SECR Reporting Templates: Free Resources for UK Businesses
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) compliance doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. While many UK businesses turn to consultants charging £15,000-25,000 for annual reporting, SMBs handling compliance in-house can achieve the same results using structured templates and systematic approaches.
This comprehensive resource guide provides free templates, worksheets, and practical tools for UK businesses managing their own SECR reporting. Whether you're preparing your first SECR submission or streamlining an established process, these resources will help you collect data accurately, calculate emissions correctly, and produce compliant disclosures.
Essential SECR Reporting Templates
The following templates cover the complete SECR reporting lifecycle from data collection through final disclosure. All templates are designed for UK businesses and align with official Government guidance.
Template 1: SECR Compliance Checklist
Before beginning data collection, verify your compliance obligations and scope.
Use this checklist to determine:
Am I required to report under SECR?
- UK incorporated company (or parent company of group)
- Financial year beginning on or after 1 April 2019
- Meets at least 2 of 3 criteria:
- 250+ employees
- £36M+ annual turnover
- £18M+ balance sheet total
- Not a low-energy user exemption (40,000 kWh or less total energy)
What must I report?
- UK energy consumption (electricity, gas, transport fuel)
- Corresponding greenhouse gas emissions
- At least one intensity metric
- Prior year comparative figures
- Description of energy efficiency measures
Where must I report?
- Directors' report in annual financial statements
- Filed with Companies House
- Within normal filing deadlines (9 months private company, 6 months public company)
Who is responsible?
- Company directors (signing directors' report)
- Designated internal owner: _______________
- Data collectors identified for each location
- Reviewer/approver identified: _______________
Timeline:
- Financial year end date: _______________
- Companies House filing deadline: _______________
- Internal SECR completion target: _______________
- Data collection start date: _______________
Download this checklist: Use Comply Carbon's free compliance check to get a personalized assessment of your SECR obligations.
Template 2: Organizational Boundary Definition Worksheet
Define which entities and operations fall within your SECR reporting scope.
Corporate structure:
- Parent company name: _______________
- Companies House number: _______________
- UK subsidiary companies included:
-
Control approach:
- Operational control: Report facilities where company has authority over operational policies
- Financial control: Report facilities where company has ability to direct financial policies
Included operations:
| Location/Facility | Address | Included? (Y/N) | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head office | |||
| Warehouse | |||
| Remote office |
Excluded operations:
- Operations outside UK: _______________
- Joint ventures (no control): _______________
- Recent acquisitions (if material, state acquired date): _______________
Changes from prior year:
- New locations added: _______________
- Locations closed/sold: _______________
- Acquisitions requiring boundary change: _______________
- If material changes, prior year will be restated: [ ] Yes [ ] No
Sign-off:
- Boundary definition approved by: _______________
- Date: _______________
This boundary definition becomes your reference point for all data collection—be specific and document clearly.
Template 3: Energy Data Collection Register
Maintain a comprehensive register of all energy consumption sources requiring data collection.
Electricity consumption:
| Site/Location | Meter MPAN | Supplier | Meter Type | Collection Method | Responsible Person | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head office | 1234567890 | EDF | Smart | Supplier portal | J. Smith | Monthly |
| Warehouse | 0987654321 | Octopus | Traditional | Manual bills | M. Jones | Quarterly |
Natural gas consumption:
| Site/Location | Meter MPRN | Supplier | Meter Type | Collection Method | Responsible Person | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head office | 1122334455 | British Gas | Smart | Supplier portal | J. Smith | Monthly |
| Factory | 5544332211 | E.ON | Traditional | Manual bills | P. Wilson | Quarterly |
Transport fuel consumption:
| Vehicle Type | Registration/Fleet ID | Fuel Type | Data Source | Collection Method | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company cars | Fleet 001-025 | Petrol | Fuel card | Provider portal | Fleet manager |
| Vans | Fleet 026-035 | Diesel | Fuel card | Provider portal | Fleet manager |
| EVs | Fleet 036-040 | Electric | Lease company | Monthly report | Fleet manager |
Refrigerants and other sources:
| Equipment Type | Location | Refrigerant Type | Data Source | Collection Method | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC units | All sites | R410A | Maintenance logs | Annual review | Facilities manager |
| Chillers | Factory | R134a | Service records | Annual review | Facilities manager |
Data collection contacts:
- Primary contact: _______________
- Backup contact: _______________
- Escalation for issues: _______________
This register ensures nothing is missed and creates clear accountability for data collection.
