The British Standards Institution (BSI) announces the launch of the first internationally recognised energy management standard to help organizations improve profitability, cut their CO2 emissions and meet climate change targets.
BS ISO 50001 will help organizations of all sizes implement the processes necessary to understand their baseline energy usage, put in place action plans, targets and energy performance indicators for reducing consumption and identify, prioritize, and record opportunities for improving energy performance to make those savings.
The global threat of energy shortages, rising costs, and increasing legislation to curb emissions of greenhouse gases have all driven the development of the standard. By implementing the standard, organizations of all sizes have the potential to not only make dramatic financial savings but to also enhance their reputation by demonstrating their commitment to improving sustainability.
The standard has been in development for a number of years with energy management experts, representing over 60 countries from across the world, coming together to establish the framework.
It is anticipated that the standard will replace BS EN 16001 and will most likely be withdrawn from use in mid 2012, which given their similar approach should not present an issue for current users of this European standard.
Mike Low, Director of Standards at BSI said: "BS ISO 50001 is a significant new global standard that will bring tremendous business value to organizations across the world that are having to grapple with rising energy costs and greater governmental climate change legislation."
"The standard clearly sets out the processes and actions that can enable any organization to immediately start saving money and BSI will be offering a full package of publications, training, certification, software, and a Kitemark for energy reduction verification to help our clients achieve these savings."
BS ISO 50001 is applicable to all types of organisations irrespective of geographical, cultural, or social conditions.
