WHAT IS ISO 50001?
ISO 50001 “Energy Management System” is an international standard designed to help organizations achieve continuous improvement of their energy performance, including energy efficiency and energy use and consumption
ISO 50001 certification, therefore, helps public and private businesses of all types and sizes develop a systematic approach to energy management, aimed at improving energy use, efficiency, and consumption, thus yielding economic and environmental benefits alike.
Like most standards relating to management systems, the structure of ISO 50001 is based on the Deming cycle (continuous improvement) and on the “plan-do-check-act” approach. The criterion is therefore to plan and act on the basis of the objectives identified. In order to deal effectively with energy problems, it is first necessary to analyze and evaluate the main critical points and then define operational solutions to manage them. Once the identified measures have been implemented, their efficiency is evaluated and any new weak points are analyzed. On the basis of this checking phase, the planning cycle restarts with the setting of new objectives.
The latest edition of the standard, dated 2018, has been revised on the basis of the high-level structure (HLS) common to all ISO standards for management systems. This will make it easier to integrate with other management system certifications, such as ISO 9001 on quality management systems and ISO 14001 on environmental management systems.
The ISO 50001 system is based on several key principles:
- A clearly defined and stated energy policy with objectives, targets, programs and resources.
- Monitoring of legal requirements governing energy usage and consumption and energy efficiency.
- Knowledge of significant energy uses and consumption.
- Continuous improvement of energy performance.
- Training and raising the awareness of personnel within the organization.
- Traceability of the actions undertaken to achieve objectives and operational control.
- Keeping documentary records.
The voluntary approach to the standard enables organizations to set the objectives to be achieved and the respective time-frames for achieving them, thus reducing costs by means of a system-based approach, while also helping improve the environment.
The benefits of ISO 50001 certification
Applying an effective energy management system enables organizations to:
- Reduced Energy Costs: By improving energy efficiency and optimizing energy use, ISO 50001 helps organizations reduce their energy bills and operational costs.
- Enhanced Energy Performance: The standard provides a structured approach to monitoring and improving energy performance, leading to more efficient use of resources and reduced energy consumption.
- Environmental Impact Reduction: ISO 50001 supports sustainability efforts by helping organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts associated with energy use.
- Regulatory Compliance: The standard helps organizations comply with energy-related regulations and legislation, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.
- Improved Organizational Reputation: ISO 50001 certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible energy management, enhancing the organization’s reputation with customers, stakeholders, and the public.
- Employee Engagement: Implementing an energy management system can engage employees by involving them in energy-saving initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Competitive Advantage: ISO 50001 certification can provide a competitive edge by differentiating organizations as leaders in energy efficiency and sustainability, which can be attractive to environmentally conscious customers and partners.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The standard promotes the use of accurate energy data, enabling organizations to make informed decisions about energy use and investments in energy efficiency measures.