Template 4: Monthly Energy Consumption Tracker
Don't wait until year-end to collect data. Monthly tracking prevents gaps and enables proactive management.
Electricity consumption (kWh):
| Site | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office | ||||||||||||||
| Warehouse | ||||||||||||||
| Total |
Natural gas consumption (kWh):
| Site | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office | ||||||||||||||
| Factory | ||||||||||||||
| Total |
Transport fuel (litres):
| Fuel Type | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ||||||||||||||
| Diesel | ||||||||||||||
| Total |
Data quality flags:
- E = Estimated (not actual reading)
- P = Partial data (incomplete month)
- A = Anomaly requiring investigation
Monthly review:
- Data collector: _______________
- Review date: _______________
- Issues identified: _______________
- Resolution: _______________
Monthly tracking also enables early identification of efficiency opportunities and unusual consumption patterns.
Template 5: SECR Emissions Calculation Worksheet
Transform consumption data into reportable emissions using UK Government conversion factors.
Step 1: Gather latest UK Government GHG conversion factors
- Factors year: 2025 (use factors for reporting period)
- Source: UK Government Conversion Factors
Step 2: Electricity emissions (Scope 2)
| Location | Annual Consumption (kWh) | Conversion Factor (kg CO2e/kWh) | Emissions (kg CO2e) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | 75,000 | 0.207 | 15,525 |
| Warehouse | 125,000 | 0.207 | 25,875 |
| Total | 200,000 | 41,400 |
Total Scope 2 emissions: 41.4 tonnes CO2e (divide kg by 1,000)
Step 3: Natural gas emissions (Scope 1)
| Location | Annual Consumption (kWh) | Conversion Factor (kg CO2e/kWh) | Emissions (kg CO2e) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | 45,000 | 0.203 | 9,135 |
| Factory | 180,000 | 0.203 | 36,540 |
| Total | 225,000 | 45,675 |
Total gas emissions: 45.7 tonnes CO2e
Step 4: Transport fuel emissions (Scope 1)
| Fuel Type | Annual Consumption (litres) | Conversion Factor (kg CO2e/litre) | Emissions (kg CO2e) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2,500 | 2.20 | 5,500 |
| Diesel | 8,500 | 2.54 | 21,590 |
| Total | 11,000 | 27,090 |
Total transport emissions: 27.1 tonnes CO2e
Step 5: Refrigerant emissions (Scope 1) - if applicable
| Refrigerant Type | Quantity Lost (kg) | GWP Factor (kg CO2e/kg) | Emissions (kg CO2e) |
|---|---|---|---|
| R410A | 1.2 | 2,088 | 2,506 |
| Total | 2,506 |
Total refrigerant emissions: 2.5 tonnes CO2e
Step 6: Total emissions summary
| Scope | Source | Emissions (tonnes CO2e) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Natural gas | 45.7 |
| Scope 1 | Transport fuel | 27.1 |
| Scope 1 | Refrigerants | 2.5 |
| Total Scope 1 | 75.3 | |
| Scope 2 | Electricity | 41.4 |
| Total Scope 2 | 41.4 | |
| Total Emissions | 116.7 |
Step 7: Intensity metric calculation
Select intensity metric:
- Emissions per £million revenue
- Emissions per employee (FTE)
- Emissions per m² floor area
- Other: _______________
Calculation:
- Total emissions: 116.7 tonnes CO2e
- Intensity denominator: £8.5M revenue
- Intensity metric: 116.7 ÷ 8.5 = 13.7 tonnes CO2e per £M revenue
Prior year comparison:
- Prior year total emissions: 124.3 tonnes CO2e
- Change: -7.6 tonnes (-6.1%)
- Prior year intensity: 14.8 tonnes CO2e per £M revenue
- Intensity change: -1.1 tonnes (-7.4%)
Calculation checked by: _______________ Date: _______________
Template 6: Energy Efficiency Measures Register
SECR requires description of energy efficiency measures taken during reporting period.
