Energy Planning in ISO 50001:2011 — Historical Guidance

Energy planning is important, and its scope depends on the objectives and approach taken to energy management. One common meaning is the development of long-term energy policies that guide the future strategy of an organisation, locality, country, region or even the global energy system. At the macro level, planning is often undertaken by government bodies, but it can also be carried out by major energy companies, electricity utilities, oil and gas producers and energy-using organisations. Inputs may come from government agencies, local authorities, organisations and other interested parties.

The ISO 50001:2011 structure in this article

In the ISO 50001:2011 energy management system described in this historical article, clause 4.4, Energy planning, is a key starting point in the PDCA model and covers clauses 4.4.1 to 4.4.6. Figure 1 below illustrates that edition's structure.

Energy planning connects management commitment and compliance obligations with the framework, tools and resources for the energy review, initial energy baseline, energy performance indicators (EnPIs), objectives, targets and corresponding action plans. The original article highlights management review after planning and refers to Annex A.7.1.

Management review should cover the scope of the energy management system, although all elements of the energy management system need not be reviewed at the same time; review may take place over a period. In practice, different EnMS elements can be reviewed at different stages of implementation.

Requirements for the planning process

How is energy planning under ISO 50001 implemented in an organisation? In the 2011 edition discussed here, clause 4.4.1 requires the organisation to conduct and document an energy planning process consistent with the energy policy and directed towards continual improvement in energy performance.

Planning includes reviewing activities that can affect energy performance and the five further groups of requirements in clauses 4.4.2 to 4.4.6. These concepts require practical interpretation. Figure 2, referenced in the original article, illustrates the planning process.

Inputs, energy review and planning outputs

Energy planning commonly combines graphical tools and technical analysis. It reviews past and present energy use and consumption, energy supply and the role of efficiency in reducing energyintensity. The review identifies significant energy uses (SEUs), opportunities for improvement and priorities, considering relevant variables and current performance. Outputs include energy baselines, EnPIs, objectives, targets and action plans. The original article also discusses sustainable energy planning as a broader approach to future organisational energy needs in the context of ISO 50001 and ISO 50004.

Energy review and energy audit

Within energy planning, the energy review is broader than an energy audit performed for a particular scope or contract. An audit is a useful technical tool for identifying opportunities to improve energy performance. Both can help establish the current situation, but an energy audit and an energy review are not interchangeable; the original article notes that a separately commissioned audit is not, by itself, a mandatory requirement of the standard. An organisation can use audit findings within its planning process. 

IEE-Vietnam/UNIDO implementation experience

The original article describes training under the IEE-Vietnam project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and UNIDO. The three-day course in Hanoi on 16–18 May 2012, delivered by Richard Morrison and Bo Kuraa, further addressed maintenance criteria, operating parameters and people who significantly affect SEU energy performance. Figure 3 illustrates that approach.

When establishing EnPIs and energy baselines, improvement opportunities are considered together with performance measurement plans, operational controls and training plans. 

This article does not attempt to prescribe one typical energy planning model. It connects the ISO 50001 framework with UNIDO's energy-efficiency project experience to support a clearer understanding and more effective implementation of an EnMS.