DEFINITION: An energy services company (ESCO) is a commercial or non-profit business providing a broad range of energy solutions including designs and implementation of energy savings projects, retrofitting, conservation, energy infrastructure outsourcing, power generation and energy supply, and risk management.
ESCO
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edie Energy Insights 2017
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: edie's latest report offers an insight into business energy procurement, planning and purchasing priorities from efficiencies to onsite generation.
Can UK plc set the pace on energy?
As faith in government continues to nosedive and with the triple threat of rising prices, interruption to energy supply and climate change, edie asks, is it going to be up to UK business to solve the energy crisis and keep the lights on?
Sustainable manufacturing roundtable: Turning challenges into opportunities
Sustainability and energy management experts from some of the world's biggest businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and British Gas, to explore the role of the manufacturing sector in shaping the future of energy.
edie Live exhibitor focus: EWT
With the doors at edie Live opening in just a few days, we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see from them at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.
Insight and inspiration - a roundup of the latest edie interviews with the experts
EXCLUSIVE: From behaviour change to smart buildings, energy security to driving efficiency at scale, we round up the latest exclusive insight and interviews with sustainability business leaders.
In practice: Costa's new low-carbon coffee roastery
What makes Costa Coffee’s new £38m roastery in Basildon "one of the most sustainable buildings in the world"? This free case study provides an overview of all the low-carbon and resource-efficient features of the retailer's flagship sustainability project.
edie Live Exhibitor Spotlight: Chauvin Arnoux
Ahead of edie Live at the NEC on 23-24 May we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.
Take the four steps to successful energy management
What does successful energy management look like? Is your focus on delivering cost savings, reducing your carbon footprint or securing future supply? What are the best energy efficiency options for you and your business? And how do you convince your key stakeholders to play their part?
Energy efficiency: What does it take to change behaviours?
Aligning corporate energy reduction targets with individuals' motivations and behaviours can drive significant savings, but is incredibly difficult. Kicking off edie's engagement month of editorial content, we investigate how energy managers can get the rest of their organisation on board with his or her efficiency strategy and effect real change.
10 ways to drive engagement with energy efficiency
edie brings you the second energy efficiency cheat sheet in association with E.ON, this time focusing on the top 10 ways to drive engagement and change behaviours around energy efficiency.
10 top tips to move from compliance to competitive edge on energy management
The energy efficiency path can be a long and winding road for businesses, but cutting through it can prove invaluable for long-term success.
From compliance to revenue generation: edie survey reveals increased ambition among energy managers
The vast majority of energy managers have taken their organisation beyond the compliance level of energy efficiency by making sites self-sufficient through on-site generation and opening up new revenue streams from surplus power.
INFOGRAPHIC: Energy efficiency benchmarking survey
edie, in association with E.ON, conducted a survey with selected readers responsible for energy management, asking them to identify the energy efficiency activity they had already completed or had underway.
edie launches free demand response guide for businesses
Organisations with an interest in using demand response to manage energy use now have access to a free, comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to deploy the technology.
edie Explains Demand Response
This guide to demand response, produced in association with edie’s supporting partner Flexitricity, explores and explains demand response for energy and sustainability professionals.
edie explains: ISO 50001
This ISO 50001 guide, produced in association with edie's supporting partner NQA, provides an in-depth summary of the ISO 50001 Standard which can be used by an organisation to establish and maintain a continuous level of energy performance improvements.
Last chance to register for free energy efficiency webinar
Energy managers and sustainability professionals are being invited to tune into a free-to-watch live webinar on Thursday (22 September) which will focus on cutting through the complexities of energy management and successfully mapping energy efficiency within organisations large and small.
ESOS: Government begins issuing non-compliance fines as Phase 2 begins
With the second phase of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) now underway, the Environment Agency has revealed that hundreds of organisations will be hit with large fines for failing to comply with Phase 1 of the mandatory scheme.
'The jewel in the crown': Landsec drives towards science-based target with Britain's biggest shopping centre solar installation
The UK's largest commercial property developer has today (11 August) flicked the switch on a giant rooftop solar system at a shopping centre in Leeds, kicking off a 12-month investment programme in onsite sustainability across its estate.