Energy efficiency actions undertaken:
| Measure | Location | Implementation Date | Annual Energy Saving (kWh) | Annual Cost Saving (£) | CO2e Reduction (tonnes) | Investment (£) | Payback (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED lighting retrofit | Office | Oct 2024 | 15,000 | 4,500 | 3.1 | 8,500 | 1.9 |
| Smart thermostat | Warehouse | Jan 2025 | 8,000 | 320 | 1.6 | 1,200 | 3.8 |
| EV charging stations | Head office | Dec 2024 | N/A | - | 4.2 | 15,000 | - |
Total annual savings: 23,000 kWh, £4,820, 8.9 tonnes CO2e
Planned future measures:
- Building insulation improvements (planned Q3 2025)
- Solar PV installation (under evaluation)
- Fleet electrification programme (phased 2025-2027)
SECR narrative description:
"During the reporting period, the company implemented LED lighting throughout its head office, reducing electricity consumption by 15,000 kWh annually. Smart thermostats were installed at the warehouse facility, optimising heating schedules and reducing gas consumption by 8,000 kWh. The company also installed EV charging infrastructure supporting the transition to electric vehicles, which will reduce transport emissions over the coming years."
This register provides the content for the required SECR narrative while tracking efficiency programme results.
Template 7: SECR Directors' Report Disclosure
Final disclosure text for inclusion in directors' report within annual accounts.
STREAMLINED ENERGY AND CARBON REPORTING (SECR)
UK Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In accordance with the Companies (Directors' Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018, [Company Name] reports the following information for the financial year ended [Date]:
Energy Consumption
| Energy Type | FY 2025 (kWh) | FY 2024 (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 200,000 | 215,000 |
| Natural gas | 225,000 | 238,000 |
| Transport fuel | [calculated] | [calculated] |
| Total | [total] | [total] |
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
| Scope | FY 2025 (tonnes CO2e) | FY 2024 (tonnes CO2e) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 (direct emissions) | 75.3 | 82.1 |
| Scope 2 (indirect emissions - electricity) | 41.4 | 42.2 |
| Total | 116.7 | 124.3 |
Intensity Metric
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions per £million revenue | 13.7 tonnes CO2e | 14.8 tonnes CO2e |
Methodology
Emissions have been calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard using the 2025 UK Government GHG conversion factors. The organizational boundary includes all UK operations under the company's operational control. Scope 1 emissions include natural gas consumption, company vehicle fuel, and refrigerant losses. Scope 2 emissions include purchased electricity using the location-based method.
Energy Efficiency Measures
During the reporting period, the company implemented the following energy efficiency measures:
- LED lighting retrofit at head office reducing electricity consumption by 15,000 kWh annually
- Smart thermostats installed at warehouse facility optimising heating schedules
- EV charging infrastructure supporting fleet electrification programme
The company continues to evaluate additional energy efficiency opportunities including building insulation improvements and renewable energy generation.
Approved by the Board of Directors on [Date]
Signed: _______________ [Director Name], [Director Title]
Customization notes:
- Replace [Company Name], [Date], and bracketed placeholders with your specific information
- Add additional detail on energy efficiency measures as appropriate
- Ensure consistency with calculations in worksheet
- Have legal/finance review before inclusion in statutory accounts
Template 8: SECR Data Quality Checklist
Before finalizing your SECR report, verify data quality using this comprehensive checklist.
Completeness:
- All UK locations included in scope
- All 12 months of financial year covered
- No gaps in utility data
- All company vehicles included
- Refrigerant data collected where applicable
- Prior year data available for comparison
Accuracy:
- Utility bills reconciled to supplier statements
- Meter readings verified as actual (not estimated)
- Fuel card totals cross-checked with provider statements
- Conversion factors from correct year and source
- Calculations checked and verified
- Totals sum correctly
Methodology:
- Organizational boundary clearly defined and documented
- Consistent with prior year approach
- Conversion factors correctly applied
- Intensity metric appropriate and consistently calculated
- Estimates clearly identified with documented basis
- GHG Protocol compliant
Documentation:
- All source documents retained (bills, statements, reports)
- Calculation workpapers complete
- Assumptions and estimates documented
- Methodology written down
- Review and approval signatures obtained
- Files organized for future reference
Disclosure:
- All required elements included (consumption, emissions, intensity, narrative)
- Prior year comparatives included
- Figures consistent with calculations
- Energy efficiency narrative descriptive and accurate
- Directors' report draft reviewed by finance and legal
- Final disclosure approved by signing director
Sign-off:
- Prepared by: _______________ Date: _______________
- Reviewed by: _______________ Date: _______________
- Approved by: _______________ Date: _______________
This checklist ensures your SECR report meets all regulatory requirements and quality standards.
