International energy management standard updated

ISO 50001, the flagship international standard for improving energy performance, has been updated for the first time since its launch in 2011.

ISO 50001:2018, Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, transformed the energy performance of organisations worldwide when it was first published in 2011, giving them a strategic tool to use their energy more efficiently and effectively. It provides a framework for managing energy performance and addressing energy costs, while helping companies reduce their environmental impact to meet emissions reduction targets.

In November 2017, ISO 50001 was subject to a periodic review to ensure that it continues to meet the rapidly changing needs of the energy sector. Professor Deann Desai, convenor of the working group tasked with revising the standard, said at the time that the most important update would be “the incorporation of the high-level structure, which provides for improved compatibility with other management system standards”.

That revision is now complete, making the standard even more effective in tackling the world’s energy challenges. Roland Risser, chair of the ISO technical committee that developed the standard, said the new version features updated terms and definitions and greater clarification of certain energy performance concepts.

“There is a stronger emphasis on the role of top management as well, as it is important to instilling an organisational culture change,” Risser said. “It is also now aligned with ISO’s requirements for management system standards, making it easier to integrate into an organisation’s existing management systems.”

ISO 50001:2018 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 301, Energy management and energy savings. It can be purchased from your national ISO member or through the ISO Store.

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