ABTA is advising applicable Members that the Government’s new mandatory initiative on energy usage and carbon emissions, the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework, comes into force next week, on Monday 1 April.

The scheme aims to simplify the way in which applicable companies report their energy use and carbon emissions, and provides information to help businesses reduce both and to help save costs. 

ABTA has guidance available for Members on the new SECR framework, it includes information on who the scheme does and doesn’t apply to, exemptions, how and when to report as well as what information should be provided. 

Not all companies need to adhere to the new scheme, it will apply to around 12,000 UK companies, including listed and large companies. The legislation introduces new obligations for these companies to report on their carbon emissions, either as part of their annual report, or as a standalone ‘Energy and Carbon Report’. 

The new framework will contribute to the Government’s target of helping businesses improve energy efficiency by at least 20 per cent by 2030.

In addition to the SECR scheme, there is a range of current and future carbon legislation the travel industry should also be aware of. 

For example, the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), a mandatory energy assessment scheme introduced in 2014, still exists and compliance with ESOS will help companies comply with SECR. The SECR framework requires companies to report on the energy performance and efficiency actions they have taken in the last year, whereas ESOS enables companies to use data to assess priorities and plan further actions going forward. 

Then, from 2021, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, will require any increase in emissions from aviation to be offset. 

ABTA Members can access the free guidance in the Member Zone Sustainable Tourism section.

Nikki White, ABTA’s Director of Destinations and Sustainability, said:

“Whilst the SECR framework will only apply to a small proportion of Members, it’s important these companies have the right measurement and reporting processes in place to make sure they can provide the additional information required. 

“ABTA’s guidance note on the requirements is intended to give Members an initial steer through the requirements and signpost them to further information. For further advice we recommend that Members refer to the detailed Government guidance which is available on the gov.uk website.”  

The new SECR scheme replaces the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme, and will apply to around 8,000 more companies. 

Detailed Government guidance on the SECR scheme can be found here.

For further information, contact:
020 3117 0596 or press@abta.co.uk
Emily Jones, Media and PR Manager, 020 3117 0592

Out of Hours:  Contact the Duty Press Officer on 020 3693 0183.
Web: www.abta.com
Twitter: @ABTAtravel

Notes to editors

ABTA has been a trusted travel brand for over 65 years. Our purpose is to help our Members to grow their businesses successfully and sustainably, and to help their customers travel with confidence. 
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We help our Members and their customers navigate through today's changing travel landscape by raising standards in the industry; offering schemes of financial protection; providing an independent complaints resolution service should something go wrong; giving guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety and by presenting a united voice to government to ensure the industry and the public get a fair deal.

ABTA has around 1,200 Members, with a combined annual UK turnover of £38 billion. For more details about what we do, what being an ABTA Member means and how we help the British public travel with confidence visit www.abta.com.