Energy management
DIN EN 16001 / ISO 50001
The objective in Germany is to achieve a reduction of 40 % in CO2 emissions by 2020 as compared with 1990. This is where energy efficiency plays a crucial role. If energy prices continue to rise, energy management will be vital for all organisations, not only for those with high energy consumption.
The following themes are considered on this site:
Applicable standards in energy management
What are the benefits of energy management systems?
Integration of the EnMS in other management systems
Establishing an energy management system
Applicable standards in energy management
DIN EN 16001 and ISO 50001 are traditional management system standards which can be applied by highly diverse organisations of all sizes and from all sectors. They provide a framework for individual commitment and action and are aimed at continual reduction of specific energy consumption. In contrast to other management systems, energy management systems (EnMS) are concerned with specific technical matters, such as continuous logging of energy data, screening analyses and assessment of operational energy use.
What are the benefits of energy management systems?
Firstly - greater transparency. Organisations get to know more precisely where and how much energy is consumed. If the detailed costs for the individual energy consumers are known based on systematic procedures within energy management systems, it is possible to identify savings potentials in a highly targeted fashion. Energy awareness of employees is also raised by the EnMS, and this is reflected in their behaviour - and they are also able to make their own suggestions for improvements. In particular, energy management systems are important for organisations which benefit from energy tax relief, are involved in emissions trading or have declared their commitment to sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). An energy management system is focussed on the future and provides the basis for funding opportunities and tax savings.
Integration of the EnMS into other management systems
DIN EN 16001/ISO 50001 was designed in such a way that it can be combined with other management systems, primarily in the areas of quality and environmental management. Organisations are given the opportunity to adapt their existing management systems with the aim of setting up an EnMS in compliance with DIN EN 16001/ISO 50001.
Establishing an energy management system
Starting in 2013, introduction of an energy management system (EnMS) will be the prerequisite for obtaining benefits in terms of the charges laid down in the EEG (Renewable Energies Act) and also for obtaining power and energy tax reliefs. In fact, systematic energy management is already used in many organisations today. On 24 April 2012, the EN 16001 standard will be withdrawn and replaced by international standard ISO 50001. Continual improvement of the energy performance of an organisation is at the core of ISO 50001. The standard describes the requirements an organisation must fulfil when introducing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system. This systematic approach is intended to enable an organisation to improve its energy performance, increase its energy efficiency and optimise energy use. The objective in applying ISO 50001 is to save costs and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other burdens on the environment.
The introduction of an EnMS according to EN 16001/ISO 50001 means that energy consumption rates have to be determined on a continuous basis. As long as the figures are accurate and verifiable, this data provides essential information on power consumption rates and reveals inefficient consumption, making it possible to identify saving potentials and make the most suitable investment decisions. Energy management systems are therefore extremely valuable instruments for improving energy performance and saving costs.
