2015 ESOS Guidelines Chapter 6 – Role of Lead Assessor

The primary role of the lead assessor is to make sure the enterprise’s assessment meets ESOS requirements. Their contribution is mandatory, with the only exception being where 100% of energy consumption received attention in an ISO 50001 that forms the basis of the ESOS report.

How to Find a Lead Assessor

An enterprise subject to ESOS must negotiate with a lead assessor with the necessary specialisms from one of the panels approved by the UK government. This can be a person within the organisation or an third party. If independent, then only one director of the enterprise need countersign the assessment report. If an employee, then two signatures are necessary. Before reaching a decision, consider

• Whether the person has auditing experience in the sector
• Whether they are familiar with the technology and the processes
• Whether they have experience of auditing against a standard

The choice rests on the enterprise itself. The lead assessor performs the appointed role.

The Lead Assessor’s Role

The Lead Assessor’s main job is reviewing an ESOS assessment prepared by others against the standard, and deciding whether it meets the requirements. They may also contribute towards it. Typically their role includes:

• Checking the calculation for total energy consumption across the entire enterprise
• Reviewing the process whereby the 90% areas of significant consumption were identified
• Confirming that certifications are in place for all alternate routes to compliance chosen
• Checking that the audit reports meet the minimum criteria laid down by the ESOS system

Note: A lead assessor may partly prepare the assessment themselves, or simply verify that others did it correctly.

In the former instance a lead assessor might

• Determine energy use profiles
• Identify savings opportunities
• Calculate savings measures
• Present audit findings
• Determine future methodology
• Define sampling methods
• Develop audit timetables
• Establish site visit programs
• Assemble ESOS information pack

Core Enterprise Responsibilities

The enterprise cannot absolve itself from responsibility for good governance. Accordingly, it remains liable for

• Ensuring compliance with ESOS requirements
• Selecting and appointing the lead assessor
• Drawing attention to previous audit work
• Agreeing with what the lead assessor does
• Requesting directors to sign the assessment

The Environment Agency does not provide assessment templates as it believes this reduces the administrative burden on the enterprises it serves.