National programs to build capacity for effective ISO 50001 implementation in North America

Panel: 3. Energy management: the nuts and bolts

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Paul Sheaffer, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Aimee McKane, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Peter Therkelsen, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Graziella Siciliano, US Department of Energy, USA
Noé Villegas Alcántar, National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy, Mexico
Fabian Allard, Natural Resources Canada, Canada

Abstract

Achieving robust implementation of ISO 50001 presents a number of challenges for implementing organizations, energy efficiency service providers, management system experts, and policymakers. ISO 50001’s data-driven approach to continual improvement of both the organization’s EnMS and energy performance improvement requires a unique combination of skills not common in most markets. Building this capacity requires integrating the technical expertise of energy efficiency service providers with the business process expertise of management system experts. Innovation is also needed in policy and program design to support the necessary shift in organizational culture from energy efficiency as a technical matter to energy management as a business process. A number of countries across the world are developing programs to build capacity for effective ISO 50001 implementation. Many public policy initiatives have been implemented, including regulation, tax incentives, facility certification programs, personnel certification programs, and technical assistance such as; training, tools, and guidebooks. On the leading edge, some countries are using ISO 50001 as a compliance mechanism for greenhouse gas reporting. This paper will present activities across North America related to effective implementation of ISO 50001, with particular attention to documented outcomes. The range of program activities will be described, with a special focus on 1) personnel credentialing programs, and 2) developing a methodology to predict energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions resulting from future ISO 50001 implementation. Analysis of field data will be provided, supporting the value of competency-based personnel certification in achieving robust implementation outcomes. Additionally, a methodology for predicting ISO 50001 impacts, developed the LBNL and under review by the ISO 50001 Global Impacts Research Network, will be presented.