In practice: Smurfit Kappa's £120m onsite sustainability drive
With one eye on a key carbon reduction goal for 2020, paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa recently undertook a multi-million-euro investment into new boiler and steam turbine systems at one of its major manufacturing facilities in Austria which will significantly reduce emissions.
Maximising the value of your sustainability report - webinar presentations
View the presentations that were given by a leading cross-sector panel of sustainability experts who discussed their views on how to maximise the value of sustainability reports in a recent edie webinar, sponsored by classification organisanion DNV GL.
Whitbread now powered by 100% renewable electricity
Britain's biggest hospitality can now stake claim to being powered by 100% renewable sources after striking a deal for green electricity to be supplied to its hotels, restaurants and coffee shops across the country.
Top tips to achieve supply chain sustainability
You’re only as strong as your weakest link. For sustainability professionals, supply chains can be highly complex and full of links that must be closely managed and supported to help achieve overarching corporate social responsibility standards.
edie Live 2017: Registrations hot up with two weeks until show doors open
The destination event for sustainability and energy managers is set to be more popular than ever: registrations to attend edie Live 2017 are now up by around 10% on last year. And there's still time to get your free ticket to join your peers at the NEC Birmingham on 23-24 May.
In practice: Capgemini's carbon-cutting Merlin data centre
With data centres accounting for 40% of Capgemini's total emissions and 70% of energy use, IT consulting firm's decision to develop an ultra-sustainable, energy-efficient data centre has driven great results, helping to push the company beyond a carbon goal one year ahead of schedule.
Power Forward: How the largest US companies are capturing business value while addressing climate change
The largest US companies are increasing their clean energy and energy efficiency efforts while improving their bottom lines.
Food manufacturer achieves 'staggering' fuel efficiency savings through new tyres
Ginsters Cornish Pasty brand owner, Samworth Brothers, has significantly enhanced the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet through the use of energy-saving Michelin tyres, according to the findings of a year-long trial.
Planning for a circular economy
The Environmental Services Association, the voice of the UK’s resource and waste management industry, has set out a number of recommendations to more closely align the planning system with the strategic objectives of the circular economy.
In practice: GSK funds UK's first carbon-neutral laboratory
Designed for Nottingham University and built by engineering firm AECOM, the new GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry project is a world-first, earning the highest certifications under the BREEAM and LEED standards and driving impressive savings.
In practice: Grosvenor's highly sustainable redevelopment of a heritage building
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland's building project at 119 Ebury Street, Belgravia, is the UK's first listed building to achieve BREEAM 'Outstanding', utilising a range of low-carbon technologies that significantly reduce the site's environmental footprint.
edie Live exhibitor focus: Munters
Ahead of edie Live at the NEC on 23-24 May, we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see from them at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.
RBS eyes £3m energy savings through employee engagement scheme
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is rolling out a sustainability engagement programme across the UK and Ireland after a successful pilot led to a 5% average electricity reduction and 500,000 disposable cups being correctly recycled.
edie's 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards open for entries
Entries are now open for the 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards, which recognise the incredible people, initiatives and products that are helping to deliver excellence within the green economy.
Budget 2017: The green business reaction
Did Philip Hammond pull any big green surprises out of his little red box today? Or were key sustainability issues once again placed on the back-burner in the Chancellor's Spending Review? Here's the full industry reaction, as it comes in...
Budget 2017 preview: Seven green policy hopes for Philip Hammond's Spring Budget
As Chancellor Philip Hammond prepares to deliver his first - and last - Spring Budget on Wednesday (8 March), edie rounds up the key environmental issues that the sustainability community will hope are included in the Government's spending plans.
edie Live 2017: Speakers and sessions revealed
The show content for edie Live 2017 has been confirmed with more than 100 expert speakers appearing across four seminar theatres for the two-day exhibition in May.
What steps must be taken now to achieve the Paris Agreement?
A sustained low-carbon shift in energy production, transportation and land use are some of the most important actions required to keep global governments and businesses on track with the targets set out in the Paris Agreement, NewClimate Institute policy analyst and edie Live speaker Sebastian Sterl has said.
Brits back smart meter rollout, survey finds
The vast majority of the UK population with a smart meter are in high approval of the technology, according to new research from the independent body in charge of the British rollout.
