scope:

Introduction to this handbook

Why implement CAN/CSA-ISO 50001:11?

Efficient use of energy is a key component of a successful business. ISO 50001 - Energy Management Systems (EnMS) is a voluntary international framework for the management of energy. The objective of the new ISO 50001 Standard, and its Canadian implementation, is to provide a framework for organizations to save energy. Reducing energy consumption is one of the most significant ways to lower an organization's environmental impacts. As well, ensuring that energy is appropriately managed and consumed as efficiently as possible will help to ensure that Canadian businesses and organizations remain competitive in the global market.

Energy is critical to organizational operations and can be a major cost to organizations, whatever their activities. Individual organizations cannot control energy prices, government policies, or the global economy, but they can improve the way they manage energy in the here and now. Improved energy performance can provide rapid benefits for an organization by maximizing the use of its energy sources and energy-related assets, thus reducing both energy cost and consumption.

ISO 50001 is not just about doing energy projects; rather, it is about having a systematic approach to energy management, including establishing needed management structures and establishing the right projects to improve energy performance. ISO 50001 provides organizations with management strategies to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and improve energy performance. The Standard is intended to provide organizations with a recognized framework for integrating energy performance into their management practices. The Standard provides organizations with a logical and consistent methodology for identifying and implementing improvements.

To meet the Standard, organizations are required to develop an energy management system that is a systematic way to evaluate and move projects forward. An energy management system, as defined in ISO 50001, is a "set of interrelated or interacting elements to establish an energy policy and energy objectives, and processes to achieve those objectives. An EnMS involves the utilization of best practices, including baseline energy development, continual measurement and reporting disciplines, and the promotion of energy efficiency."