Concept Energy Solutions explains: ISO 50001 as a route to ESOS compliance
Carbon reduction is firmly on the agenda of forward-looking firms in the UK. As such, many organisations are choosing to adopt ISO 50001: the international energy management standard.
It is also one of the main ways of complying with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), the government’s mandatory carbon reporting programme.
With phase 2 of ESOS upon us, we explore ISO50001 as a route to compliance, and whether it’s right for your business.
What is ISO 50001?
ISO 50001 is a voluntary international standard that supports organisations to use energy more efficiently, through the development of an energy management system.
Organisations with the standard have a framework to develop a clear policy on energy efficiency, set targets for reduction and use data to better understand energy use.
In turn this helps them to measure the results and review how well the policy works.
It’s about taking a long term approach to energy management – with the tools for continual improvement.
How does it help us to comply with ESOS?
If your organisation is fully covered by ISO 50001 (i.e. across all of your sites), you do not need to carry out an ESOS assessment. You just need to notify the Environment Agency that you are compliant with ESOS.
If you qualify for ESOS, but your organisation is not fully covered by ISO 50001, you still need to carry out an ESOS assessment.
What are the benefits of taking the ISO 50001 route rather than simply carrying out an ESOS assessment?
ESOS only requires you to identify (not implement) opportunities for carbon reduction. On the other hand, the ISO 50001 energy management framework provides the tools for actually reducing your energy use.
Not only does an energy management system facilitate real carbon and cost savings, it also brings reputational benefits, as it demonstrates to customers and investors that you are serious about carbon reduction. Accurate energy data allows you to make the case to senior management on efficiency upgrades. It also embeds energy management into the culture of the organisation, which is a much more powerful approach.
Is there a lot of work involved, and do I have time to achieve ISO 50001 before the ESOS phase 2 deadline?
The process of implementing an energy management system and achieving ISO certification generally takes 6-12 months from start to finish.
The amount of work depends on your organisation’s size and how far along you are on your energy management path. We can undertake much of the work for you, so that the process doesn’t have to impact on day to day business.
The deadline for ESOS phase 2 is 5th December 2019, so organisations have time to achieve a fully certified energy management system if they start now.
How can Concept Energy Solutions help?
Regardless of your energy goals, if you’re affected by ESOS we can talk you through your obligations and advise on the most cost-effective compliance route. Our qualified lead assessors can carry out your energy audits and oversee your overall assessment.
If you decide that ISO 50001 is the right route for you, we can help you build a robust energy management system that meets the standard’s requirements.
Are you affected by ESOS? Contact us for information and advice.
