ISO 50001 and the Benefits of Implementation

ISO 50001 is an internationally recognised standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). It is a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their energy usage. Designed to cater to organisations of varying sizes and industries, ISO 50001 serves as a strategic tool to elevate energy performance, cut down on energy costs, and enhance overall energy efficiency.

At its core, ISO 50001 aims to give organisations the tools to develop a systematic approach to managing energy, seamlessly integrating energy efficiency into their day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning. It follows the structured Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and provides a roadmap for continual improvement.

Starting at the “Plan” stage, organisations establish an energy policy, identify energy aspects and impacts, set objectives and targets for energy improvement, and develop energy action plans. A thorough energy review is conducted to understand current energy consumption patterns and pinpoint areas for improvement.

During the “Do” phase, organisations implement plans that have been developed. This involves training employees, generating awareness about energy efficiency, and establishing the necessary infrastructure and systems to achieve energy objectives. Initiatives may include investments in new energy-efficient technologies, process optimisation, energy monitoring systems or the adoption of renewable energy sources.

In the “Check” phase, organisations regularly monitor and measure their energy performance against established objectives and targets. This entails data analysis, energy audits, evaluating the effectiveness of implemented measures through measurement and verification processes, and management reviews. The aim is to ensure organisational alignment and identify further opportunities for improvement.

The “Act” phase involves taking actions based on findings from the “Check” phase of the process to continually enhance energy performance. This may involve updating energy objectives, revising action plans, or implementing new measures to further boost energy efficiency.

ISO 50001’s adaptability to various organisational structures and business environments provides a flexible framework that integrates with other management systems that organisations may already comply with such as ISO 9001 for Quality Management and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management. While certification to ISO 50001 is voluntary, pursuing it demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to sustainable practices and energy efficiency.

The ORS Energy Management team have provided support and consultation to organisations for ISO 50001 and have successfully assisted organisations in the implementation and certification processes for the energy management standard. ISO 50001 serves as a valuable tool for organisations seeking a systematic approach to managing and improving energy performance. Adoption of this standard allows companies to elevate energy efficiency, reduce costs, adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, and contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Get in touch with the ORS Energy Management team today to discuss how we can help you on your journey to becoming a more sustainable organisation.