Mandatory certification according to ISO 50001 or EMAS
The ISO 50001 certification is becoming mandatory in many EU states and in some other paets of the world. In this article we wiould like top provide you with an insight into energy management and the ISO 50001 standard.
Energy-intensive companies need EMAS Certification
Companies with high energy consumption are getting ready to meet the new requirements valid as of 2025. The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) makes the introduction of an management system in accordance with the new requirements. Its originates are roted in the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EU/2023/1791), Hence, you will see in the 26 EU member states
As a result, organizations have 2 implementation options in order to become compliant:
- environmental management system (EMS) in accordance with EMAS or
- energy management system (EnMS) in accordance with ISO 50001
Find out what requirements the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) places on you, which companies are affected and by when the new regulations must be implemented.
Why is certification according to ISO 50001 now mandatory?
The obligation to introduce an energy management system is based on the provisions of the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG). The objective is to improve energy efficiency in companies. By implementing an energy management system (ISO 50001) organizations will be able to manage their energy consumption more efficiently and identify potential savings.
When does this ISO 50001 certification become mandatory?
Companies with a energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh/a are required to introduce an energy management system by July 18, 2025. From then on, such companies must hold an ISO 50001 certificate.
Who is affected by the Energy Efficiency Act?
Any organisation or business unit with a average total energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh/a will be affected by the national implementation of the EU commission’s attempt to make europe more energy efficient. Based on the national interpretation of the EU directive (EU/2023/1791), you evaluate your organisations exposure looking at the average total energy consumption in the last three completed calendar years.
Do not mistakenly look at each subsidiary as a single entety. The act looks at the total consumption of or a business and all its legally owned entities. In a holding structure this would lead to adding up the energy consuption of all subsidiaries and joint ventures in Europe. Regulators are not offering any exceptions, to help reduce the calculated total energy consumption. The entire company must be covered by the management system or the corresponding certificate.
Where can I get further information on implementing towards the ISO 50001 certification?
There are a variety of specialized ISO Consultants that assist in introducing an energy management system based on the current ISO 50001 revision. In order to understand the requirements of the standard, you should first buy a copy of the ISO standard or read the official ISO 50001 guide published by the ISO organisation.
For a quicker way to get in touch with an ISO 50001 consultant, you can ask Stratlane for a list of potential ISO consultants. This will help you find trustworthy and proven experts for nergy management systems. You can also get in contact with local and EU wide professional associations which publish detailed guides on introducing an EMS in your particular industry sector. For further information on implementing the legal requirements, you can also ask Stratlane for an introduction to specialized law firms in Europe.
Keep in mind, that due to high demand caused by the new legal requirements, an early planning and scheduling of the certification audit is necessary to avoid any legal issues or fines.
Increase efficiency with an energy and environmental management system
The introduction of an energy management system ISO 50001 is not an easy project for many companies. Having to comply with legal requirements is the driving force at first.
A systematic energy management offers following competitive advantages:
- reduce their energy consumption
- reduce operating costs in the long term
- strengthen their competitiveness at the same time
- be perceived as a sustainable and responsible actor.
Optimize your energy related performance systematically using ISO 5001
By making an energy management system (ISO 50001) part of your business processes, your performance will improve systematically. When evaluating your consumption reports you will see that improving energy efficiency is significantly cutting your operational cost. A more sophisticated way of handling energy use and energy consumption wil deliver also a preferential ESG rating. The EU taxonomy on ESG has found its place among the reports of banks, rating agencies and tax authorities. Having a lower energy consumption can therefore lead to a lower lending cost to a better ESG value.
Nevertheless, you do not want to halt your business activities completely just to make rating agencies happy. You want to take advantage of the cost-cutting potential an ISO 50001 based energy management system can provide. Avoiding and reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions is good for the environment, your ESG rating and staff retention. Studies have shown that organizations with an initiative to reduce energy waste, have a lower churn rate and attract more talent at a lower recruiting cost. The internationally recognized standard ISO 50001 describes the requirements for introducing, operating and optimizing such an energy management system.
What are the benefits of an ISO 50001 certification?
By becoming certified your organization will see 4 areas that lead to a combined competitive advantage:
- Quality Improvement: With the certification of your energy management system, you optimize your internal processes and ensure compliance with an ambitious improvement process.
- Lower Energy costs: Ensure greater energy efficiency and thus reduce energy consumption and costs. You organization benefits in various ways.
- Positive awareness of your organization: With the ISO 50001 certificate, you display your energy and climate awareness. You make a decisive contribution to the positive image of your company.
- Readiness to fulfil legal requirements: With certification according to ISO 50001, you contribute to legal certainty in your company.
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