UK implements standard to help improve energy efficiency

A new standard published by BSI will potentially help organisations make energy cost savings and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. BS EN 16001 demonstrates how to establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy efficiency across their operations. Findings of a recent BSI survey show that the standard is much needed. Of 800 public and private sector UK organisations surveyed, only half rated their energy management practices as good or very good. This is despite 78% saying that energy management is either important or very important to their senior management team. This demonstrates a willingness to engage with energy management issues but a shortfall in actual delivery. BS EN 16001 Energy management systems � Requirements with guidance for use specifies the requirements for an energy management system which requires the development of an energy policy, identification of an organisation's past, present and future energy consumption as well as the development of an energy monitoring (metering) plan. Analysis of actual versus expected energy consumption will allow businesses to put plans in place to help improve efficiency. Rather than prescribing exactly how operations should be run, BS EN 16001 provides the framework which will enable effective energy management. Instead of simply considering a range of technical solutions to areas of major energy consumption, the energy management framework will begin the process of behavioural change needed to embed energy efficiency considerations in everyday decision making. It will help in the implementation of planned actions cited in the EU Energy Services Directive (2006) and requires organisations to take into account relevant legal and legislative obligations, such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment.