levels varied, and some viewed ESOS as a regulatory burden. The assessor market was responsive, though assessor prices rose as the compliance deadline approached. Despite limitations such as the inability to assess all energy audits and the policy's early stage, ESOS has positively influenced energy efficiency, especially among organizations already interested in the area, and is expected to yield broader social benefits. However, the long-term impact of ESOS remains to be seen and requires further evaluation. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Case studies; Individual interviews; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: October 2017

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes