ISO 50001
Certification
Energy Management Systems (EnMS)
ISO 50001
Certification
Energy Management Systems (EnMS)
Save on energy costs and protect the environment with ISO 50001 certification.
- Take control of energy consumption and drive down costs with ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems (EnMS).
- ISO 50001 is an international standard that ensures compliance with the Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) UK legislation.
- Achieving ISO 50001 certification enhances your green credentials and helps you win new customers by demonstrating your commitment to reducing your environmental impact.
- ISOQAR is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited certification bodies. We offer a transparent, simplified approach to ISO 50001 certification with no hidden fees.
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Benefits of ISO 50001
- Improve environmental performance
- Reduce costs
- Strengthen compliance
- Boost efficiency
- Operational resilience
- Competitive advantage
- Stakeholder confidence
- Global recognition
What is ISO 50001 certification?
ISO 50001:2018 is the international standard for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). This UKAS-accredited certification is designed for businesses looking to improve their sustainability performance. The ISO 50001 standard:
- Establishes a structured framework for monitoring, managing and reducing energy consumption.
- Helps organisations identify opportunities to increase energy efficiency and meet sustainability objectives.
- Reduces energy costs and carbon emissions whilst supporting compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Holding an ISO 50001 certified EnMS can help your organisation get to grips with your energy usage, reduce environmental impact and ultimately improve your bottom line.
Why choose ISO 50001?
Achieving ISO 50001 certification:
- Helps organisations to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and meet government reduction targets.
- Allows you to measure and monitor energy use to identify opportunities for reducing consumption and using alternative energy sources, ultimately reducing costs.
- Helps you establish better internal practices to improve overall business efficiency.
- Encourages continual improvement by allowing organisations to regularly review their performance against sustainability objectives.
- Supports compliance with energy-related legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Enhances stakeholder confidence and provides a competitive advantage by showcasing your dedication to sustainable business practices.
Learn more about ISO 50001 certification
ISO 50001 FAQs
We regularly receive questions about ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems (EnMS). Below, you’ll find expert-written answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the EnMS standard.
If you have any further queries, speak with our knowledgeable team on 0330 828 2752.
What is the purpose of ISO 50001 certification?
ISO 50001 certification helps organisations establish an effective Energy Management System (EnMS) to improve energy performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. By taking a structured approach to managing energy use, businesses can lower operating costs, reduce carbon emissions and demonstrate their commitment to continual improvement and sustainability.
Is ISO 50001 a legal requirement?
No. ISO 50001 certification is voluntary and is not required by law. However, it can help organisations identify and manage their legal obligations relating to energy management and may support compliance with schemes such as the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). Certification also demonstrates a proactive approach to energy performance.
How many ISO 50001 certified companies are there?
ISO 50001 is recognised globally, with tens of thousands of organisations certified across a wide range of industries. Adoption continues to grow as businesses look for practical ways to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and support their environmental objectives.
I don’t know anything about ISO 50001. Where do I start?
Attending an ISO 50001 training course is a great place to start. A one-day Foundation course will give you an excellent insight into the features and benefits of the system. Our friendly team can talk you through the options, what help we can provide and even give you a quote for our consultancy or certification services.
Do we need certification in both ISO 14001 and ISO 50001?
You can still benefit from ISO 50001 even if you already have the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 tackle different issues in different ways, and complement each other very well. ISO 50001 is much more data driven and looks specifically at energy performance, whereas ISO 14001 is more focused on the environment. That said, you may have already covered some of the requirements of ISO 50001 within your ISO 14001 Management System.
Is it worth getting ISO 50001 if we don’t have ISO 14001?
Yes. Depending on your organisation, it can make sense to obtain certification in ISO 50001 even if you don’t have ISO 14001; for example, if your organisation has very little environmental impact except for energy use. This can both reduce your environmental impact better than ISO 14001 would and deliver better business results in terms of cost controls. There may also be other drivers behind your decision, such as the requirement to be certified by your clients.
