Transitioning to ISO 50001 to reduce your carbon footprint

As more and more businesses join the fight against climate change, many are exploring ways to reduce their energy consumption.

This is not surprising.  Energy accounts for nearly three-quarters of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions from energy use are generally the top contributor to a company’s carbon footprint^[1]. As a result, reducing energy use is usually top of the to-do list for companies looking to cut emissions.  

How businesses use energy

Businesses consume two forms of energy: fuel and electricity. The former represents the bulk of end-user demand (82%)^[2], reflecting strong demand for liquid and gaseous fossil fuels used for transportation and in industrial processes.

Electricity accounts for the remainder, with its use tending to dominate in service industries. Before employees even enter their offices, companies use electricity. Lighting, temperature control, and data storage all contribute to a company’s electricity consumption, which in turn affects their carbon footprint.

As global carbon emissions increase at an alarming rate, businesses are faced with serious pressure to cut them - fast. Switching to sustainable power sources, turning off lights and computers at night, and keeping equipment in good condition are all ways in which companies can lower carbon emissions.

Reaching your carbon reduction targets

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that human activities add to the atmosphere are a direct cause of global warming. With just 100 companies responsible for 73% of global greenhouse emissions^[3], it is abundantly clear that businesses have a huge role to play in climate change mitigation. The Paris Agreement targets a global warming limit of 1.5°C, and scientists agree that in order to stabilize climate change, carbon emissions need to drop drastically – all the way to zero.

One solution available to help decrease energy consumption is an Energy Management System (EnMS). Implementing a proactive and methodical approach to energy management that addresses both fuel and electricity consumption enables you to enhance energy efficiency, cut costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Monitoring energy use helps your business prepare for the future by highlighting issues early and allowing their resolution.

Whether your business has net-zero or climate-neutral goals, implementing a comprehensive EnMS will enable you to monitor, manage, predict, and reduce energy consumption. This will subsequently lead to a reduction in carbon emissions and carbon footprint, bringing you one step closer to your goals.

ISO 50001 is a recognized international standard that provides a framework and best practices for organizations to develop an EnMS. It enables businesses to embed energy efficiency practices while enhancing competitive advantage in your industry. Certification to ISO 50001 can help you demonstrate that you have established an energy policy with clear, concrete objectives, and the processes needed to achieve them.

Transitioning to ISO 50001 for improved business performance

Companies need to make sure their certificate is transitioned to the new ISO 50001:2018 version of the EnMS before January 31, 2022, and Bureau Veritas Certification is here to support you. Our 7,400 skilled auditors and training experts in more than 140 countries are prepared to provide international and local expertise. We also offer convenient online training sessions, available on our training platform.

The ISO 50001 standard enables business to improve performance by affecting behavior and identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption. To learn more about how ISO 50001 can benefit the planet and your business, contact us today.

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