ISO 50001

The new ISO 50001 Standards were just released this month. These standards replace the Federal Standards recommendations for Energy Management Systems (EMS). These standards are not required but make some important and intutitive recommendations that should be followed. The recommedations can help business save large amounts of money on energy, while also helping the environment by reducing demand on natural resources. The standard can be used by any size organization or facility and was created to easily integrate with other ISO such as 14001 and 9001. Energy Management Systems can allow a company to have greater control over their entire building including heat, air conditioning, and lighting, while also having the ability to monitor usage. EMS also save time by having one location to change temperature, monitor controls, and track usage rather then having to go to individual thermostats and controls per department or room.

THE ISO STATES:

Information provided by ISO.org
The standard is intended to accomplish the following :
• Assist organizations in making better use of their existing energy consuming assets
• Create transparency and facilitate communication on the management of energy resources
• Promote energy management best practices and reinforce good energy management behaviours
• Assist facilities in evaluating and prioritizing the implementation of new energy-efficient technologies
• Provide a framework for promoting energy efficiency throughout the supply chain
• Facilitate energy management improvements for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects
• Allow integration with other organizational management systems such as environmental, and health and safety.

“ The purpose of this International Standard is to enable organizations to
establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption. Implementation of this standard is intended to lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy cost, and other related environmental impacts, through systematic management of energy. This International Standard is applicable to all types and sizes of organizations irrespective of geographical, cultural or social conditions. Successful implementation depends on commitment from all levels and functions of the organization, and especially from top management.

You can get more information about ISO 50001 by going to the ISO.org website.