Energy Management System: The Benefits of Its Implementation
Also known by the acronyms “SMEn” or “SMÉ”, the energy management system is a strategic approach to remain compliant with market regulations (DDADUE law, energy audits, etc.), while reducing its vulnerability to energy price fluctuations.
What is an energy management system?
This is a system in which an energy performance roadmap is defined. It contains the objectives and the action plan, incorporating a continuous improvement methodology. To achieve these objectives, the energy management system also describes the resources and tools deployed, the list of energy uses, and the performance indicators to be monitored.
More broadly, once implemented, this system allows for planning and analyzing the actions put in place, seeking corrective actions, and monitoring their evolution.
Based on the ISO 50001 standard, the energy management system should be seen as a true lever for improving energy efficiency.
What are the benefits of implementing an EnMS?
Implementing an energy management system brings numerous benefits, both economic and strategic.
International recognition and enhanced image.
Based on the ISO 50001 standard, this system offers a globally recognized structuring framework. Thus, it allows the industrial company that implements it to enhance its image and CSR commitment with various stakeholders: suppliers, customers, partners, investors, etc.
A new internal dynamic, more focused on energy issues.
Internally, the EnMS provides clear insight into energy challenges. When well-constructed, it strengthens the involvement of various teams around the energy project. Energy no longer relies solely on an energy manager but becomes a topic where employees from various departments (management, finance, maintenance, production, etc.) become proactive.
A reduction in energy bills.
By providing a structured approach, the energy management system ensures more effective management of energy consumption. This control leads to a reduction in energy bills and, by extension, a decrease in the carbon footprint!
A strength in the face of regulatory changes.
The EnMS allows for anticipating and responding more calmly to legislative constraints in the market (mandatory energy audit, tertiary decree, CSRD, etc.).
The energy management system, mandatory for the largest energy consumers.
The DDADUE law recently redefined industrial obligations.
Is your annual energy consumption greater than 23.6 GWh?
You are obligated to implement an ISO 50001 energy management system by October 11, 2027, at the latest.
Is your annual energy consumption between 2.7 and 23.6 GWh?
You are obligated to conduct an industrial energy audit before October 11, 2026, which must then be renewed every 4 years.
Would you like to know more about obligations and exemptions? We invite you to read our content dedicated to the 50001 standard.
How to implement an energy management system?
Implementing an EnMS is a rigorous process, based on adherence to various key steps.
Appoint a referent
The role of this person is to effectively manage the EnMS, so it is essential that they possess solid energy expertise. Energy referents or Energy Managers are often appointed.
Conduct an energy audit
To establish a robust system, all energy data must be identified, mapped, and calculated through an audit.
Define an energy policy and objectives
Developed within a group or industrial site, this policy, including objectives, must be adapted to the uses and consumption of the sites concerned by the implementation of the energy management system.
Deploy the action plan
Fieldwork begins; this is the time to make technical adjustments, develop actions, and carry out energy-related works if necessary.
Analyze implemented improvement actions
The results must be compared with those of the reference period. This is where developments are observed. Corrective actions can be implemented again, if necessary, and it is important to find ways to sustain the achieved energy performance.
Such a process takes a long time to introduce and can quickly become obsolete if no automation is implemented. To address this issue, implementing EMS software is a highly effective approach that is yielding results for many industrial companies.
Industrial companies, Dametis supports you at every step of your process: conducting the energy audit, implementing EMS software and an energy management system, etc.
