SECR Reporting for UK Businesses
Many businesses still treat Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting as a year-end scramble. Data sits across sites, suppliers and finance teams.
Changing Footprint helps businesses turn SECR Reporting into a controlled and efficient process. We manage data collection, calculate emissions, prepare compliant disclosures and identify practical actions that improve performance year after year.
What is SECR Reporting?
SECR Reporting stands for Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting. It is the UK framework that requires qualifying businesses to disclose energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency actions within their annual accounts or directors’ report.
Why SECR Reporting matters
Mandatory carbon reporting creates accountability. Investors, customers and supply chains increasingly expect businesses to understand and manage emissions.
SECR Reporting gives directors clearer information on operational efficiency, energy cost exposure and carbon performance. It can support better decisions on estates, procurement and investment.
More than a compliance task
Businesses that only report once a year often miss opportunities. Poor data quality, manual processes and late submissions create unnecessary pressure.
A structured SECR process gives you reliable data throughout the year. That means less year-end disruption and more time to focus on savings and improvement.
Who needs to produce a SECR Report?
Quoted companies
Quoted companies incorporated in the UK are generally required to disclose global energy use and emissions under Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting rules.
This usually forms part of the annual reporting cycle and should align with wider governance and disclosure obligations.
Large unquoted companies and LLPs
Large UK incorporated companies and large Limited Liability Partnerships may also need to report if they meet qualifying thresholds, typically based on employee numbers, turnover or balance sheet totals.
Many organisations are unsure where they sit, especially where group structures are involved. We help assess applicability quickly and give a clear route to compliance.
What Must be Included in a SECR Report?
SECR disclosures need to be accurate, proportionate and aligned to the legislation. The exact requirements vary by entity type, but core elements are consistent.
Energy use and emissions data
Reports normally include UK energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. This may cover electricity, gas and transport fuel depending on your operations.
Strong SECR energy data collection is essential. We build practical data requests that reduce effort and improve accuracy.
Intensity metrics and methodology
Businesses must usually include at least one intensity ratio, such as emissions per employee, turnover or unit of production.
You should also explain the methodology used for calculations, emission factors and any assumptions. Clear methods reduce challenge and support consistency each year.
Energy efficiency actions taken
SECR requires disclosure of principal measures taken to improve energy efficiency during the reporting year.
This is where reporting can add value. We help businesses present credible actions already delivered and identify sensible next steps that strengthen future performance.
Our Approach to SECR Reporting
1. Scope review and reporting plan
We confirm reporting obligations, organisational boundaries and deadlines.
You get a clear delivery plan with responsibilities, milestones and data requirements from the start.
2. Efficient data collection
We manage SECR energy data collection across sites, finance teams and suppliers.
Our process reduces chasing, avoids duplication and creates a clean audit trail for review.
3. Calculations and compliant disclosure
We calculate emissions using recognised methodologies and prepare draft disclosures ready for annual reporting.
Outputs are clear, board-ready and tailored to your business rather than copied from templates.
4. Improvement actions for next year
We do not stop at submission. We highlight data gaps, efficiency opportunities and ways to streamline next year’s process.
That means lower reporting effort, stronger controls and measurable progress over time.
Related Services & Case Studies
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We implemented a structured framework aligned to TCFD, GRI and IFRS, including KPIs and governance improvements.
The result was clear, credible reporting that improved confidence and prepared the business for future requirements.
FAQs
How often do we need to complete SECR Reporting?
SECR Reporting is normally completed annually and included within your statutory reporting cycle.
What if our data is incomplete?
This is common. We help recover missing information, apply reasonable methodologies where needed and improve controls for future years.
Can SECR Reporting help reduce costs?
Yes. Energy and emissions data often highlights waste, inefficient assets and avoidable spend. Good reporting can support practical savings.
How long does the process take?
That depends on business size, number of sites and data quality. With a clear plan, most organisations can complete the process efficiently and without year-end disruption.