Green buildings focus helps Heathrow hit 2020 carbon reduction target
The installation of more than 100,000 LEDs and a rooftop solar system helped Heathrow Airport achieve a 14% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions from its buildings, enabling the business to hit a target that was set for 2020.
UK on track to miss carbon emissions target due to stalled energy policy
The UK's ambitious target of slashing carbon emissions by more than half within 13 years is at risk because of government dithering on energy policy, industry professionals have warned.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2017: Winners revealed at glittering ceremony
Costa Coffee, Grosvenor, Interface and Royal Mail were among the big winners of edie's 2017 Sustainability Leaders Awards, announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday evening (25 January).
edie explains: ISO 14001
This edie explains business guide, produced in association with edie's supporting partner NQA, provides an in-depth summary of the ISO 14001 Standard which is used to establish and maintain a continuous level of environmental performance improvements.
edie explains: Water retail competition
This edie explains: Water retail competition guide provides an in-depth summary of the government-led strategy which will allow all non- domestic water users to switch suppliers of water retail services.
Happy New Year: Seventeen big reasons for the green economy to be excited about 2017
From new sustainability standards and ambitious green policy strategies through to major renewable energy projects and autonomous vehicle trials, we look ahead to some of the most promising trends and developments set to boost the green economy in 2017.
Energy storage megashift: 10 of the best battery projects across the globe
As 2016 draws to a close, edie reflects upon a year that saw energy storage evolve from a relatively abstract low-carbon concept into a crucial catalyst in the global transition to clean energy.
Sainsbury's commits to 100% LED lighting by 2020
Sainsbury's has become the first supermarket in the UK to make a commitment to switch to 100% LED lighting by 2020.
Capgemini unveils 'industry-leading' science-based targets
IT services and consultancy firm Capgemini's UK operations have become the first in the sector to publish approved science-based targets (SBTs).
Energy efficiency: 'Champions and dunces' exist in every industry
The world's largest listed companies could save 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 - the equivalent of Japan's annual carbon emissions - by closing the gap between the worst and best-performing businesses on energy efficiency, a major new report has revealed.
Energy efficiency: Vital for the Paris Agreement and Britain's economy
Energy efficiency investment will be "critical" to achieving the global emissions reduction targets set out in the Paris Agreement, and must be embedded in Britain's new Industrial Strategy to drive economic productivity.
Coca-Cola European Partners cuts carbon with £39m automation investment
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has announced a £39m automation investment which the bottling company claims will save 3,867 tonnes of CO2 a year.
edie publishes free business guide to CHP
Organisations and professionals with an interest in deploying combined heat & power (CHP) systems to reduce emissions and save on energy costs now have access to a free 'edie explains' guide which answers all of the key questions surrounding the technology.
COP22: Major firms lead low-carbon energy drive
The first week of COP22 in Marrakech rounded-off on energy day, with a range of companies demonstrating their commitment to a low-carbon future with pledges to source 100% renewable energy.
EU to enforce new energy efficiency rules for vacuum cleaners
New EU rules on vacuum cleaners come into force next month, as Brussels looks to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
The employers’ guide to smart meters and energy efficiency awareness at work and at home
This document provides guidance and materials for running an energy efficiency awareness campaign at work, including practical advice to employees on how they can benefit from getting a smart meter and saving energy at home.
Policy Exchange: Flexible energy system could save Britain £8bn by 2030
A smarter, more flexible power system which takes advantage of low-carbon innovations and technologies such as battery storage and demand response could create savings for the UK to the tune of £8bn by 2030, according to new research from thinktank Policy Exchange.
'Paris Agreement-proof' buildings needed to curtail soaring emissions
Energy demand from the building sector will double by mid-century without widespread adoption of low-carbon technologies and a significant improvement in building and appliance efficiencies, new analysis has found.
Driving change: How can businesses increase efficiency for a greener fleet?
Whether it's the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), the use of telematics, or the strategic positioning of distribution centres, there is now a multitude of options available to businesses looking to reduce fleet emissions. But which is the best route to take? edie's George Ogleby investigates.
