ISO 50001 aims to support organizations in systematically and sustainably optimizing their energy consumption. This internationally recognized standard defines how an energy management system is set up. It provides companies with a clear framework for continuously increasing their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.
An energy management system (EnMS) is a management process in which your energy data is recorded and potential savings are localized. Energy efficiency measures are then developed and implemented. The aim is to present the energy balance in your organization transparently, to continuously improve it and to provide evidence of this progress.
In contrast to a one-off energy audit, an EnMS is a holistic, ongoing process. While an audit only provides a snapshot of your energy consumption, an EnMS aims to permanently improve your company's energy efficiency. An EnMS can also be linked to other management systems, which creates additional synergies.
The benefits of an ISO 50001 energy management system
1.Cost savings
Awell-implemented EnMS in accordance with ISO 50001 helps you to make significant cost savings. Here are the reasons:
- Reduce energy consumption: By systematically analysing and optimizing your energy consumption, you as a company can significantly reduce your energy costs.
- Increase efficiency: Optimized use of existing energy resources increases your operational efficiency.
- Long-term planning: As a company, you can ensure stable energy costs in the long term by using efficient technologies and processes.
2. Environmental benefits
In addition tothe economic benefits, ISO 50001 also makes a significant contribution to environmental protection in your organization:
- Reduce CO2 emissions: Less energy consumption leads to lower CO2 emissions and supports your company's climate goals.
- Promote sustainability: Companies can better meet their environmental responsibilities.
- Meet legal requirements: ISO 50001 helps you comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and avoid penalties.
3. Competitive advantages
Acertified energy management system also offers your company strategic competitive advantages:
- Improve image: A certified EnMS demonstrates your commitment to the environment and sustainability, which strengthens your company's image.
- Secure subsidies: Your company benefits from government subsidies and tax breaks.
- Exploit market advantages: Customers and business partners increasingly prefer companies that use and can demonstrate sustainable practices.
The energy management system uses the so-called PDCA cycle: "Plan-Do-Check-Act". The cycle comes from quality assurance and enables companies to continuously improve work processes and products.
The individual steps of the PDCA cycle in the energy management system can be defined as follows:
Create energy plan ("Plan")
Start with an inventory and define strategic and operational energy targets. The management introduces strategic energy targets and creates an action plan with clear responsibilities.
Implement measures ("Do")
Implement the planned measures. Create structures that serve to monitor and improve processes.
Check effectiveness
Evaluate the target effectiveness of the measures through internal audits. External audits can also be useful.
Optimize processes ("Act")
Regularly revise energy management at management level. Adjust the strategy based on the results and initiate corrections.
Our products can help you to realize your energy management system and the associated benefits right from the start:
- The green electricity tariff from trawa supplies 100% green electricity including the guarantees of origin required for the system.
- The trawa Energy Assistant can measure your consumption and costs in real time and serves as a basis for deriving energy targets and savings measures.
Take the opportunity now for a free initial consultation. We look forward to your inquiry.
Here we answer the most important questions about the EnMS in a compact and simple way.
The ISO 50001 standard focuses on a comprehensive energy management system that promotes continuous improvements and systematic approaches to energy savings. An energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16427, on the other hand, is a selective review of energy consumption with the aim of identifying potential savings, but without implementing a complete management system.
Thefollowing criteria must be met for an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001:
- A dedicated team for energy management
- An energy policy agenda
- Regular energy audits
- Verifiable energy targets
- A package of measures for energy-saving measures
- Staff training
- Continuous monitoring of energy consumption
- Regular management review and corrective measures
Thecosts vary depending on the size of the company, the existing infrastructure and the scope of the measures required. Typical costs include expenses for training, external consulting, energy audits, the implementation of energy-saving measures and certification. A precise cost estimate should be made on an individual basis.
Certificationin accordance with ISO 50001 may only be carried out by an accredited certifier of the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS).
Three years after the first certification, the on-site certification, the audit report and the assessment are repeated in a re-certification audit.
You can also read our articles on industrial electricity and commercial electricity.