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Strategic approach to energy management: EN 16001

In today’s highly volatile and competitive market place energy costs have assumed a greater significance. With rising fuel costs, open markets in gas and electricity and new government climate change policies, no organisation can afford to be complacent in managing its energy efficiently.

Evidence shows that adopting structured management techniques to energy management can result in significant savings.

There has never been a better time for any organisation large or small to move forward and adopt a strategic formal approach to managing its energy system.

What is EN 16001?

EN 16001 Energy Management Systems- Requirements is a certifiable standard for energy management systems. By adopting the principles outlined in this standard will not only show your organisations commitment to energy management but you may also realise substantial cost savings and benefit from increased market penetration.

EN 16001 shares many commonalities with ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard. It is targeted at the specific areas of energy management and its requirements are not quite as comprehensive as ISO 14001.

Why would anyone want to be certified to EN 16001?

Management systems assist organisations bring consistency to their operations and address strategic planning in a systematic way. The result of adopting such systems has shown over 900,000 organisations world-wide benefits of improved marketing opportunities and significant cost savings.

The same management system approach is now being applied to energy management. Soon many organisations will start to see the benefits of applying modern process approach to the way they approach energy usage. These organisations stand to gain in two ways- manage their energy consumption in a planned manner and reduce expenditure.

The wider benefits for society in general include a reduction in CO2 emissions thus establishing those organisations as good neighbours. This in turn will enhance the reputations of those organisations that adopt the EN 16001 standard. All this is good news.

EN 16001 approach

For more information about how IT Governance can help you with your EN 16001 project, or for more information about this energy management standars visit our 16001-energy management systems &
16001 energy management consultancy pages.