Is it easy to integrate ISO 50001 with other ISO management systems?
Yes. All modern ISO management system standards share common clauses so there’s a lot of overlap between them (you will sometimes read about ‘Annex SL’ which relates to this). If you already have one or more ISO systems and are thinking of adding ISO 50001, you should look at combining them into an Integrated Management System (IMS). Your certification body can audit integrated management systems at the same time, saving you time and money.
Is ISO 50001 relevant to all businesses?
Yes. Investors and potential clients are increasingly focusing on ESG agendas, regardless of what sector you operate in, and ISO 50001 is a key part of that. Additionally. if effectively implemented, the investment involved in developing, implementing and maintaining the management system can easily be offset by the savings. If you’re covered by ESOS legislation, it’s also a route to compliance with that.
Does ISO 50001 support the ESG/net zero agenda?
Yes. Whilst it’s not the primary aim of ISO 50001 certification, it does clearly make a contribution toward broader environmental objectives. Good implementation of ISO 50001 can lead to a reduction in energy consumption and enable you to identify sources of high carbon emissions. Additionally, the steps to achieving that could also incorporate transitioning to more renewable sources of energy, which is a side benefit of 50001 rather than a stated objective.
What is the link between ISO 50001 and carbon reduction?
The focus of ISO 50001 is on energy efficiency rather than carbon emissions. However, the system allows you to identify where performance can be improved, which means you can easily calculate your carbon emissions and identify where reductions can be made. This also supports your ISO 14001 system if you have one implemented.
Can ISO 50001 certification help us achieve ESOS compliance?
Yes. ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme introduced by the UK government to make sure large enterprises in the UK are energy efficient. Under the scheme, qualifying organisations are required to assess their energy usage every 4 years and to find new ways to save energy. If you are ISO 50001 certified, you are deemed to meet the requirements of ESOS, because ESOS is just a small part of what ISO 50001 is designed to achieve.
What is an Energy Policy in ISO 50001?
The Energy Policy is the starting point for ISO 50001 and one of the core requirements for certification. It is a formal statement of your intentions with regards to your organisation’s energy performance. It’s usually quite a brief document, often only a page or so. ISO 50001 provides stipulations on what your Energy Policy should include and how it must be documented, communicated and reviewed.
How is energy performance measured under ISO 50001?
Under ISO 50001, energy performance is measured using Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs). Usually, the inputs are simply kilowatt hours – a measure of your consumption. You might look at KwH per site, per member of staff or by department, for example. If you’re in a more complex business, you may use more sophisticated measures that consider HDD, CDD, moisture content, etc. Then you need to set Energy Baselines (EnBs), which give you a basis for monitoring and comparing energy performance.
Does ISO 50001 include fuel use for vehicles?
Yes. ISO 50001 specifically says that the organisation shall not exclude any energy type. So, fuel for vehicles is absolutely in scope.
How much does ISO 50001 certification cost?
The cost of ISO 50001 certification varies depending on the size of your organisation and the complexity of your operations. ISOQAR can provide a quotation based on your organisation’s certification requirements.
What can I expect from the ISO 50001 certification process?
Certification begins with implementing an Energy Management System that meets the requirements of ISO 50001. Once your system is in place, an independent certification body will conduct a Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit to assess compliance. Following a successful assessment and completion of any required corrective actions, certification is awarded, with regular surveillance audits helping to maintain it.
Who issues the ISO 50001 certificate?
Following a successful certification audit, your ISO 50001 certificate will be awarded by an independent certification body such as ISOQAR. Choosing a UKAS-accredited provider gives assurance that your Energy Management System has been assessed against recognised international standards.
What should I look for in an ISO 50001 certification company?
When choosing a certification provider, consider more than just the audit itself. Look for a UKAS-accredited organisation with experienced auditors, a good understanding of Energy Management Systems and a clear, transparent approach to certification. A provider that offers responsive support and practical guidance throughout the certification cycle can make the process smoother and add long-term value to your business.
