Let’s start from the basis: ISO 50001 is an internationally recognized energy management standard that outlines a framework for improving energy performance. Becoming ISO 50001 certified demonstrates that your organization has a healthy energy management system aiming to save energy, cut costs and reduce environmental impact.
Effective energy management is an advantage both for businesses and the environment. Through systematic examination of company’s energy use and consumption, it is possible to identify areas with an untapped potential for energy reduction. Most of the energy savings is achieved through changes in how energy is managed in an organization, rather than through installation of new technologies. ISO 50001 provides a clear management framework to continually improve energy performance.
What is ISO 50001?
ISO 50001 is a voluntary international standard for energy management systems and is applicable to any type of organization – large or small – within any business sector. It specifies requirements for management practices that are important to obtain improved energy performance. The first issue of the standard was released in June 2011.
The ISO 50001 standard aims to:
• Assist organizations in improving energy efficiency, energy use and consumption.;
• Create transparency and facilitate communication on the management of energy resources;
• Promote energy management best practices and behaviours;
• Assist facilities in evaluating and prioritizing the implementation of new energy-efficient technologies;
• Provide a framework for promoting energy efficiency throughout the supply chain;
• Facilitate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other adverse impacts from energy use.
ISO 50001 is designed to be compatible and harmonized with other recognized management system standards, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management systems and ISO 9001 for quality management systems. It is therefore ideal for integrating into existing management systems and processes.
Why companies should be accredited ISO 50001
First of all because companies want to show customers, employees and stakeholders that efficient use of energy is a priority in their organization and that energy is managed systematically. Implementation of an energy management system can contribute to:
• Improvement of energy performance, including energy efficiency, use and consumption;
• Reducing environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, without affecting operations and simultaneously increasing profitability;
• Continual improvement of the energy management systems;
• Ensuring measurement, documentation, reporting and benchmarking of energy consumption;
• Credible market communication about energy performance efforts.
How can companies get ready for certification?
Setting clear target dates for implementation and assessment is the objective to pursue. Companies that plan well will often have an advantage and be prepared for certification. This includes:
• Analyzing energy use and consumption, and identifying areas of significant energy use;
• Identifying applicable legal requirements;
• Identifying and prioritizing opportunities for performance improvements;
• Establishing objectives, targets, and improvement programs.
One of the most important things to remember is that development, implementation, and certification of an energy management system is a continuous journey, with the certification audit representing one element of a continuous improvement process.
Source: DNV GL AS. 2015.
