The UNE-EN ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems Standard is an international standard developed by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This ISO standard provides a practical way to improve energy use, through the development of an energy management system (EnMS)

ISO 50001 is based on the management system model of continual improvement. This makes it easier for organizations to integrate energy management into their overall efforts to improve quality and environmental management.

ISO 50001 provides a framework of requirements for organizations to:
•    Develop a policy for more efficient use of energy
•    Fix targets and objectives to meet the policy
•    Use data to better understand and make decisions about energy use
•    Measure the results
•    Review how well the policy works
•    Continually improve energy management

The implementation of an energy management system according to the requirements of the international standard UNE-EN ISO 50001 implies the continual systematic improvement of energy efficiency in the facilities and processes of an industry, building, organization or company.

The development of an energy management system results in a more rational use of facilities and global energy monitoring.
Its basic implementation scheme consists of  several stages  according to a cycle of continual improvement or PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act). This strategy of action is part of a continual activity of integrated energy management.

A standard implementation consist of the following general stages:

I Energy Policy
II Energy Planning
III Implementation and Operation
IV Verification


STAGE I ENERGY POLICY:

-Initially, an energy strategy and policy is defined 
-Definition of scope and limits
-Energy policy
-Set goals and targets
-Structure and responsibilities
-Organization and resources
-Identifying legal and business requirements
-Preparation of the documentary structure, procedures and methodology


STAGE II ENERGY PLANNING:
The energy saving plan strategy consists of a series of actions to develop the improvements and make the necessary operational adjustments. An integral energy review of the organization is addressed, defining the baseline, indicators, objectives and goals. This phase involves the development of detailed energy accounting and the conduct of energy audits.

An energy audit consists of a technical, systematic, thorough and detailed study of the energy efficiency of systems and installations. It allows to determine the degree of efficiency in the use of energy, to know the energy situation of fundamental installations, processes and equipment, and to identify energy saving and efficiency measures and their economic viability. This planning stage includes the development of an energy action plan with a study of efficiency projects.

-Definition of objectives, goals, deadlines, resources
-Accounting for energy consumption and costs
-Establishment of an energy baseline
-Definition of performance indicators
-Measurement of energy consumption
-Identification of variables and energy users
-Assessment of energy savings and efficiency measures
-Energy Action Plan and Strategy


STAGE III IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION:
The implementation of an energy management system in the organization involves the continual improvement of energy efficiency in its facilities and processes in a systematic way.
A tool used for the management of energy consumption and supplies can be realised by an Energy Information System, which allows to carry control and energy management of the organization.
Operational control and energy maintenance protocols should also be developed. Energy awareness is driven through training and communication channels.

-Implementation of energy information software tool
-Monitoring of energy consumption
-Operation and maintenance control 
-Training and information programs
-Communication


STAGE IV VERIFICATION:

This phase includes the development of a measurement and verificaction plan for  M&V  savings. Billing control is carried out through monitoring and targeting of consumption and costs of supplies. The internal audit consists of an assessment that the company performs to determine the degree of adequacy of its system to the standard.

-Measurement and Verification Plan
-Monitoring, measurement of savings and performance analysis
-Audit of the management system
-Supervision of operations, procedures and protocols


Finally, let's remind the main advantages of implementing an ISO 50001 energy management system:

-Continual improvement of energy efficiency management and promotion
- Saving consumption and energy costs
-Rational use and permanent control of energy
-Awareness of energy efficiency measures in the organization
-Improving the competitiveness of the company
-Integration with other management systems of the organization such as Quality and Environment
-Corporate image of sustainability
 

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