Why is ISO 50001 important for your business and the environment?

Today, more energy is being used than ever before. Therefore, to keep up with modern times, it’s crucial for companies to consider how they manage the energy consumption of their business. With this responsibility in mind, it’s no wonder why more and more businesses are turning to an ISO 50001 energy management system.

ISO 50001 helps businesses improve their energy management and consumption whilst boosting their company image and advancing the environmental future. Based on the ‘continual improvement’ business model seen in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, ISO 50001 is one of the building blocks to an all-round ecological business.

The following article will discuss how important an ISO 50001 energy management system is for your company and the environment.

What are the benefits of ISO 50001?

ISO 50001 has many benefits, ranging from business cost improvements to overall improved stakeholder relationships. Below are some reasons why companies adopt the ISO 50001 standard:

• Boosts competitive edge
• Reduced costs
• Achieve competitive advantage
• Improve energy performance
• Enhanced staff motivation

As mentioned, these are generic benefits of ISO 50001, and depending on your specific company, and if the standard is implemented correctly, you could observe a multitude of benefits.

What is the difference between ISO 50001 and ISO 14001?

In your research to become more sustainable, you may have seen multiple management systems and be confused about which is most suitable for you. We often receive the question, “what is the difference between ISO 50001 and ISO 14001?”

The main difference between these two management systems is that ISO 14001 is focused on environmental management as a whole whereas in contrast, ISO 50001 focuses on energy management and how a business manages its energy use to reduce costs and consumption.

Both standards go hand in hand and overlap in certain areas. They both follow the ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA)’ approach for continual improvement. Both standards help make your business more eco-friendly, which will improve your reputation in different areas such as your staff, potential/existing clients, and stakeholders. In addition, having both standards can help you become an ethical and eco-friendly powerhouse.

If you still have questions regarding these differences or wonder which ISO might be best suite to your business, one of our ISO specialists can assist you.

Why does my business need an energy management system?

As discussed previously, more energy is being used now than every before. Approximately we use 58 kWh per day per person. With the advancement of technology, we are using and relying on energy more than ever before. Your business uses some form of energy daily, therefore discovering better ways to optimise energy usage and improve costs, for example, implementing an ISO 50001 management system, is something you should be investigating now.

The ISO 50001 standard guides you to look at greener and more cost-efficient alternatives to energy consumption, which helps the environment and your business be more sustainable. Achieving a reputation for being environmentally aware, by operating ethically and sustainably cannot be underestimated and could be one of the most valuable benefits of ISO 50001. From the changes in employees wanting to work for sustainable companies to clients focusing on green businesses – addressing your company’s sustainability goals through an ISO management system can significantly increase business interest, which can boost annual income in the long run.

Don’t wait; get in touch with an ISO specialist and start your ISO journey with IMSM today.