Before we can answer the question "Why should my company use or follow the ISO 50001 standard?" we need to get a better understanding of what exactly this standard is, who can make use of it and then we can outline the main reasons why this global standard is important, especially in this South African market. Lets read on and see what we find.

 

What exactly is the ISO 50001 standard all about?

The ISO 50001 is a global standard that focuses on Energy Management Systems or EnMS. This entire standard is based on a very well known, well implement and well integrated system model called the "PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT" model or flow. In order to follow this standard one would need to:

  • PLAN:
    • Identify the sources of energy, measure the energy consumption in the past, present and estimate the future needs.
    • Identify all the relevant variables that influence this energy consumption.
    • Identify the most important centers of consumption and making sure that their are certain strategies being used to help keep the system operational and develop a corporate energy policy.
  • DO:
    • Implement a energy monitoring and management system.
    • Involve staff by defining certain criteria to better energy management/use.
    • Improve or implement new process techniques or equipment that helps facilitate reduction in energy consumption.
  • CHECK:
    • Constantly monitor and manage energy consumption and energy production.
    • Identify areas in which one could help improve energy consumption or energy production.
    • Continuously ensuring that staff are adhering to new energy management/usage skills.
  • ACT:
    • Continuously gather information to help monitor and manage the effectiveness of the new energy saving systems.
    • Lookout for even more areas of improvement.
    • Automate generating of reports and notifications of anomalies that may occur. 

The ISO group strongly believes that meeting such a standard, could help influence up to 60% of the entire world's energy usage.

 

Who can use this ISO?

This ISO has been designed to allow any entity (Business or Organisation) to implement it, regardless of the entities size, type or location.

 

Why should you meet the ISO 50001 standards?

With energy prices soaring in South Africa, energy costs have now become a significant expense to any business. As an example: Production plants are now looking at energy costs as expenses greater than their raw materials, labour and machine costs. Why not implement a EnMS system to help you become more aware and help you save save SAVE! Here are a few points as to why you should seriously consider this standard:

  • It helps you to have a better understanding of where your energy is going.
  • EnMS systems, that are implemented in this standard, allow for continual improvement of your energy performance by continuously monitoring and managing your energy flow.
  • It helps to identify potential energy savings solutions through proper analysis of data.
  • Major reduction of energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Efficiency means better performance for your business/organisation, which means increased profits.
  • Helps your business/organisation to adhere to legal requirements.
  • Improves your business/organisation image.
  • Easily integrates with existing organisational management systems.

 

Did you know?

Here at Futre, we provide the very best products for setting up your Energy Management System and helping to achieve your ISO 50001 certification. With the Electrex product range, you can reap many of the benefits mentioned above and more. Please contact our sales department here to get some more information regarding the Electrex product range and what it can do for you.

Stay tuned for a new Case Study on the Amadori plant in Italy and how they achieved the ISO 50001 standard and what benefits they received!