Free SECR Calculation Tools
Beyond templates, several free tools assist with SECR calculations and compliance.
UK Government GHG Conversion Factors Database
What it provides:
- Annual conversion factors for all fuel types and emission sources
- Excel-based database with factors for past and current years
- Documentation explaining methodology and appropriate use
- Factors aligned with GHG Protocol Corporate Standard
How to use:
- Visit UK Government Conversion Factors page
- Download the latest year's factors (updated annually around June)
- Locate appropriate factors for your consumption types:
- Electricity: UK grid average (location-based method)
- Gas: Natural gas (gross calorific value basis)
- Transport: By fuel type (petrol, diesel, LPG) or vehicle type
- Refrigerants: Specific factor for each refrigerant type
- Apply factors to your consumption data using calculation worksheet above
Important notes:
- Use factors for the reporting year (e.g., 2025 factors for FY 2024/25)
- Electricity factors change year-to-year as UK grid decarbonises
- Transport factors updated annually reflecting vehicle efficiency improvements
Carbon Trust Resources
Free tools available:
- Carbon footprint calculator (basic emissions estimation)
- Energy management guidance
- Case studies showing energy efficiency measures
- Sector-specific carbon reduction guides
Access: Carbon Trust website
Energy Saving Trust Resources
Free resources for businesses:
- Energy audits and assessments (varies by region)
- Technology guides for energy efficiency equipment
- Funding and financing guidance
- Business energy advice helpline
Access: Energy Saving Trust business support
Comply Carbon Free Compliance Check
Get a personalised assessment of your SECR compliance status and data quality.
What you receive:
- Verification of your SECR reporting obligations
- Assessment of data completeness
- Identification of common compliance gaps
- Recommendations for improvement
Access: Free SECR compliance check
Unlike basic calculators, this tool provides SECR-specific guidance aligned with UK regulatory requirements.
Step-by-Step: Using Templates for Your First SECR Report
If preparing your first SECR report, follow this structured process using the templates above.
Phase 1: Scope Definition (Week 1)
Tasks:
- Complete SECR Compliance Checklist to verify obligations
- Fill out Organizational Boundary Definition Worksheet
- Identify financial year and reporting deadline
- Designate internal owner and data collectors
Deliverable: Clear understanding of what must be reported and by when.
Phase 2: Data Collection Setup (Week 2)
Tasks:
- Complete Energy Data Collection Register
- Identify all energy consumption sources
- Contact utility suppliers requesting annual statements
- Access fuel card provider portal
- Set up Monthly Energy Consumption Tracker
Deliverable: Comprehensive register of data sources and collection methods.
Phase 3: Data Collection (Weeks 3-8)
Tasks:
- Gather utility bills for entire financial year
- Download fuel card transaction data
- Collect refrigerant service records
- Enter data into Monthly Energy Consumption Tracker
- Identify and document any data gaps
Deliverable: Complete consumption data for all sources.
Phase 4: Data Validation (Week 9)
Tasks:
- Cross-check totals against supplier annual statements
- Verify billing periods cover full 12 months
- Identify and replace estimated meter readings where possible
- Document estimation methodology for any gaps
- Complete Data Quality Checklist (preliminary)
Deliverable: Validated, quality-assured consumption data.
Phase 5: Calculations (Week 10)
Tasks:
- Download latest UK Government conversion factors
- Complete SECR Emissions Calculation Worksheet
- Calculate Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions
- Calculate intensity metric
- Prepare prior year comparison
Deliverable: Calculated emissions figures ready for reporting.
Phase 6: Energy Efficiency Narrative (Week 11)
Tasks:
- Complete Energy Efficiency Measures Register
- Document all efficiency actions taken during year
- Quantify energy and cost savings where possible
- Draft narrative description for SECR disclosure
Deliverable: Energy efficiency narrative meeting SECR requirements.