ISO 50001 requirements
Wondering how to get ISO 50001 certification? If you’re new to the standard, this free guide will give you a clear understanding of what the system is all about and what’s required to implement it. Consider it your free ISO 50001 checklist.
This guide is for you if:
- You’re planning to implement ISO 50001 and want a plain English explanation of the requirements
- You’re currently implementing ISO 50001 and need to know what else must be done to achieve certification
- You already manage energy performance internally and want to formalise your approach into a certified EnMS
Download guide to ISO 50001 certification requirements
Discover the key requirements for successful ISO 50001 accreditation.
ISO 50001 implementation
7 steps to becoming ISO 50001 certified
Implementing ISO 50001 is simple, and we are here to support you at every stage. Just follow these 7 straightforward steps.
Step 1 - Read the Standard
It’s what you will be audited against.
Step 2 - Build Your Team
Get support from colleagues – you can’t do it all on your own.
Step 3 - Get the Skills
Book onto Academy training
Step 4 - Develop Your Management System
Do it yourself or consider using a consultant from the ISOQAR Associate Network (IAN)
Step 5 - Implement Your Management System
Make sure everyone is buying into it.
Step 6 - Check Everything
Carry out an internal audit – we can perform a pre-assessment audit for you.
Step 7 - Get Certified
Shout about your success! We give you logos to display your achievement on your website, stationery and vehicles.
How to implement ISO 50001
ISOQAR is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK’s government-recognised accreditation body. As all UKAS-accredited ISO 50001 certification companies must remain impartial, we can’t help you implement your system if we will also be auditing it.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the two routes you can use to implement ISO 50001 in your organisation:
Use an ISO consultant
There are many consultants available to help you. You can find them on our online database.
A consultant will take you from the beginning right through to certification. Consultants bring a wealth of experience and can share best practice from their work with other organisations.
Do it yourself
We will put together a package of support to help you through the complete journey.
A good starting point is to go on a foundation training course with the Academy. They deliver exceptional training whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Most of the courses are CQI IRCA accredited and are run by our own trainers.
ISO 50001 FAQs
We regularly receive questions about ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems (EnMS). Below, you’ll find expert-written answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the EnMS standard.
If you have any further queries, speak with our knowledgeable team on 0330 828 2752.
What is the purpose of ISO 50001 certification?
ISO 50001 certification helps organisations establish an effective Energy Management System (EnMS) to improve energy performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. By taking a structured approach to managing energy use, businesses can lower operating costs, reduce carbon emissions and demonstrate their commitment to continual improvement and sustainability.
Is ISO 50001 a legal requirement?
No. ISO 50001 certification is voluntary and is not required by law. However, it can help organisations identify and manage their legal obligations relating to energy management and may support compliance with schemes such as the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). Certification also demonstrates a proactive approach to energy performance.
How many ISO 50001 certified companies are there?
ISO 50001 is recognised globally, with tens of thousands of organisations certified across a wide range of industries. Adoption continues to grow as businesses look for practical ways to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and support their environmental objectives.
I don’t know anything about ISO 50001. Where do I start?
Attending an ISO 50001 training course is a great place to start. A one-day Foundation course will give you an excellent insight into the features and benefits of the system. Our friendly team can talk you through the options, what help we can provide and even give you a quote for our consultancy or certification services.
Do we need certification in both ISO 14001 and ISO 50001?
You can still benefit from ISO 50001 even if you already have the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 tackle different issues in different ways, and complement each other very well. ISO 50001 is much more data driven and looks specifically at energy performance, whereas ISO 14001 is more focused on the environment. That said, you may have already covered some of the requirements of ISO 50001 within your ISO 14001 Management System.
Is it worth getting ISO 50001 if we don’t have ISO 14001?
Yes. Depending on your organisation, it can make sense to obtain certification in ISO 50001 even if you don’t have ISO 14001; for example, if your organisation has very little environmental impact except for energy use. This can both reduce your environmental impact better than ISO 14001 would and deliver better business results in terms of cost controls. There may also be other drivers behind your decision, such as the requirement to be certified by your clients.
