Our virtual discussion groups provide an opportunity to share learning, progress, challenges and questions with other members across the network.  Our Energy Discussion Group brings members together to discuss a range of issues and challenges relating to energy management.  Areas for discussion include (and are not limited to): 
 
• What does a good energy policy look like? 
• Understanding your energy baseline 
• How to develop and implement an impactful energy strategy 
• Benchmarking – how is everyone else getting on? 
• Energy procurement (green-tariffs) 
• Renewable technology 
• Energy management and net zero (energy and scope 1&2 emissions) 
• Energy efficiency measures (including behaviour change) 
• Monitoring and reporting (collecting and collating data from multiple sites) 
• Compliance e.g. The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting 
• Resources, guidance and case studies 
 
Once you have registered, we will be in touch to identify any specific topics you would like the group to focus on.   
 
Where possible we also identify a suitable guest speaker to enable discussion at this group to focus on specific topics for the first hour.  For this discussion group we are delighted to have Simon Hughes (Senior Manager, Social Purpose & Non-Profit Organisations at Crowe U.K. LLP) joining us.  Simon will provide an overview on energy reporting, including an overview on SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) and its increasing relevance to organisations of all sizes. 
 
SECR makes it mandatory for large UK businesses (including charitable companies) to report annually on their energy and carbon emissions as well as any efficiency measures.  The reporting framework encourages the implementation of energy efficiency measures, with both environmental and economic benefits.   
 
With environmental (energy) reporting here to stay, the requirements for all organisations will be increasing. 
 
Simon will provide an overview of: 
 
• Current energy regulations and reporting  
• Future energy regulations and reporting  
• Overview and context of SECR and its increasing relevance to all organisations through: 
 
-Increasing internal awareness of energy usage and cost (data collection and greenhouse gas emission calculation methodology) 
-Driving adoption of energy efficiency measures 
-Standardisation of external reporting 
-Providing greater transparency for stakeholders on energy efficiency and emissions 
-How it ties in with wider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting trends 
 
Findings of a recent Crowe U.K. LLP report that reflects on the first year of large charities reporting under SECR, highlighting the best practice and areas for improvement. 
 
There will also be any opportunity to ask Simon questions and to join in a group discussion; allowing you to share learning, progress, challenges and questions with other members across the network who are on the same journey. 

In addition, Neil Clark (Corporate Responsibility Advisor for Environment, Integrity and Ethics Division, Oxfam GB) will provide Oxfam’s perspective on the Crowe U.K. LLP report and associated challenges and opportunities.

We will then open up the discussion to other Energy related topics.
 
Any member is welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience or knowledge on this topic.  The workshop will be of benefit to all network members, whatever your size and scope of operations/activity.  From organisations just starting off to those already delivering energy policy and strategy there will be lots to share and collaborate on, from identifying collective challenges to learning from other approaches.