ISO 50001 - Energy Management System Certification

 

What is ISO 50001?

ISO 50001 focuses on providing guidance for organisations that are committed to improving their energy management processes alongside those they have already implemented for quality and environmental areas.

This standard also builds on the management system model of continual improvement that features in other standards such as 9001 and 14001.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

 

Who requires an ISO 50001 certification?

ISO 50001 is applicable to any organisation seeking to establish a systematic approach to improving their energy performance. Relevant sectors to this standard include:

 

• Manufacturing


• Heavy industry


• Transportation

How can a ISO 50001 certification benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 50001 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

 

• Reducing costs


• Enhancing your environmental performance


• Increasing stakeholder confidence in your organisation

How can you prepare for ISO 50001 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the ISO 50001 standard


• Conduct a gap analysis to highlight areas of your organisation that do not meet the standard requirements


• Establish an energy management team


• Conduct an energy review to analyse energy consumption patterns

What are the key requirements for ISO 50001?

When working towards becoming certified for ISO 50001, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Energy reviews


• Performance indicators


• Usage and consumption of energy

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 50001?

 

Clauses 1-3 – Introductory clauses:

The first three clauses of ISO 50001 introduce the scope of the standard and demonstrate the sectors to which it can be applied.

To assist with understanding, clause 3 provides organisations with a list of definitions for terms that feature throughout the document.

 

Clause 4 – Context of the organisation:

Clause 4 requires organizations to understand the internal and external issues their management system may face. Along with the ways in which the needs and expectations of interested parties can be met.



Climate change amendments:

The amendments have not changed the requirements of clause 4.1 and 4.2, rather they have added an assurance that climate change is considered for the management system. Due to the necessity of climate awareness, it should be considered by organisations and is therefore included as part of the standard.

Rather than a transition being required, organisations should instead consider and apply the guidance provided in the amendment. Should a company minute their considerations during their Management Review regarding CCC as well as evidence of their considerations and any actions, a discrepancy shall NOT be raised. However, should no minute exist for any considerations, then a discrepancy will be raised.

Where a minute and evidence does exist but is clearly of little relevance to CCC an Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) will be raised.

 

Clause 5 – Leadership:

Clause 5 emphasizes the role of top management in demonstrating their commitment and leadership to the EnMS, establishing an energy policy, and assigning responsibilities.

 

Clause 6 – Planning:

Clause 6 focuses on planning actions that are introduced to address risks and opportunities, set energy objectives and targets, conduct energy reviews, and establish energy performance indicators (EnPIs) and baselines.

 

Clause 7 – Support:

Clause 7 addresses the resources that are required to support the EnMS, such as competence, awareness, communication, and documented information.

 

Clause 8 - Operation:

Clause 8 approaches the operational planning and control of processes related to significant energy uses, including design, procurement, and communication.

 

Clause 9 – Performance evaluation:

Clause 9 requires organisations to monitor, measure, analyse, and evaluate their energy performance. This is achieved by conducting internal audits, and performing regular management reviews.

 

Clause 10 – Improvement:

In the final section of the document, clause 10 focuses on how organisations can address nonconformities and continually improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the EnMS.

 

How long will your ISO 50001 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 50001 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.

 

Ready to get started? Apply using the quotation link below.