The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced that the development of an energy management standard is now in progress by Project Committee (PC) 242, Energy management. The standard, if widely applied, could have an influence on up to 60 percent of the world’s energy use.
ISO 50001 will provide energy management guidelines for industrial plants, commercial facilities, and entire organizations. The document will be based on the common elements found in all of ISO’s management system standards, ensuring a high level of compatibility with ISO 9001, Quality management systems, and ISO 14001, Environmental management systems.
The inaugural plenary session of PC 242 was held on September 8-10 in Arlington, Va. Attendees, including representatives from 25 national member bodies of ISO, described their country’s national energy management activities and how they might contribute to the creation of international guidelines.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT), the national member bodies to ISO for the United States and Brazil, jointly hold the secretariat of PC 242. The committee was formed in spring of 2008. [see related article]
In his opening remarks to plenary attendees, Joseph Tretler, ANSI program director for international technical programs and services (ISO), described the urgent need for energy management guidelines that will be applicable across industry sectors.
“From manufacturers to government agencies, many of ANSI’s members and stakeholders are seeking new ways to reduce their energy consumption and engage in more sustainable practices. Every day, media headlines and prominent officials around the world call out for action. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We need to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. We need to promote energy efficiency. And we need to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of renewable energy resources,” explained Tretler. “The time is right for an energy management systems standard that will help organizations to implement best practices across their operation.”
Representatives from PC 242 estimate that ISO 50001 will be ready for publication by the end of 2010.