Phase 7: Disclosure Preparation (Week 12)
Tasks:
- Complete SECR Directors' Report Disclosure template
- Ensure all required elements included
- Review for consistency with calculation worksheets
- Have draft reviewed by finance and legal
Deliverable: SECR disclosure ready for directors' report.
Phase 8: Quality Assurance and Approval (Week 13)
Tasks:
- Complete full Data Quality Checklist
- Independent review of calculations and disclosure
- Resolution of any issues identified
- Formal approval by signing director
- Inclusion in directors' report and filing with Companies House
Deliverable: Compliant SECR report filed with Companies House.
Phase 9: Documentation and Improvement (Week 14)
Tasks:
- Organise and archive all source documents and workpapers
- Document lessons learned
- Identify process improvements for next year
- Update data collection procedures based on experience
Deliverable: Complete audit file and improved process for future years.
Total time investment: Approximately 40-60 hours for first-time reporting, reducing to 20-30 hours in subsequent years as process becomes established.
Common Template Customization Needs
While templates provide structure, most businesses need some customization for their specific circumstances.
Multi-Site Organizations
Template adjustments:
- Expand Energy Data Collection Register with additional site rows
- Create site-specific Monthly Energy Consumption Trackers
- Add site-level subtotals in Emissions Calculation Worksheet
- Develop site data quality checklist for decentralized collection
Process considerations:
- Designate site-level data collectors with clear responsibilities
- Provide training and guidance to ensure consistent approaches
- Implement centralized consolidation and review
- Use materiality-based approach (detailed for large sites, simplified for small)
Complex Fleet Operations
Template adjustments:
- Expand transport fuel section with vehicle categories
- Add columns for different fuel types (petrol, diesel, HVO, LPG, electric)
- Include grey fleet if material and within organizational boundary
- Track vehicle additions/disposals affecting year-over-year comparisons
Data collection considerations:
- Use fuel card data wherever possible (most accurate)
- For electric vehicles, track charging consumption separately
- Consider business travel (air, rail) if falls within boundary
- Document fleet mix changes affecting emissions trends
Manufacturing and Industrial Operations
Template adjustments:
- Add process energy consumption categories
- Include additional Scope 1 sources (process emissions, combustion)
- Track energy-intensive equipment separately for analysis
- Expand refrigerant section if significant process cooling
Calculation considerations:
- May require specialized conversion factors for industrial processes
- Consider if process emissions require reporting (sector-dependent)
- Production-based intensity metrics often most meaningful
- Sub-metering enables efficiency opportunity identification
Service-Based Businesses
Template adjustments:
- Transportation may be largest emission source
- Include business travel if material (client visits, conferences)
- Employee commuting typically outside boundary (Scope 3) but consider disclosure
- Revenue or employee-based intensity metrics most relevant
Data collection considerations:
- Mileage claims require conversion using fuel type and vehicle efficiency
- Rail and air travel may be material for professional services
- Work-from-home energy outside scope but affects office consumption comparisons
- Consider if service delivery has embedded emissions
Hybrid or Changing Organizations
Template adjustments:
- Document organizational boundary changes clearly
- Prepare restatement of prior year if material changes
- Note acquisitions/disposals in narrative
- Adjust intensity metrics if denominator affected
Reporting considerations:
- Clear explanation of changes in directors' report narrative
- Quantify impact of boundary changes vs. underlying performance changes
- Consider pro forma comparisons showing like-for-like trends
- Maintain consistency within each reporting year
Beyond Templates: When to Consider Professional Tools
Templates work well for straightforward SECR compliance, but certain situations benefit from professional platforms.
Scenarios Indicating Professional Tool Value
1. Multi-site complexity (10+ locations)
- Coordinating data collection across many sites becomes unwieldy
- Centralized platform with site-level access improves efficiency
- Automated consolidation reduces manual workload
- Consistent methodology enforcement across sites
2. Time constraints
- Late start on SECR reporting with deadline approaching
- Small team with competing priorities
- Need to reduce time investment by 80-90%
3. Data quality concerns
- History of errors or gaps in data collection
- Lack of confidence in calculation accuracy
- Need automated validation and quality checks
- Preparing for external assurance or audit
4. Strategic carbon management
- Using SECR data for operational decisions, not just compliance
- Monthly monitoring for energy efficiency programme
- Scenario modelling for reduction initiatives
- Integration with broader sustainability reporting
5. Risk mitigation
- High regulatory scrutiny (listed company, major corporation)
- Director concern about liability for inaccurate reporting
- Investor or customer requirements for verified data
- Need defensible audit trail
Comply Carbon: Automated Alternative to Templates
While templates enable in-house SECR compliance, Comply Carbon provides comprehensive automation for £1,999 annually—90% less than traditional consultants.
