Since September 2021, in addition to DIN EN ISO 50001, the international standard for energy management systems, there is another standard from the energy management sector: DIN EN ISO 50005 with the english title “Energy management systems – Guidelines for a phased implementation”.
The article is also available as a PDF for download.
What is the aim of ISO 50005?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the standard to make it easier for companies to get started with energy management. For this purpose, an approach was developed that leads step by step to a holistic energy management system like a guide. Basically, an energy management system is a tool to keep an eye on all energy consumption, to identify potential savings and to save costs by taking effective measures.
This should reveal the considerable potential of small and medium sized enterprises to improve energy efficiency and further reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
For whom is the standard relevant?
As ISO 50005 is intended to simplify the implementation of an energy management system, it is particularly aimed at small and medium sized enterprises that have limited resources, such as know-how and personnel, to successfully implement an energy management system. t helps to create internal awareness for the topic and to overcome the first hurdles of implementation.
What are the contents of ISO 50005?
The standard provides guidance for a step-by-step approach to energy management, leading to a fully comprehensive energy management system. In doing so, the approach is broken down into twelve elements, which are based on ISO 50001:2018. Among other things, the ISO 50005 standard refers here to elements such as resources, energy reports, energy targets and monitoring.
With the current state as a starting point, companies can then select the appropriate level at which they want to set their goals and define concrete implementation measures. In this way, a custom-fit system is established and the first step towards a continuous improvement of energy efficiency is started.
The levels are divided into:
- Level 1: Activate energy management
- Level 2: Improving energy management
- Level 3: Emerging energy management system
- Level 4: Established energy management system
The standard is also connectable. This means that after the first step towards energy management, a long-term further development of the system up to ISO 50001:2018 certification with a fully comprehensive energy management system is possible.
How do ISO 50005 and ISO 50001 differ?
ISO 50001 is aimed at any organisation, regardless of size or industry, and is the international standard for energy management systems. ISO 50005 is based on ISO 50001 and is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises, the so-called SMEs. It is not a replacement for ISO 50001, but is intended as a preliminary step to broaden awareness and the target group for the implementation of an energy management system. While companies normally have to prove that they have an energy management system certified according to ISO 50001 in order to receive tax reliefs, the national fuel emissions trading scheme provides that smaller companies can already claim relief with an energy management system according to ISO 50005.
Standard-compliant energy data management with visual energy.
Regardless of whether a company bases its energy management system on ISO 50001 or ISO 50005, the basis for an effective system is always the same: Energy data, complete and plausible, is needed. Suitable and perfectly coordinated measurement technology and software are therefore the elementary basis of energy data collection.
We would be happy to help you get started with efficient energy management. We also have a suitable solution for small projects and will be happy to advise you. Whether a single measuring device for a small project or a comprehensive system – with the KBR energy measuring devices and the signal acquisition system, recording and documenting energy-related data is child’s play.
In addition, the energy data management system visual energy developed by us is certified by TÜV for ISO 50001 and gives you full control over your operational energy management. Individual dashboards, standard-compliant evaluations or live analyses show you the full potential of your energy data. Similar to the ISO 50005 standard, but in contrast on a personal level, we are happy to accompany you to a fully comprehensive energy management system and provide you with advice and support.
Do you have any questions?
Our nationwide and specially trained team of experts looks forward to exchanging ideas with you and answering your questions about visual energy, measurement technology and energy data management.
Would you like to learn more about the relevant standards? Here you will find further links:
ISO 50005 as full text (fee required)