What is streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR)? 

SECR is a new mandatory carbon reporting framework set out by the UK Government, intended to replace the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC). The CRC was part of the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy which sets out to improve business productivity by enabling businesses to improve energy efficiency by at least 20% by 2030. In line with this ambition, SECR aims to help businesses become more aware of their energy consumption and identify ways in which they can become more energy efficient. These SECR reports will also be publicly available which gives greater transparency to stakeholders, investors and clients, and further incentivises carbon reduction. 
 

When did it come into effect?

SECR came into force on 1st April 2019 under The Companies (Director’s Report) and Limited Liability Partnership (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018 and therefore applies to Northern Ireland businesses.  The first filings under SECR will cover the April 2019 – March 2020 financial reporting year with the first reports expected in summer of 2020. The example below highlights the SECR reporting timeframe of when obligated companies need to comply with SECR, depending on your reporting year. 
 

Usual reporting year	The first financial year that SECR applies
1 April to 31 March	1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020
1 January to 31 December	1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020

Who does it affect?

The new reporting framework is estimated to apply to approximately 11,900 companies in the UK, which is a much higher number than those obliged under CRC. SECR applies to three groups of UK businesses; 

• Quoted companies
• Large unquoted companies
• Large Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
   

“Large” is defined by the Companies Act as having at least two of the following;

• A turnover of £36 million or more.
• A balance sheet total of £18 million or more.
• 250 employees or more.
   

Who is exempt?

Organisations that are exempt from SECR include organisations that are not registered as companies under the Companies Act 2006. Examples of these would include public sector organisations, some private sector organisations and some charities. Other exemptions include “low energy users” which are defined as consuming 40MWh or less during the reporting period. Companies that fall under low energy users should state this exemption as to why they are not disclosing energy and carbon information in their financial report. 
 

How do companies comply?

Companies must submit an annual SECR report to Companies House containing information on energy consumption figures, associated carbon emissions, an intensity metric and any energy efficiency measures that have been implemented within the reporting year. Detailed reporting requirements regarding the various company categories for compliance can be found in the published Government guidelines. 
 

How can we help? 

We understand that a new reporting framework like SECR can seem daunting and may place an administrative burden on your business. At Action Renewables, our Consultancy team can help support your business through this process and ensure that the figures in your SECR report are accurate, complete and consistent with best practice. Our support includes; 

1. Appraisal of your company’s obligations under SECR requirements
2. Collation of your energy consumption data
3. Calculation of your Green House Gas (GHG) emissions according to Government methodology
4. Compilation of your full SECR report
5. Advice on procedures that will simplify the process in the future. 

If you have any questions about the SECR framework or our services, please get in touch with our team today by sending an email to info@actionrenewables.co.uk or clicking on the button below. You can also call us on 028 9072 7760.