How it compares to templates:
Manual templates:
- Time investment: 40-60 hours first year, 20-30 hours ongoing
- Calculation errors: Risk of manual formula mistakes
- Data validation: Manual checks, potential gaps
- Updates: Must download new conversion factors annually
- Multi-year tracking: Manual comparison in spreadsheets
- Cost: Internal time (£1,500-3,000 value) plus risk of errors
Comply Carbon platform:
- Time investment: 2-4 hours (upload data, review output)
- Calculation errors: Automated calculations, zero formula errors
- Data validation: Built-in validation, automated quality checks
- Updates: Always current conversion factors
- Multi-year tracking: Automated trend analysis and reporting
- Cost: £1,999 annual subscription
When Comply Carbon makes sense:
- Time savings pay for platform (15+ hours saved worth £750-1,500)
- Risk reduction valuable (director liability concern, audit readiness)
- Strategic use of data beyond compliance
- Professional output quality important (investor/customer reporting)
When templates remain appropriate:
- Very straightforward reporting (single site, minimal complexity)
- Strong internal expertise and available time
- Learning exercise building internal capability
- Budget constraints (though platform quickly self-funds through time savings)
See what the platform can do: View sample SECR report showing depth of analysis and professional output quality.
Additional Free SECR Resources
Complement these templates with authoritative guidance and support resources.
Official UK Government Resources
SECR Regulatory Guidance:
- Environmental Reporting Guidelines - Complete official guidance including SECR requirements
- SECR Technical Guidance - Detailed technical methodology
Companies House:
- Filing Requirements - Annual accounts filing including SECR
- WebFiling Service - Online filing portal
Industry Organizations
IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment):
- Professional body for environmental practitioners
- SECR guidance notes and webinars
- Training courses (paid)
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants):
- Guidance for accountants preparing directors' reports
- SECR technical resources
- Professional development materials
Sustainability Organizations
GHG Protocol:
- Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard - Global standard underlying SECR methodology
- Calculation tools and guidance
- Scope definition resources
CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project):
- Corporate climate disclosure framework
- Goes beyond SECR but uses same foundational data
- Voluntary reporting for enhanced transparency
Community and Peer Support
LinkedIn Groups:
- UK Sustainability Professionals
- Carbon Accounting and Reporting
- SECR Compliance UK
Industry Forums:
- Sector-specific sustainability groups
- Local business networks
- Chamber of Commerce sustainability initiatives
Comply Carbon Resources
Free resources:
- Complete SECR Guide - Comprehensive explanation of all requirements
- Compliance Check - Personalized assessment of your obligations
- Sample Report - See what good SECR reporting looks like
- Blog articles on specific SECR topics and best practices
Paid platform:
- Automated SECR compliance for £1,999 (vs. £15k-25k consultants)
- 10-minute report generation from energy bill uploads
- Built-in quality assurance and validation
- 100% Companies House acceptance rate across 200+ customers
Frequently Asked Questions About SECR Templates
Can I use spreadsheet templates for SECR compliance?
Yes, absolutely. SECR compliance doesn't require expensive software—well-structured spreadsheets using the templates provided above will meet all regulatory requirements. The key is systematic data collection, accurate calculations using official conversion factors, and comprehensive documentation.
Thousands of UK businesses successfully comply using spreadsheet-based approaches. The main challenges are:
- Time investment (40-60 hours first year)
- Risk of calculation errors if formulas not carefully validated
- Manual data quality checks
- Updating conversion factors annually
Templates work well for straightforward situations. Consider professional platforms for complexity, time constraints, or strategic carbon management needs.
Do I need different templates for different business types?
