editorial Alex Smith, Editor Email: asmith@cibsejournal.com Twitter: @alexsmith68 There will be a lastminute Christmas rush for those organisations that have left ESOS late Saving grace T he Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) has dominated headlines in the construction press since coming into force earlier this year. Worryingly, its message doesnt seem to have reached the industries it is targeting. The Environmental Agency has revealed that only 120 companies have logged themselves as ESOS compliant. It is a huge shortfall when you consider that, under ESOS, around 10,000 organisations are required to carry out energy audits. With the deadline due in December, there will be a last-minute Christmas rush for those organisations that have left it late. Recent government rollback of green policies such as zero carbon homes is likely to be contributing to the low uptake firms wont make energy efficiency a priority if sustainability is low on the political agenda. We should not abandon all hope, however. The government has announced that respected BRE chief executive Peter Bonfield is to undertake an independent review of energy efficiency provision. His report will point the way for a replacement for the Green Deal, which the government also scotched after the election. Meanwhile enlightened businesses, and those with a long-term interest in low carbon buildings, continue to invest in energy efficient stock, among them operators in the nascent build-to-rent market. The private sectors answer to council homes are being designed as low-maintenance, low carbon apartment schemes. Essential Living is a leading player responsible for a Dubai-esque pair of connected towers in Canary Wharf and its operations director Ian Merrick explains how the firm will ensure performance targets are met for the financial benefit of both investors and tenants. We have yet to hear of plans for Passivhaus build-to-rent apartments but, judging by the rising popularity of the German building standard, it wont be long. Commercial Passivhaus projects are rare in the UK, so the development of the Enterprise Centre in Norwich has been followed with close interest. We take a look at the building on, and report on how the passive design and extensive insulation has kept building services lean. The designer Architype won a Building Performance Award in 2013 with another Passivhaus project Bushbury Hill Primary School. Entries for the 2016 awards are closing this month. If you have not entered visit www.cibse.org/awards and be sure to submit your project before the 10 September deadline.