Is it easy to integrate ISO 50001 with other ISO management systems?
Yes. All modern ISO management system standards share common clauses so there’s a lot of overlap between them (you will sometimes read about ‘Annex SL’ which relates to this). If you already have one or more ISO systems and are thinking of adding ISO 50001, you should look at combining them into an Integrated Management System (IMS). Your certification body can audit integrated management systems at the same time, saving you time and money.
Is ISO 50001 relevant to all businesses?
Yes. Investors and potential clients are increasingly focusing on ESG agendas, regardless of what sector you operate in, and ISO 50001 is a key part of that. Additionally. if effectively implemented, the investment involved in developing, implementing and maintaining the management system can easily be offset by the savings. If you’re covered by ESOS legislation, it’s also a route to compliance with that.
Does ISO 50001 support the ESG/net zero agenda?
Yes. Whilst it’s not the primary aim of ISO 50001 certification, it does clearly make a contribution toward broader environmental objectives. Good implementation of ISO 50001 can lead to a reduction in energy consumption and enable you to identify sources of high carbon emissions. Additionally, the steps to achieving that could also incorporate transitioning to more renewable sources of energy, which is a side benefit of 50001 rather than a stated objective.
What is the link between ISO 50001 and carbon reduction?
The focus of ISO 50001 is on energy efficiency rather than carbon emissions. However, the system allows you to identify where performance can be improved, which means you can easily calculate your carbon emissions and identify where reductions can be made. This also supports your ISO 14001 system if you have one implemented.
Can ISO 50001 certification help us achieve ESOS compliance?
Yes. ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme introduced by the UK government to make sure large enterprises in the UK are energy efficient. Under the scheme, qualifying organisations are required to assess their energy usage every 4 years and to find new ways to save energy. If you are ISO 50001 certified, you are deemed to meet the requirements of ESOS, because ESOS is just a small part of what ISO 50001 is designed to achieve.
What is an Energy Policy in ISO 50001?
The Energy Policy is the starting point for ISO 50001 and one of the core requirements for certification. It is a formal statement of your intentions with regards to your organisation’s energy performance. It’s usually quite a brief document, often only a page or so. ISO 50001 provides stipulations on what your Energy Policy should include and how it must be documented, communicated and reviewed.
How is energy performance measured under ISO 50001?
Under ISO 50001, energy performance is measured using Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs). Usually, the inputs are simply kilowatt hours – a measure of your consumption. You might look at KwH per site, per member of staff or by department, for example. If you’re in a more complex business, you may use more sophisticated measures that consider HDD, CDD, moisture content, etc. Then you need to set Energy Baselines (EnBs), which give you a basis for monitoring and comparing energy performance.
Does ISO 50001 include fuel use for vehicles?
Yes. ISO 50001 specifically says that the organisation shall not exclude any energy type. So, fuel for vehicles is absolutely in scope.
How much does ISO 50001 certification cost?
The cost of ISO 50001 certification varies depending on the size of your organisation and the complexity of your operations. ISOQAR can provide a quotation based on your organisation’s certification requirements.
What can I expect from the ISO 50001 certification process?
Certification begins with implementing an Energy Management System that meets the requirements of ISO 50001. Once your system is in place, an independent certification body will conduct a Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit to assess compliance. Following a successful assessment and completion of any required corrective actions, certification is awarded, with regular surveillance audits helping to maintain it.
Who issues the ISO 50001 certificate?
Following a successful certification audit, your ISO 50001 certificate will be awarded by an independent certification body such as ISOQAR. Choosing a UKAS-accredited provider gives assurance that your Energy Management System has been assessed against recognised international standards.
What should I look for in an ISO 50001 certification company?
When choosing a certification provider, consider more than just the audit itself. Look for a UKAS-accredited organisation with experienced auditors, a good understanding of Energy Management Systems and a clear, transparent approach to certification. A provider that offers responsive support and practical guidance throughout the certification cycle can make the process smoother and add long-term value to your business.
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