What is ISO 50001:2018?
ISO 50001:2018 is an international standard that provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Energy Management System (EnMS). Its goal is to help organizations improve their energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption, through a systematic approach.
The standard is applicable to organizations of all types and sizes, regardless of their geographical, cultural, or social conditions. It is designed to be compatible with other ISO management system standards and follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model for continual improvement.
Why is ISO 50001 Important?
Energy is a critical resource for organizations, and its efficient use can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. ISO 50001 is important because it:
- Provides a structured approach to managing energy.
- Helps organizations reduce energy costs and improve competitiveness.
- Supports compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Encourages a culture of continual improvement in energy performance.
Benefits
- Improved energy efficiency: Systematic identification and implementation of energy-saving opportunities.
- Cost Reduction: Lower energy bills through better energy use and management.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon footprint and alignment with sustainability goals.
- Performance Monitoring: Use of Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs) and Energy Baselines (EnBs) to track improvements.
- Integration: Easily integrates with other ISO management systems like ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment).
- Operational control: Enhanced control over energy-intensive processes and equipment.
- Organizational awareness: Increased awareness and competence among staff regarding energy use and efficiency.
FAQ
Any organization, regardless of size, sector, or location, can implement ISO 50001 to improve its energy performance.
ISO 50001 shares a common structure with other ISO management system standards, making it easy to integrate with systems like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001
An EnPI is a metric used to measure energy performance. It can be a simple ratio, a model, or a more complex calculation depending on the organization’s needs.
Top management is responsible for ensuring the EnMS is aligned with the organization’s strategic direction, providing necessary resources, and promoting continual improvement.
No, the standard is technology-neutral. It focuses on processes and performance rather than prescribing specific solutions.
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- ISO 50001:2018: The global standard for energy management systems
- ISO 50002-1:2025: Principles and requirements for energy audits
- ISO 50002-2:2025: Guidance for energy audits in buildings
- ISO 50002-3:2025: Guidance for energy audits in processes
- ISO 50004:2020: Implementation and continual improvement guidance
General information
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Status: PublishedPublication date: 2018-08Stage: International Standard confirmed [90.93]
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Edition: 2Number of pages: 30
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Technical Committee :ISO/TC 301
- RSS updates
This standard contributes to
- Achieve climate neutrality: GHG emissions / mitigation;
- Integrate climate action in governance and management: Climate corporative governance;
Amendments
Amendments are issued when it is found that new material may need to be added to an existing standardization document. They may also include editorial or technical corrections to be applied to the existing document.
Life cycle
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Previously
WithdrawnISO 50001:2011
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Now
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00
Preliminary
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10
Proposal
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20
Preparatory
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30
Committee
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40
Enquiry
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50
Approval
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60
Publication
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90
Review
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95
Withdrawal
Amendments
Provide additional content; available for purchase; not included in the text of the existing standard.PublishedISO 50001:2018/Amd 1:2024
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00