Climate watchdog calls for 'concrete green policy action' amidst Paris Agreement and Brexit
Britain's green policies must be preserved or strengthened post-Brexit and a credible new strategy on low-carbon heat must be delivered as soon as possible, but it is still too early for the Government to adopt stricter targets for tackling climate change in line with the soon-to-be-ratified Paris Agreement, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has said.
WRAP's National Recycling Guidelines
Following extensive consultation with the recycling industry, WRAP has developed a list of items that can and cannot be recycled, along with how they should be presented by householders. This document outlines how and why the recycling guidelines have been developed, including a summary of results from consumer testing.
edie Sustainability Leaders Forum - full programme
No longer a matter of compliance, sustainability is a strategic imperative as investors, NGOs, employees and consumers demand more from organisations. But what does sustainability leadership look like in an uncertain regulatory climate and how will that evolve as business leaders take a critical, long-term view of their growth strategies?
Businesses match governments with bold climate pledges during Climate Week NYC
The level of climate ambition shown from businesses during Climate Week 2016 in New York City (NYC) is continuing to mount, with eight more companies making 100% renewable energy pledges and four firms committing to double the energy productivity of their operations.
Election 2017: Seven charts that underline the importance of ambitious green policy
EXCLUSIVE: The manifestos are in, and so are the results of edie's green policy survey which reveals the areas of energy and environment legislation that our readers want the next UK Government to prioritise.
BEIS formation 'makes complete sense' for the green economy, says Aldersgate Group
EXCLUSIVE: The creation of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) provides a key opportunity for Britain's energy-intensive businesses to develop and deliver ambitious low-carbon strategies, the Aldersgate Group's executive director has told edie.
UK needs to invest £215bn in energy by 2030: Barclays
The UK will need to invest an "eye-watering" £215bn in its energy system by 2030 in order to replace aging assets and decarbonise, analysis by Barclays Research has found.
Cut through the complexity with edie's new sustainability Jargon Buster
Navigating the ever-growing swarm of industry terms, regulations and acronyms associated with sustainability and energy management is no easy task. edie's brand new 'Jargon Buster' will help you cut through that complexity with a full A-Z glossary of the need-to-known terms.
Oceans apart: Why businesses need to embed water efficiency across departments
With water availability declining as energy demand rises, some of the private sector's leading lights on water management believe now is the time for businesses to embed holistic water stewardship programmes that capture the interests of other departments. edie's Matt Mace investigates.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: We're back! And we're LIVE from edie Live (Part 2)
Sustainability leaders from the likes of BT, Interface and Vodafone are providing the insight and inspiration in the second of this special two-part episode of the podcast, brought to you live from the show floors of edie Live 2017.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: We're back! And we're LIVE from edie Live (Part 1)
The edie editorial trio of Luke, Matt and George have dusted off the podcast mic and returned for a special two-part episode of Sustainable Business Covered, bringing you an array of interviews with sustainability leaders from edie Live 2017.
Battery storage: A 'next level' opportunity for energy management?
There's no "one size fits all" approach to energy storage, but businesses that can use the technology alongside energy reduction schemes and onsite renewables can take their energy management to the "next level".
Learning from LightStay: How Hilton saved £600m through in-house sustainability
EXCLUSIVE: Hilton Worldwide is continuing to achieve significant environmental and financial savings and driving behaviour change across the business through its state-of-the-art bespoke sustainability measurement platform, the hotel chain's energy and environment manager has told edie.
P272: The new regulation that could prove vital for business energy efficiency
Large businesses are being urged to seize the opportunity of gaining a more detailed and accurate breakdown of their energy consumption as an important new regulation comes into effect on Saturday (1 April).
Breaking barriers: Improving gender equality in the energy sector
EXCLUSIVE: Britain's energy industry is not moving fast enough to drive gender equality at a board and executive level, and there remains a misconception that women do not have the skills or technical abilities to become energy managers.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Episode 22 - 'Be bold For change' on International Women's Day
To celebrate International Women's Day 2017 on Wednesday 8 March, we hear from a selection of inspiring women who are supporting the fight for equality in energy and sustainability.
