ISO 50111: Standardizing Decarbonization with Energy Management Systems

Nearly 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the direct consumption of energy. To achieve decarbonization targets, energy systems must address both energy efficiency and use of low-emission energy sources across all sectors. Implemented at more than 55,000 sites globally, ISO 50001 provides a performance-based, systematic approach to improving energy efficiency. A new ISO standard providing requirements and guidance for organizations to decarbonize their energy-related GHG emissions is being developed to complement ISO 50001. This new standard recognizes that decarbonization is achieved by building on energy efficiency and systematically managing energy consumption. Its requirements provide a performance-based, systematic approach to energy-related GHG emission reduction. The combination of the two standards will give organizations a methodology to develop GHG baselines, set targets based on climate science, and develop a systematic approach to meeting those targets, integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel switch, and carbon capture as appropriate. This talk details how the new standard builds on ISO 50001’s energy efficiency focus, is designed to help organizations of all types and sizes to decarbonize their energy use, and relates to existing ISO and internationally accepted GHG accounting and reporting frameworks.