The updated version of the ISO 50001 standard for Energy Management Systems has finally been published.
ISO 50001:2018 was released on 21 August 2018 and contains important if not ground-breaking updates that holders of ISO 50001 certificates need to be aware of and make adjustments for.
There are four key changes:
- The most significant change is the re-alignment to Annex SL. Annex SL prescribes how ISO Management System Standards should be written. Its aim is to enhance the consistency and alignment of standards by providing a common high-level structure. This will make the standard easier to adopt for businesses who already hold, for example, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 management systems as there are now common elements.
- The updated standard also focuses on the identification of risks and opportunities with regard to energy performance.
- Another change relates to consideration of the needs and expectations of internal and external interested parties.
- The final notable change is the enhanced requirements regarding Energy Performance Indicators and the Energy Baseline, communication and control of outsourced Significant Energy Uses (SEUs).
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has confirmed that there will be a three year transition period to obtain certification for companies holding the 2011 standard, meaning that this will be sufficient to satisfy the ESOS phase 2 deadline on 5th December 2019, (contrary to what many organisations state on their websites).
It is expected that ISO 50001:2011 certificates will no longer be valid after August 2021. You will need to have transitioned to the updated ISO 50001:2018 standard by that date.
Companies who have had ESOS assessments and would like to obtain ISO 50001 certification can still apply for the 2011 standard and indicate this in their Phase 2 compliance declaration before the deadline of 5th December 2019. However, they also need to ensure that their EnMS covers 100% of their total energy consumption.
For companies that qualify under ESOS but have yet to be registered, don’t panic. It is strongly recommended that you register for the Phase 2 compliance before the 5th December deadline and indicate whether you are going to have an ESOS assessment or are proceeding with ISO 50001 certification. However, if you wish to obtain ISO 50001 certification this must be in place before the deadline of 31st December 2019 so it’s time to act.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0333 920 7021 for advice or a quote for certification. Alternatively, visit our ISO 50001 page.
