COMPLYING WITH SECR
Streamlined Energy and Carbon reporting was introduced as part of the Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018 to encourage organizations to report on a range of environmental matters, including their energy and GHG emissions and the use of key performance indicators (KPIs). The report is expected to give organizations a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
If you are a UK registered quoted company, a large unquoted company, or a large Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), then you are required to include your energy and carbon information in your directors’ report. The guidance for streamlined energy and carbon reporting was published in March 2019 and took effect on 1 April 2019.
MANDATORY CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On the 17th of January 2022, the Climate-related Financial Disclosure became a mandatory requirement for companies required to present a strategic report for the financial year starting on or after 6th April 2022. This section can be added to your SECR report – a separate report is NOT required.
All UK companies (quoted companies, large unquoted companies, or large LLP) that are currently required to produce a non-financial information statement will need to disclose how climate-related risks are identified, accessed, and managed. The actual and potential impacts of these risks are to be analyzed, and KPIs should also be used to set targets and gauge performance. This will form part of your organization’s Non-Financial and Sustainability Information Statement in your 2023 energy and carbon report.
According to the department for business, energy, and industrial strategy, this comes as a result of identifying the physical and transition risks of climate change on investment and business decisions. Climate change has resulted in higher average temperatures which pose physical risks such as the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events which could affect the organization’s operations. To address climate change the government has introduced certain regulations and strategies, for example the net-zero strategy, which will drive a change in technology, markets, policies and customer sentiment. The risks associated with this transition will need to be addressed.
It is intended that this disclosure will help companies identify the impacts, risks and opportunities associated with climate change and make relevant decisions on what can be done to address these for the organization, operations, and people. It will also better equip investors and provide greater information to other stakeholders.
How can ETS help?
The qualification criteria and requirements for SECR and the new mandatory climate-related financial disclosure are complex and can be challenging for organizations to ensure compliance. Speak to one of our SECR Energy Managers to learn more and discuss your requirements. You can contact us by calling 0117 205 0542 or drop us an email at enquiries@energy-ts.com.