The core SECR templates provided are applicable to all UK businesses. However, customization is often helpful:
- Service businesses: Emphasize transport and business travel
- Manufacturing: Add process energy and additional Scope 1 sources
- Retail: Include refrigeration and multiple small locations
- Professional services: Focus on offices and client travel
The fundamental structure (data collection → calculation → disclosure) remains constant. Adjust detail level and categories to match your specific operations.
How often should I update the templates?
Annually:
- Download latest UK Government conversion factors (June/July release)
- Review organizational boundary for changes
- Update energy efficiency measures register
- Refresh prior year comparatives
Monthly/quarterly:
- Update consumption tracking with new data
- Review data quality and completeness
- Identify issues requiring resolution
As needed:
- Add new locations or energy sources
- Adjust for organizational changes
- Incorporate lessons learned from prior year
Templates are living documents—keep them current throughout the year rather than starting from scratch at year-end.
Can these templates be used for net zero planning, not just SECR compliance?
Yes, SECR templates provide the foundation for broader carbon management and net zero strategies.
SECR compliance provides:
- Baseline emissions data
- Scope 1 and Scope 2 inventory
- Energy consumption breakdown
- Year-over-year trends
For net zero planning, extend with:
- Scope 3 emissions calculation (supply chain, business travel, waste)
- Multi-year emissions projection
- Reduction initiative pipeline
- Target-setting frameworks
- Monthly monitoring beyond annual SECR
The Energy Efficiency Measures Register template already supports carbon reduction programme tracking. Expand data collection from annual to monthly for operational management rather than just compliance.
See our guide on Net Zero and SECR for detailed approach.
What if I can't get complete data for all energy sources?
Some estimation is normal and acceptable in SECR reporting, provided:
- Estimated data is <10% of total consumption (ideally)
- Estimation methodology is reasonable and documented
- Basis for estimates is clearly noted
- You commit to improving data collection for next year
Use the estimation hierarchy in templates:
- Prior year actual adjusted for known changes
- Interpolation from adjacent periods
- Benchmark data for similar operations
- Engineering estimates based on equipment specifications
Document all estimates and mark clearly in calculation worksheets. In SECR narrative, you may note: "Energy consumption figures include estimates for [specific sources] representing approximately [X%] of total emissions. The company is working to improve data collection coverage for future reporting periods."
Are these templates compliant with current SECR regulations?
Yes, templates are designed based on:
- Companies (Directors' Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018
- UK Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines (latest version)
- GHG Protocol Corporate Standard
- Best practices from 200+ compliant SECR submissions
Templates are current as of January 2026. While SECR requirements are stable, stay informed of potential regulatory updates through:
- UK Government environmental reporting updates
- Professional advisors or platforms like Comply Carbon that incorporate regulatory changes automatically
How long should I retain SECR templates and supporting documents?
Minimum retention: 6 years (standard UK business records retention period)
Recommended retention permanently for:
- Baseline year documentation (reference point for carbon reduction strategies)
- Years with significant methodology changes
- Years with organizational boundary changes requiring restatements
What to retain:
- Completed templates and calculation worksheets
- Source documents (utility bills, fuel statements, service records)
- Methodology documentation
- Review and approval records
- Filed directors' report with SECR disclosure
- Companies House filing confirmation
Organized retention enables:
- Response to potential regulatory inquiries
- External assurance or audit support
- Year-over-year trend analysis
- Baseline documentation for carbon targets
Your SECR Compliance Action Plan
UK SMBs can achieve full SECR compliance using free templates and systematic approaches—no need for £15k-25k consultants.
Get started today:
- Download and customize templates for your business structure and complexity
- Complete compliance checklist to verify your obligations and scope
- Establish data collection process using the energy data register and monthly tracker
- Set internal timeline working backward from Companies House filing deadline
- Designate clear ownership for data collection, calculations, and approval
If templates alone aren't sufficient:
- Use free compliance check to identify gaps and get personalized guidance
- Review sample SECR reports to see what professional output looks like
- Read the complete SECR guide for comprehensive regulatory explanation
- Consider Comply Carbon's automated platform for 90% time savings at £1,999 vs. £15k-25k consultants
SECR compliance doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right templates, systematic approach, and quality processes, SMBs can handle reporting in-house while meeting all regulatory requirements and building foundation for strategic carbon management.
Your energy and emissions data contains valuable insights for both compliance and business improvement. Use these templates to unlock that value efficiently and professionally.
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