DESMI | Engineers – management Consultants
DESMI | Engineers – management Consultants
ISO 50001 is an International Standard for the implementation of Energy Management Systems (EMS) that helps reduce energy consumption, minimize a company’s environmental footprint and reduce costs by promoting sustainable energy use.
This ISO standard was published on 21 August 2018 and describes the requirements of a data-using management system that focuses on continuously improving energy efficiency.
An important differentiation of this version from the earlier version of 2011 is that it focuses on compatibility with other management system standards, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, etc., simplifying integration into an overall management system. ISO 50001: 2018 places greater emphasis on the more active participation of both the company’s senior management and employees.
Why Energy Management?
The EMS is an administrative tool for controlling a company’s energy consumption and introduces a method of continuously improving its energy performance. Through the system, a systematic approach to its energy issues is developed, contributing greatly and in a variety of ways to the business, as shown in the next paragraph.
Benefits
Reduction of energy and economic costs
ISO 50001 reduces consumption through a structured energy use monitoring system, improves energy efficiency and thus helps businesses save energy. As a result, opportunities to save energy and reduce costs are easier to identify, taking advantage of the potential of the EMS used.
Corporate value
ISO 50001 certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and contributes to the upgrading of its corporate image by complying with local energy legislation.
Optimal performance
By monitoring energy efficiency relative to industry benchmarks, a company can identify areas that can be improved and thereby ensure short-term and long-term energy and economic benefits.
EMS Basic Principles
1. Energy Policy
This is a text in which the top management of the company is committed to continuously improving its energy performance, ensuring the availability of information and necessary resources and complying with applicable institutional and other requirements related to its own energy use. Through the Energy Policy, a framework is provided for the definition and review of energy objectives, and supports the supply of energy-efficient products and services.
2. Objectives and Targets
The objectives are the general aspirations of the company, arising from its energy policy, to improve its energy performance. The Targets are the quantification of energy performance indicators and reflect the measurable result to be achieved per year for each indicator.
3. Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs)
They are measurable sizes established for the purpose of measuring and monitoring the energy performance of the company. Such sizes can be: points of use of energy, energy efficiency or energy consumption.
4. Measuring Results
Introduction of forms to monitor and measure consumption in order to identify signs of improvement / minimisation of energy costs.
5. Energy Review
This is a review whose objective is to analyze energy use based on measurements and other data and then to identify significant energy uses (SEUs). It is an essential tool for identifying and prioritizing opportunities to improve energy performance.
During the initial energy review, the Energy Baseline is formed for a representative period of time for significant energy uses (SEU ́s). It is a reference tool that allows comparison of energy efficiency before and after energy-related changes.
6. Management Review
Top management shall review the company’s EMS at predetermined intervals, usually annually, to ensure the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the system. It is important to ensure that the system is aligned with the company’s strategic direction and that opportunities for continuous improvement in energy performance are considered.
The ISO 50001 standard can be applied to any company regardless of its size or type of activities.
The implementation of the ISO 50001 standard by a company leads to relevant certification, following an audit carried out by a Certification Body. The Energy Management System can be developed in parallel or supplement to other Management Systems, creating a Total Management System in terms of Quality, Environment, OSH, Information Security, etc.
For more information about Management Systems, see the “Information Material” section.