Energy Management Systems Certification
14 September 2017
Our attention has been drawn to a potentially misleading article regarding the suitability of ISO 50001 for ESOS.
It has been drawn to our attention that a training provider has circulated a potentially misleading article regarding the suitability of ISO 50001 for ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) compliance and the requirements implemented by a new associated standard ISO 50003. We have been contacted by a number of clients asking for our views on the points raised.
As NQA’s Principal Assessor for Energy and Environment, I felt that it was appropriate to give a definitive Certification Body view of ESOS compliance and the new requirements placed upon us in terms of the assessment process.
ISO 50003 is a supplementary standard that places additional requirements on certification bodies regarding calculating the duration of the assessment process and an updated definition of what constitutes a major non-conformance.
Energy performance improvement has always been a requirement of ISO 50001. 2. In clause 1 - Scope it states:
“…. to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of energy performance including energy efficiency, energy use and consumption.”
All Certification Bodies have to achieved accreditation from UKAS to ISO 50003 by October 2017 to remain able to offer accredited certification to ISO 50001. I can assure all NQA clients that we are accredited to this new standard and therefore any NQA certificates will provide the necessary evidence of exemption from ESOS obligations.
Finally, a note regarding the requirements for continual improvement in energy performance. It is correct that failure to demonstrate continual improvement in energy performance now constitutes a major non-conformance.
Please remember that the standard refers to energy performance and not absolute energy use. This is a requirement at all assessments, including Stage 2. It may seem strange that there is a requirement to demonstrate continual improvement at the initial certification. This would be based on performance set within the baseline year which would usually be a year or two earlier and will usually be easily achieved via the ‘quick wins’ achieved usually from changes in behaviour with regard to energy use.
The key to compliance is to ensure that performance indicators used are sufficiently flexible to take into account known fluctuations in business levels and other variables including weather conditions.
If you have further queries regarding this, please contact NQA on info@nqa.com.
As NQA’s Principal Assessor for Energy and Environment, I felt that it was appropriate to give a definitive Certification Body view of ESOS compliance and the new requirements placed upon us in terms of the assessment process.
ISO 50003 is a supplementary standard that places additional requirements on certification bodies regarding calculating the duration of the assessment process and an updated definition of what constitutes a major non-conformance.
Energy performance improvement has always been a requirement of ISO 50001. 2. In clause 1 - Scope it states:
“…. to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of energy performance including energy efficiency, energy use and consumption.”
All Certification Bodies have to achieved accreditation from UKAS to ISO 50003 by October 2017 to remain able to offer accredited certification to ISO 50001. I can assure all NQA clients that we are accredited to this new standard and therefore any NQA certificates will provide the necessary evidence of exemption from ESOS obligations.
Finally, a note regarding the requirements for continual improvement in energy performance. It is correct that failure to demonstrate continual improvement in energy performance now constitutes a major non-conformance.
Please remember that the standard refers to energy performance and not absolute energy use. This is a requirement at all assessments, including Stage 2. It may seem strange that there is a requirement to demonstrate continual improvement at the initial certification. This would be based on performance set within the baseline year which would usually be a year or two earlier and will usually be easily achieved via the ‘quick wins’ achieved usually from changes in behaviour with regard to energy use.
The key to compliance is to ensure that performance indicators used are sufficiently flexible to take into account known fluctuations in business levels and other variables including weather conditions.
If you have further queries regarding this, please contact NQA on info@nqa.com.