ISO 50001:2018 ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Today, more and more people are talking about energy, energy sources and energy efficiency? Why is it so? Namely, global energy sources are gradually being depleted, environmental pollution is increasing and prices are continuously increasing. That is why we are working on the development of new sources of energy, but also on the management of existing ones.

Today, it is not only important whether we save energy, but also whether we use it in the most efficient way. Energy efficiency (a term often used today) is not only energy saving, with which it is generally associated. Energy conservation is all the steps we take to really save energy, such as turning off the light bulb, reducing the use of appliances that are powered by electricity, etc.

Energy efficiency is the use of technologies whose operation requires a smaller amount of energy. Examples of energy efficiency:

• LED bulb – uses up to 90% less energy than a classic bulb and at the same time gives better brightness
• Windows – energy efficient windows are made of materials that reduce heat exchange and air loss
• Insulation – prevents warm air from escaping in winter
• Smart thermostats – Wi-Fi connected devices that regulate heating and cooling in homes
• Computer power management – we can set computers to automatically enter a low-power sleep mode when not in use.

Although losses cannot be reduced to zero, significant benefits can be gained by companies by implementing improved energy performance. In order to make it easier to manage energy, the ISO organization developed a standard: ISO50001 – energy management systems.

What is ISO 50001?

• International standard related to the energy management system (Energy Management System: EnMS);
• The ISO 50001 standard provides an opportunity for organizations and companies with technical and management strategies to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs and reduce negative impact on the environment.

Importance and role of the ISO 50001 standard

The standard was developed by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) with the aim of enabling organizations to establish the systems and processes necessary to continuously improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, energy use and consumption.

Follows ANEX SL: compatible with the structure of other ISO standards (such as ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001) so that integration with other management systems is facilitated.

What is energy management: Reasonable and efficient use of energy to increase profits (reduce costs) and improve competitive position; EnMS is to do more with the same or less energy. Energy management saves money and makes facilities more comfortable, healthier and safer. Energy is crucial to the functioning of organizations and can be a major expense for organizations, whatever their activities. In addition to the economic costs of energy to the organization, energy can cause environmental and social costs due to the depletion of resources and contributions to problems such as climate change. Individual organizations cannot control the price of energy, government policy or the global economy, but they can improve the way they manage energy.

Objectives of energy management:

1. Reducing energy consumption

2. Education of employees about the energy management system

3. Documenting and tracking all information to achieve improvement

4. Fulfillment of legal requirements related to energy consumption

5. Continuous improvement of performance and system

6. Effective use of energy-efficient products and services

Why is the implementation of ISO 50001 useful? In order to develop a policy for more efficient use of energy; In order to set goals for achieving the policy; In order to use the data for better understanding and decision-making related to the use of energy; How to measure results; In order to continuously improve energy management; How to reduce energy management costs! In order to protect the environment!!!

The standard was developed with the aim of enabling organizations to establish the systems and processes necessary to continuously improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, energy use and consumption. It applies to the design and procurement of facilities, equipment, systems or processes that use energy within the scope of the subject and area of application and the boundaries of the EnMS.

The development and implementation of EMS includes energy policy, goals, specific energy goals and action plans related to energy efficiency, use and consumption of energy, while meeting legal and other requirements.

The standard is applicable to every organization, regardless of its type, size, complexity, geographic location, organizational culture, etc. Given the structure that follows other ISO standards, it can be easily integrated into an integrated organization management system.