ESOS Phase 4 Audit Checklist for UK Businesses

ESOS Phase 4 introduces strengthened requirements, tighter expectations, and a greater emphasis on actionable energy savings. This checklist gives UK organisations a clear, practical structure to prepare for a compliant audit without last‑minute stress.

What’s New in ESOS Phase 4

Phase 4 places more focus on:

• Higher‑quality audit evidence

• Stronger links to Net Zero strategy

• More detailed reporting expectations

• Better documentation and governance

These changes mean preparation matters more than ever.

Step‑by‑Step Audit Preparation

1. Confirm Qualification

Check whether your organisation meets ESOS criteria, including employee count and financial thresholds.

2. Appoint a Lead Assessor

Engage early — assessor availability becomes tight as deadlines approach.

3. Gather 12 Months of Energy Data

You’ll need complete data for:

• Electricity

• Gas

• Fuel

• Transport

• Any additional energy sources

  
  

4. Identify Significant Energy Consumption

Focus your audits on the areas that represent the majority of your energy use.

5. Select Audit Methodology

Choose between:

• Site audits

• Sampling

• Alternative compliance routes

  
  

Data Collection Checklist

You will need:

• Energy bills

• Meter readings

• Transport mileage or fuel data

• Site lists and operational boundaries

• Historical consumption data

• Evidence of data sources and methodologies

  
  

Evidence Pack Requirements

Your ESOS evidence pack must include:

• Methodologies used

• Calculations and assumptions

• Audit notes

• Lead assessor review

• Director sign‑off

• Organisational boundaries

• Summary of significant energy consumption

A complete evidence pack reduces audit risk and speeds up sign‑off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing transport data

• Poor documentation

• Inconsistent methodologies

• Late engagement with assessors

• Lack of internal governance

Avoiding these issues can save weeks of rework.

Final Checklist Summary

• Confirm qualification

• Appoint lead assessor

• Collect 12 months of energy data

• Identify significant energy consumption

• Conduct audits

• Prepare evidence pack

• Obtain sign‑off

• Submit compliance notification

For further information or assistance:

    email enquiries@eco3partnership.com or call +44(0)203 824 2402