Improving energy performance
Implementing an energy management system (EnMS) in accordance with ISO 50001 helps identify often-overlooked opportunities for energy savings. It thereby contributes to improving the organization’s environmental performance.
The fight against climate change is a cornerstone of the ecological transition. Limiting the rise in temperatures to 2 °C by 2100 requires phasing out fossil fuels and replacing them with renewable energy sources. However, renewable energy currently accounts for only 14% of final energy consumption in France. Until renewable energy sources become more widespread—and as a preliminary step—it is imperative to improve the energy efficiency of equipment, processes, and buildings: we must consume less while maintaining the same level of service.
European regulations require companies with more than 250 employees or with annual revenue exceeding €50 million to conduct energy audits every four years. At the same time, the 2018 ELAN Act requires occupants of buildings larger than 1,000 m² used for commercial activities to reduce energy consumption by 40% by 2030 compared to 2010, then by 50% by 2040, and by 60% by 2050.
Selecting and Developing Effective Environmental Performance Metrics
The GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol) is the oldest framework for accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It served as the basis for the NF EN ISO 14064 standard, “Quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions for organizations.” It identifies three main groups of indicators throughout the supply chain:
- direct emissions (Scope 1);
- emissions associated with the production of imported or purchased electricity, heat, or steam (Scope 2);
- emissions resulting from the company's activities but originating from suppliers (Scope 3).
To get started, it is strongly recommended that you implement an energy management system (EMS). This systematic approach focuses primarily on energy conservation and efficiency, in line with the adage: “The best energy is the energy you don’t use.” The implementation of the voluntary ISO 50001 standard makes this process easier by explaining how to organize efforts to ensure that energy savings are sustained over time. The text was revised in 2018 to reflect the latest developments in energy consumption data collection and the measurement of energy performance improvements.
Energy Management: Measurable Results Thanks to ISO 50001
As a strategic management tool—similar to an environmental management system (EMS) based on ISO 14001—the Energy Management System (EMS) begins with an assessment of various energy uses. It involves implementing a monitoring plan (measurement, data collection, analysis, and tracking) designed to identify opportunities for improvement, such as incorporating energy efficiency into the procurement of products and equipment. Once the simplest measures—those most likely to generate savings—have been implemented, the SMEn enables the organization to move toward more sophisticated initiatives covering the entire production system. Since all results are quantifiable, the value of an SMEn lies in its ability to prioritize potential actions based not only on the company’s financial capacity but also on its specific context and the goals it has set for itself.
As a voluntary initiative, the SMEn can lead to AFAQ ISO 50001 certification, which demonstrates to third parties that the efforts undertaken are not merely self-reported and will indeed result in energy savings, thanks to the best practices identified in the standard. Please note: Large organizations that hold a valid ISO 50001 certification are not required to conduct the mandatory energy audit. You can find all our services related to standardization, regulatory monitoring, training, and certification in our brochure Energy Special .
