CIET's Ask Us Anything series is a free monthly Q&A session with industry experts.
During our Ask Us Anything session on ISO 50001 (which took place in French), expert Geneviève Gauthier answered key questions about a variety of topics, including:
If you missed this session, here is a Q&A. Watch the video in French or read the transcript in English below.
That’s an excellent question, and it highlights a false dilemma that often comes up when discussing the ISO 50001 standard.
For organizations that take the time to properly understand the standard, it quickly becomes clear that it offers a great deal of flexibility in how it can be applied. Complying with ISO 50001 does not automatically mean implementing a heavy or overly complex system with sensors everywhere, weekly energy committees of 20 people, dozens of performance indicators, or highly elaborate dashboards.
It is entirely possible to implement a simple energy management system while still meeting all of the standard’s requirements. For example, an organization may choose to focus strategically on a single piece of equipment or a single scope, and build a system around it that aligns with the different stages of ISO 50001. This approach already makes it possible to embed a genuine energy management culture within the organization.
When initiatives become very complex from the outset, it is often because the standard has been misunderstood, or because there is a mistaken belief that you need to start “big” to do it properly. In reality, the two do not necessarily go hand in hand.
In my experience, I almost always recommend starting with the minimum required: what meets the standard’s requirements while also delivering tangible results. I am a strong advocate of a step-by-step approach: begin with a manageable scope that can be controlled and overseen in line with the standard’s principles.
Once results are achieved, once teams see the benefits, and once the system is well understood, organizations naturally tend to expand it. People then want to add tasks, follow-ups, or additional indicators because they see the value it creates.
In conclusion, starting gradually is not incompatible with ISO 50001. On the contrary, it is often the most effective approach to ensure a sustainable and engaging implementation.
CIET offers several courses to support organizations at every stage of their energy management journey:
This public webinar is intended to introduce the ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems standard, the Ready Navigator tool, and the 50001 Ready Canada recognition program.
Energy Management and the ISO 50001 Standard is designed for those who wish to develop an energy management culture in their organization, covering the essential elements necessary for success and is aligned with the requirements of the ISO 50001 standard.
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