How an ISO 50001 Improves Energy Efficiency for the Benefits of an Organization?

Author: Charles Wilson

An energy management system is better than informal or traditional project-based approaches for increasing energy performance because this implements a systematic approach to energy efficiency. ISO 50001 provides a framework for developing an effective energy management system, which assists businesses in better managing their energy use by requiring them to develop and implement an energy policy, set achievable targets for energy use, and design an action plan to achieve them and measure progress. This enables organizations to minimize energy expenses by implementing new energy-efficient technologies, reducing energy waste, or improving present operations.

Effective Energy management systems are generally made up of best practices in project management, energy monitoring, and energy awareness, as well as an energy policy that directs an organization's approach to energy use and performance. The organization can enable significant long-term energy savings because the organization's employees must constantly monitor energy use and resolve irregularities or incidents that result in energy waste. Organizations that choose to implement ISO 50001 will create a customized energy management system (EnMS) that will not only provide these benefits but will also generate additional gains for the organization. ISO 50001 has quickly become the internationally recognized standard for implementing a strategic and systematic energy management system with proven energy and energy cost savings. The advantages of ISO 50001 for the organization that improves energy efficiency are listed below:

  • A significant improvement of the energy performance level from an initial energy baseline.
  • A systematic approach (plan-do-check and act) that leads to constant energy efficiency enhancement.
  • An ISO 50001 EnMS offers a better understanding between predictable energy demand and supply.
  • An ISO 50001 EnMS helps to reduce energy costs and improves profitability.

Also, ISO 50001 allows organizations to get additional benefits:

  • Create a policy for more effective use of energy
  • Fix energy efficiency targets and objectives to meet the policy
  • Use statistics for better understanding and make decisions regarding energy use and consumption
  • Measure the results of energy efficiency improvements
  • Assess the effectiveness of the energy policy
  • Continually improve energy management
  • ISO 50001 supports the changes in an energy policy and contributes to the structure of an energy plan to achieve targets.
  • ISO 50001 facilitates engagement of management and has a positive contribution toward the energy targets.
  • By offering
ISO 50001 awareness training the employees and organization get the benefits to showcase the awareness and commitment toward the EnMS.

  • ISO 50001 expands the ability of organizations to manage energy risks concerning possible impacts efficiently and effectively.
  • ISO 50001 strengthens the competitiveness of organizations and reduces their vulnerability concerning energy price fluctuation and availability of energy.
  • ISO 50001 allows the establishment of a benchmarking process.
  • An ISO 50001 allows organizations to gain credible external visibility of energy-saving actions.

Furthermore, implementing ISO 50001 obtains major benefits apart from energy and cost savings. Early adoption experiences have shown that adhering to the standard results in some non-energy benefits such as increased productivity and lower maintenance requirements. Significant energy and cost savings were achieved in many cases with little or no capital investment. This is because ISO 50001 promotes a cultural shift that engages and empowers employees to identify and address energy-saving opportunities as they arise. Companies achieve energy savings persistence by continuously monitoring and improving energy efficiency.

Although, there is an additional market value to conforming to a globally acknowledged standard like ISO 50001. Companies and organizations can prove their commitment to environmental protection to their customers, employees, investors, and regulators by achieving ISO 50001 certification. Businesses and organizations can acquire a competitive advantage in the marketplace by demonstrating their commitment to corporate citizenship. This could also help them to improve their brand, which directly supports their marketing strategy.

Additionally, implementing ISO 50001 provides new or pre-existing corporate energy management actions within a company's acceptability and structure. ISO 50001 standard speeds up the achievement of environmental and sustainability goals and also supports businesses in promoting energy efficiency throughout their supply chains. The standard can also assist organizations to become prepared for international climate agreements, carbon or energy costs, and government- or utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs. ISO 50001 is widely acknowledged, and this can make it much easier for global companies to comply with environmental regulations across international borders.