Norme ISO 50001 : définition et avantages

ISO 50001 standard is a certification created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard guides organizations in implementing an Energy Management System (EMS). This system should enable a more efficient and sustainable use of energy resources. One of the key objectives of the ISO 50001 standard is to reduce organizations’ greenhouse gas emissions. The standard is reviewed every 5 years to ensure that it still meets current requirements.

Like all ISO standards, this one is not mandatory, it is voluntary. This certification is considered an international voluntary standard.

However, even though ISO 50001 is not mandatory, we recommend using it to formalize your energy management approach. Indeed, the requirements of this certification have been agreed upon by all professionals who participated in its development on the best practices to improve energy efficiency.

ISO 50001 standard is aimed at all organizations wishing to limit their impact on the environment, regardless of their size, location, legal status, or sector (public or private). All companies can implement the ISO 50001 standard, regardless of their level of energy consumption or performance.

Becoming ISO 50001 certified offers numerous benefits and advantages for companies:

√ With certification, you can be assured that the system you have implemented allows you to optimize your energy expenses and consumption.

√ Following the reduction of your carbon footprint, you will be able to showcase your environmental commitment to stakeholders. This approach can also help enhance your brand image.

√ By involving your employees and collaborators and encouraging them to use energy in a more responsible and rational manner, you can mobilize and unite your teams.

√ From a financial perspective, your expenses will be optimized, and you will benefit from a 20% bonus on your EECs (Energy Efficiency Certificates).

√ You will receive a reduction in the TGAP (General Tax on Polluting Activities).

√ You will enhance your competitiveness against competitors.

√ You will not need to undergo the mandatory energy audit (more details below).

The steps to obtain ISO 50001 certification are carried out through an accredited organization authorized to issue this standard. You must then follow several steps:

Step 1 (optional): the assessment visit, this step is intended to help you understand the audit’s challenges. Although not mandatory, we recommend that you do it as it increases the chances of receiving certification.

Step 2: scheduling the audit.

Step 3: the initial audit, where the auditor will analyze the company’s data and practices, and also meet the team. You will then know what areas need improvement. A second visit will be made within 45 to 90 days following the first audit.

Step 4: review of your file by the certification committee and audit report.

Step 5: feedback, conclusion of the audit. The auditor will grant you (or not) the certification. If obtained, you will hold the certificate for 3 years and can display the ISO 50001 standard logo for the same duration.

Step 6: monitoring and renewal, every 3 years, a renewal audit takes place. It is possible to change certification bodies for these audits.

Please note that the certification process may take time: between 6 and 18 months. This duration may vary depending on the size and number of sites involved in the request. If you have already obtained ISO 14001 certification, the process of obtaining ISO 50001 standard is simplified. Throughout these steps, you can be supported by a service provider such as Dametis.

Regarding the financing of the process, the State has implemented a program aimed at controlling energy consumption (PRO – SMEn). To accelerate the certification of companies, this program grants a bonus equivalent to 20% of the energy expenses of certified organizations (up to €40,000). The 2018-2022 session to obtain the bonus is currently ongoing and will end on October 1, 2022. To participate, identification must be completed before June 30, 2022.

Energy audit is mandatory for large companies:

• companies with more than 250 employees;
• companies with an annual turnover exceeding €50 million and a total balance sheet exceeding €43 million;

This energy audit must be renewed every 4 years. It allows to establish an assessment of the organization’s energy consumption.

ISO 50001 certified companies do not need to carry out an energy audit, as the audit performed to obtain the certification is more stringent.

ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 standards are often confused. These two standards have been built on the same principles, making it easy to combine them. ISO 50001 standard was notably revised in 2018 to align more closely with ISO 14001 standard.

The main difference is that ISO 50001 standard focuses on energy, while ISO 14001 standard is dedicated to all types of environmental impacts.

Note: Unlike the ISO 50001 standard, obtaining the ISO 14001 standard does not exempt from energy audit.