Achieving ESOS Phase 3 Compliance and Enhancing Energy Management with Hill Dickinson

Client Overview

Hill Dickinson LLP is a leading UK-based law firm providing high-quality legal services across various sectors. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a desire to enhance its energy management, Hill Dickinson aimed to meet the requirements of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3, a mandatory energy assessment scheme for large organisations in the UK. Recognising the complexity of ESOS compliance and the importance of identifying cost-effective energy efficiency measures,
the firm sought expertise from Inteb  to ensure a smooth compliance journey and maximise energy-saving opportunities.

Client Objectives

The ESOS Phase 3 project was driven by two primary objectives: achieving full compliance with regulatory requirements through detailed energy audits and timely submissions and uncovering actionable insights to enhance energy efficiency. These goals aimed to identify opportunities for cost savings and align with overarching sustainability ambitions.

• Ensure full compliance with the ESOS regulations by conducting comprehensive energy audits and submitting the required evidence to the Environment Agency by the Phase 3 deadline.
• Develop actionable insights into Hill Dickinson’s energy usage and identify energy-saving opportunities that would support the firm’s overall sustainability goals, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Our Approach

Our structured approach ensured a seamless delivery of the ESOS Phase 3 project, from initial assessments and energy audits to compliance reporting and actionable energy management strategies tailored to maximise efficiency and sustainability.

1. Initial Assessment and Strategic Planning:

Our engagement began with a thorough review of Hill Dickinson’s energy data, operational structure, and past energy performance initiatives. This initial assessment allowed us to develop a tailored plan for conducting energy audits across the firm’s offices, prioritising key areas with the greatest energy-saving potential.

2. Conducting Detailed Energy Audits:

Our team of qualified energy auditors performed comprehensive on-site assessments, analysing energy consumption patterns and assessing all major energy-using systems, including HVAC, lighting, and IT infrastructure. We identified specific areas where energy efficiency could be improved, taking into account both quick-win solutions and longer-term investments.

3. Compliance Reporting and Submission:

Following the audits, we prepared a detailed ESOS Phase 3 compliance report, documenting all audit findings and providing a clear and transparent record of Hill Dickinson’s energy usage, efficiency opportunities, and compliance measures. We submitted the final compliance report to the Environment Agency, ensuring all regulatory requirements were met on time.

4. Energy Management Strategy and Actionable Insights:

In addition to ensuring compliance, our team provided Hill Dickinson with a comprehensive energy management strategy. This included:

• A prioritised list of recommended actions based on potential energy and cost savings, feasibility, and payback periods.
• Detailed analyses of energy usage across various offices, allowing Hill Dickinson to understand its specific energy consumption drivers.
• Guidance on implementing energy-saving measures such as upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, optimising heating and cooling systems, and promoting employee awareness of energy-saving behaviours.

Results

Our collaboration with Hill Dickinson not only ensured regulatory compliance but also identified impactful energy-saving opportunities, strengthened sustainability performance, and laid the groundwork for ongoing energy management and future sustainability initiatives.

1. Full ESOS Phase 3 Compliance

Hill Dickinson successfully met all regulatory requirements, avoiding potential penalties and demonstrating its commitment to sustainable energy practices.

2. Significant Energy Saving Opportunities identified

Our audits uncovered numerous energy-saving measures, including lighting upgrades, enhanced building management system settings, and efficiency improvements in IT equipment, which, if implemented, could lead to substantial annual energy cost reductions.

3. Enhanced Sustainability Performance

The firm’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint was reinforced, aligning its operational practices with sustainability objectives and supporting its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

4. Foundation for Future Energy Management

The actionable insights provided a strong foundation for Hill Dickinson’s ongoing energy management efforts, enabling a proactive approach to future ESOS phases and other sustainability initiatives.

Dr Ariel Edesess – ESG Senior Analyst: “The expertise and support we received were invaluable not only in achieving ESOS compliance but also gaining deeper insights into our energy use and opportunities for improvement. The team’s approach was thorough and tailored, and we look forward to implementing the recommended measures where possible, to reduce our environmental impact and energy costs.”

By partnering with Hill Dickinson, we delivered comprehensive ESOS Phase 3 compliance services while unlocking impactful energy management opportunities. This project highlighted our commitment to helping clients meet regulatory requirements, reduce operational costs, and further their sustainability ambitions. We look forward to supporting Hill Dickinson on its journey toward enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability in the years to come.