Global energy consumption has risen steadily over the past century, driven by strong economic growth and an ever-increasing population.

This demand puts increasing pressure on our natural resources, whilst continued use of fossil fuels contributes directly to pollution and global greenhouse emissions. And, despite mounting environmental concerns, it continues to rise.

In its 2016 International Energy Outlook report, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected a 48% increase in world energy consumption from 2012 to 2040. A significant change in direction is required to ensure adequate energy supply for all.

To minimize environmental impact, and achieve long-term sustainable economic growth, organizations worldwide must take the necessary measures to offset their consumption of energy resources.

Energy management standards, like BS EN ISO 50001, can help businesses to implement energy management solutions, increasing their energy saving as they become more climate neutral.

Sustainable energy management standards

A standards-based approach to sustainable energy management enables businesses to measure and monitor their energy use, identify and manage risks, and improve performance through cutting consumption and energy bills.

Sustainable energy management standards also promote corporate social responsibility (CSR), enhancing a company’s image and offering a competitive advantage, along with a greater return.

As it stands today, effective energy management isn’t just good for business; it’s also becoming a requirement.

Regulation, such as the UK Government’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), has put energy use high on the corporate agenda. As such, many businesses have started to invest time and budget into reviewing their current consumption, identifying cost-saving opportunities that will safeguard their business and protect the planet (and its populations) – now and for the future.

To commit to sustainable energy management and comply with legislation where required, organizations must take an integrated approach, embedding the sustainability agenda into their core business strategy. As part of this strategy, a structured energy management system is required.

The BS EN ISO 50001 standard can help all businesses deliver this, regardless of size, location, or industry. Even smaller companies, with limited financial and technical resources, will feel the practical benefits of introducing organizational change. In fact, The Carbon Trust has found that low and no-cost actions can reduce an organization’s energy costs by at least 10%, producing quick returns on investment.

To learn more about the benefits of standards for energy organizations, click here.

In addition to BS EN ISO 50001, the BS EN ISO 14000 family of standards, such as BS EN ISO 14001 and BS EN ISO 14006, provide practical tools that enable organizations to set up an effective environmental management system. These energy management standards help firms introduce targeted initiatives for reducing raw material use, energy consumption, and disposal costs. 

Such energy management best practice guidance will become increasingly valuable as the environmental context in which businesses operate changes.

The worldwide application of an international standard like BS EN ISO 50001 also contributes to more efficient use of available energy sources, and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other related environmental impacts – including waste and pollution. As such, it is inextricably linked to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Energy management: Meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Efficient energy use relates directly to SDG 7, which aims to ensure universal access to “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy”.

This is essential in reaching overall climate change mitigation goals (SDG 13). It also:

• contributes to furthering long-term economic growth (SDG 8);

• aids in the transition to smart, sustainable cities (SDG 11); and

• ensures responsible consumption of natural resources (SDG 12).

This shows that by proactively taking steps to manage energy more efficiently, organizations will help facilitate the achievement of all 17 goals.

Start managing your energy more efficiently by implementing energy management standard BS EN ISO 50001 into your organization.

Discover BSI Knowledge

As the pressure builds for all businesses to achieve net zero, knowing which standards can help you manage your energy efficiency can seem like a huge challenge. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the key standards you need in order to start your journey to net zero with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM06 Environment, Wastes, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.