ISO 50001
What is ISO 50001?
ISO 50001 is the new standard for energy management. It parallels and complements ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 14001 for environmental management. ISO 50001 is due to be published in Q4 2011, but many firms are working now to be certified as soon as the final document is released.
What energy use goals does ISO 50001 include?
ISO 50001 does NOT include energy use goals. ISO 50001 simply ensures that you have a credible and effective management process in place to reach your energy use goals. You set your own goals in accordance with your requirements and vision.
What kinds of organizations might benefit from an ISO 50001 energy management system?
Any organization that uses energy can benefit from implementing an energy management system. Manufacturers, IT operations, airports, heavy equipment operations, food processors, and chemical and pharmaceutical plants are just a few of the candidates that would most benefit from an ISO 50001 energy management system. The greater your energy use, the more you will benefit.
How does one use ISO 50001?
An ISO 50001 energy management system enables you to systematically set and reach your organization's energy use goals, wherever you choose to set them, and realize the energy cost savings. In addition, many government and utility energy programs require that an effective Management System for Energy (MSE) be put in place to qualify for program benefits. An ISO 50001 MSE will become the universally accepted standard.
Are there any other benefits to developing an ISO 50001 energy management system?
There are many benefits to developing and implementing an ISO 50001 energy management system. Among them are:
- Reduced energy consumption as projects are implemented;
- Controlled energy costs as energy use is reduced;
- Improved O&M as equipment use declines or is throttled back, and energy monitoring yields performance information;
- Decreased environmental impact from waste;
- Preparation for emissions tracking and reporting regimes;
- Public credibility for energy consciousness;
- An engaged and aware workforce as workers are drawn into the energy management process, resulting in decreased recruitment costs.
What does it take to develop an ISO 50001 Management System for Energy?
This varies depending upon the kind of processes being managed, the scope of the plan, the variety of energy sources used, and whether or not an organization already has some other ISO plan and mechanisms in place. In broad terms, however, an ISO 50001 MSE takes 18 months to develop and implement. It requires an internal 'energy lead' and a small team of employees to develop the system. The 'energy lead' will spend approximately 10% to 15% of his or her time developing the system and putting it into place. Time commitments after the MSE is in place depend upon the kinds of energy projects the organization chooses to implement.
What role does Integrated Renewable Energy play in MSE development?
Integrated Renewable Energy was selected by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance as a Field Advisor to Kenworth Trucks for the Northwest Energy Management System Demonstration Project. One of the goals of the project is to develop the consulting expertise to facilitate MSE development by other organizations following in the footsteps of the pilot program.
In that role, Integrated Renewable Energy provides Technical Support, Document Review, and MSE Development Management to organizations pursuing ISO 50001 certification. In addition, Integrated Renewable Energy provides the MSE Toolbox © consisting of the project management tools that support MSE development so that there is no need for each organization to build its own tools. The MSE Toolbox © includes:
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- WBS Dictionary
- Schedule
- Document templates
What's the next step if we decide to put an ISO 50001 Management System for Energy in place?
Call us to discuss your particular situation. We can answer your questions and help you formulate a plan.