ESOS: Companies still non-compliant as Environment Agency turns to enforcement action
EXCLUSIVE: Compliance rates for the Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) are below expected levels, with hundreds or possibly thousands of qualifying organisations still unaccounted for almost a year after the final deadline.
edie Live 2017 opens for registration
Registration is now open for the UK's leading event for sustainability, energy and resource efficiency professionals, offering visitors a host of new show features, networking events and advice clinics across two days.
How Travis Perkins is exploiting big data to maximise energy savings
Off the back of another successful year of energy reduction, British builders' merchant Travis Perkins is placing an extra focus on data analysis in order to take its energy management strategy onto the next level, the group's energy manager has said.
Energy efficiency: Forging the path from compliance to competitive edge
Transforming an organisation's energy management approach from 'tick-box activity' to 'money-generating competitive edge' is easier said than done. But for E.ON Energy Solutions strategic account manager John Walsh, climbing up the pyramid is a worthwhile journey if you get it right.
New energy and water retail service offers businesses 'one-stop-shop' for utilities
UK organisations will soon be able to manage their electricity, gas and water use in one place thanks to a pioneering new partnership between non-domestic water supplier Business Stream and energy consultancy Utilitywise.
Communication skills crucial for energy managers to deliver efficiency programmes, say experts
Advances in technology have created a viable and economic business case for companies to implement energy efficiency programmes, but those programmes will only be successfully delivered if the business benefits are effectively translated to the boardroom and staff.
Nissan installs vehicle-to-grid technology at Cranfield research centre
Car manufacturer Nissan has fitted its research and development facilities in Cranfield with its innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concept, marking the first time the technology has been installed at the carmaker's facilities in Europe.
Demand-response 'makes complete sense' for heavy industry
EXCLUSIVE: The business case for demand-response now makes "complete sense" and should be exploited alongside other emerging green technologies such as battery storage systems, one of Britain's largest construction materials suppliers has said.
edie launches free ISO 50001 guide for energy managers
Organisations and energy managers with an interest in the ISO 50001 energy management system now have access to a free comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to gain certification.
Panasonic embraces the power of partnerships to drive green innovation
Japanese electronics firm Panasonic has ramped up its involvement in the low-carbon agenda, forming two new collaborative partnerships with automaker Tesla and energy management solutions provider Schneider electric to develop new solar PV cells and smart building technology.
University of Northampton goes green with new Waterside campus
Students at the University of Northampton will soon have their heating and hot water generated by a CO2-saving on-site energy centre, incorporating woodchip biomass boilers and a combined heat and power (CHP) system.
Demand response offers 'positive PR' for business energy management
The author of a new report which investigates the benefits of using demand-response measures to strengthen Britain's energy system has told edie that businesses can "quite easily" use the technology to reduce energy bills and improve green credentials.
World Energy Council: Energy demand to peak at 2030 as part of 'grand transition'
Disruptive trends and technology, such as the rise of renewables and the electrification of the transport sector, will create a "fundamentally new world" for the energy industry, which would see energy demand and fossil fuel use peak before 2030.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory strives to quench energy usage
Soft drinks firm Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) has introduced an energy management partnership in a bid to reduce its UK factory's annual energy consumption by 5%.
Cyber-attacks are 'core business risks' to energy systems, says World Energy Council
An uptake in digitisation through devices such as smart metres may be improving energy management, but it is also opening new avenues for cyber-attacks that could damage communities and the economy as threats cross "from the cyber realm to the physical world".
Cutting complexity: edie's energy efficiency webinar now available on demand
edie's latest free-to-watch webinar is now available to watch on demand, with representatives from Costa Coffee, Hilton Worldwide and E.ON providing expert insight and advice about cutting through the complexities of energy management.
How to be a Sustainability Leader: Awards Q&A with Energy Manager of the Year
As the deadline for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2017 approaches, we talk to last year's Energy Manager of the Year Jude Hughes to find out her secrets to success and top tips for Awards entrants.
The risks and rewards of brokers
As the non-domestic retail water market opens on April 1, brokers are anticipating a boom in business. edie sister title Utility Week has provided an in-depth guide to the utility broker market as it stands, and considers how it is likely to change after market opening.
edie Live 2017: Last chance to register as doors open on Tuesday
The countdown is on and edie Live 2017 opens its doors at 9.30am on Tuesday 23 May - and there's still time to register for your free two-day pass to the show.
