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Energy management according to DIN EN ISO 50001
For maximum efficiency of energy use
Creating transparency, identifying potential savings, reducing costs: Whether in companies or at the municipal level, an energy management system (EMS) will make the handling of energy more efficient in the long term. The DIN EN ISO 50001 is intended to support the introduction of a holistic EMS. But what does the standard specifically include, who is required to implement a certified solution and How can this generate competitive advantages?

Against the background of climate change and the constantly increasing demands on sustainability, professional energy management is on the agenda for many companies and municipalities. Accordingly, the Federal Environment Agency recently registered an increase in the number of sites registered according to the Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and certified according to the standard for environmental management systems DIN EN ISO 14001 or for energy management systems DIN EN ISO 50001. To date, 27,600 certificates according to DIN EN ISO 50001 are valid worldwide, one fifth of them, i.e. around 5,500, in Germany.
DIN EN ISO 50001 – What is it?
What does a corresponding certification mean and what is its purpose? The DIN EN ISO 50001 published in 2011 describes the international standard for the requirements for the introduction, implementation, maintenance and improvement of an EMS. It now forms the core of a family of standards that is constantly growing. The requirements for EMS of this standard series have increased significantly in recent years. The aim is to enable companies and municipalities to achieve continuous improvement in energy-related performance through a systematic approach. The standard sets a framework within which companies and municipalities must implement their energy management, but can focus on their own and individual needs.
In principle, DIN EN ISO 50001 recommends the appointment of a management representative for the implementation of an EMS to monitor the introduction and compliance with the standard. The DIN EN ISO 50001 provides for several steps that enable a sensible and effective planning of efficiency measures:
- Planning with the definition of the energy policy and the relevant energy objectives of the company or the municipality
- Recording and assessment of the initial situation
- Building a communication strategy
- Implementation of previously defined measures
- Systematic documentation and review of all processes undertaken for early identification and correction of malfunctions
- Results review
- Derivation of new objectives and measures
DIN EN ISO 50001 has been amended
In 2018, the specifications of the standard were adapted and extended with an amended version. Above all, the focus was on standardization, in which DIN EN ISO 50001 was adapted to the basic structure and the basic definition in general texts to other management system standards. In addition, the structure of the standard now follows other quality management standards.
In terms of content, greater emphasis was placed on the responsibility of managing a company or a municipality. In addition, it is recommended to integrate energy issues more deeply into strategic management processes and to identify at the outset all relevant external and internal issues affecting energy management. Both requirements and expectations of all parties involved, as well as risks and opportunities, must be identified.
EnEfG makes EMS mandatory
Improving energy efficiency and generating a competitive advantage through cost savings are good reasons to choose an EMS. However, as of January 2024, the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) changes the situation, obliging companies to reduce energy consumption as well as to increase energy efficiency. Because according to the law, the introduction of an EMS is mandatory from a certain annual consumption – it makes sense in any case.
The introduction already makes sense for companies whose annual consumption is 2. 5 GWh. For the publication Action plans for economic energy efficiency measures can be used by EMS action plans. Alternatively, energy audits according to DIN EN 16247-1 can be carried out. Both options help in identifying savings opportunities.
In case of a higher annual consumption of 7.5 GWh, the obligation applies to the introduction of an EMS certified according to DIN EN ISO 50001. Here, the only possible alternative is an environmental management system according to EMAS. The inclusion in a register is also one of the requirements of the EnEfG.
Energy audit and certified energy management system in comparison
Energy audit according to DIN EN 16247-1
For companies with an annual consumption of 2.5 GWh, an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247-1 is provided, which must be complete and traceable. It includes:
- Systematic inspection of the energy situation by an auditor
- Identifying savings opportunities
- Economic analysis
- Verifiable achievement of targets
EMS according to DIN EN ISO 50001
For a company with an annual consumption of 7.5 GWh, an EMS according to DIN EN ISO 50001 is provided. It includes:
- Definition of energy policy and relevant energy targets
- Assessment of the initial situation
- Communication strategy
- Implementation of previously defined measures
- Systematic documentation and review of all processes carried out
- Results review
- Derivation of new objectives and measures
Energy management software supports implementation of DIN EN ISO 50001
Regardless of whether companies and municipalities make voluntary or mandatory efforts to introduce an EMS, implementation is almost impossible without suitable and powerful software. Energy management software, which is certified according to DIN EN ISO 50001, helps in recording the initial situation, evaluating the successes and identifying meaningful measures.
The energy monitor from energielenker supports the introduction and implementation of effective energy management. It displays many aspects of a holistic EMS:
- Consolidation of all data
- Presentation of data using reports, diagrams, and tables
- Evaluation of key figures and consumption levels
- Analysis of potential areas of optimization
- Alarm for limit exceedance
Energy managers or transformation plans for further efficiency gains
But software such as the intelligent energy manager Enbas, which connects all the producers and consumers of a building, also offers great advantages – especially if there is a PV system, a charging infrastructure and a heat pump. Last but not least, energielenker supports companies and municipalities in the creation of transformation plans. These offer a long-term strategy for greenhouse gas neutrality, for which a status analysis is required. On the basis of these, a concept is developed, feasibility studies are carried out and the results are presented.
Conclusion: DIN EN ISO 50001 enables holistic EMS
For the long-term increase in energy efficiency, the introduction of an EMS is a suitable tool, some of which is even mandatory. Information on prerequisites, procedure and requirements is provided in DIN EN ISO 50001. We are happy to support the introduction of an EMS and at the same time offer suitable digital solutions, such as the energy management software energy monitor or the intelligent energy manager Enbas.