Introduction to ISO 50001: what is an energy management system?
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Short answer
ISO 50001 is the international standard setting out requirements for an energy management system that helps organisations improve their energy performance systematically. It follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and can be used by organisations of any size. The standard doesn’t set an energy target; the organisation does.
What does the standard define?
ISO 50001 sets out requirements for an organisation to establish, implement, maintain and improve an energy management system. The aim is to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use and consumption, through a systematic approach.
The current version is the second edition, published in 2018. According to ISO, the standard was reviewed and confirmed as current in 2024, and an amendment on climate action (Amd 1:2024) was added the same year.
The standard is technology-neutral: it doesn’t require a particular device or software, and focuses on processes and performance. Any organisation can use it, regardless of size, sector or location.
Plan, do, check, act
ISO 50001 follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for continual improvement. ISO’s brochure lists the system’s core steps as:
- Develop a policy for more efficient use of energy.
- Set objectives to meet the policy.
- Collect data to understand energy use and make decisions.
- Measure the results.
- Review how well the policy works.
- Continually improve energy management.
The standard doesn’t set an energy performance target; targets are left to the organisation or to the relevant regulation.
Two key concepts
Energy performance indicator (EnPI): a metric used to measure energy performance. It can be a simple ratio (for example kWh per unit of output), a model or a more complex calculation.
Energy baseline (EnB): the reference used as a point of comparison to track improvement. Comparing EnPI values with the baseline shows how performance changes. ISO 50006 covers how to use these two concepts in more detail.
The role of top management
The 2018 version puts more emphasis on top management: aligning the energy management system with the organisation’s strategic direction, providing resources and supporting continual improvement are its responsibility.
Alongside other management systems
ISO 50001 shares a common structure with other ISO management system standards, so it can be implemented alongside systems such as ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment).
Is an independent audit mandatory?
According to ISO’s brochure, having an independent body audit the system is not mandatory; the organisation decides for itself. It can become mandatory if a regulation requires it.
Before you start: data
Every step of the PDCA cycle depends on data. Clarifying these points first makes the work easier:
- Which buildings, lines or equipment are metered separately? Where is metering missing?
- How reliable is the data? How often are there missing readings or offline meters?
- Which period will serve as the baseline period, and is there data for it?
Frequently asked questions
Is ISO 50001 mandatory?
The standard is applied voluntarily. According to ISO’s brochure, an independent audit is not mandatory either, though it can become mandatory if a regulation requires it. Check the relevant regulation for obligations in your country.
Can a small organisation use it?
Yes. According to ISO, any organisation can use the standard, regardless of size, sector or location.
What is an EnPI?
An energy performance indicator is a metric used to measure energy performance. It can be a simple ratio, a model or a more complex calculation.
What is an energy baseline?
The reference used as a point of comparison to track improvement. It is built from data for a chosen period and compared with EnPI values.
Can it be combined with ISO 9001 or ISO 14001?
Yes. ISO 50001 shares a common structure with other ISO management system standards, so it can be implemented alongside them.
Sources
How you do this in GenieBlocks
In GenieBlocks, metering points, data quality and deviation from the baseline period are tracked on the same platform, which supports the data side of the ISO 50001 process. Outputs specific to ISO 50001 (EnPI, baseline and audit evidence) are in development.
How the platform helps
- Metering PointsCatalogue of meters and metering points.
- Data QualityTracking of missing data and offline meters.
- Energy BaselineDeviation of consumption from the baseline period.
- ReportsReady-made energy reports.
- ISO 50001 outputs (EnPI, baseline, audit evidence)Coming soon
Items marked coming soon are in development. Timing and scope may change; this is not a commitment.