Compliance with ESOS and EU Energy Efficiency Directives and ISO 50001

Even though the UK is currently outside the EU in terms of legislation, we may still see how these directives can impact the UK as the drive to net zero continues. Starting on October the 11th all EU companies who have an annual energy usage that is over 85TJ ( (terajoules)  to look to obtain ISO50001 certificate. In the UK for the time begin our ESOS legislation does not require ISO50001 but it is seen as an alternative route to providing evidence of compliance to a businesses ESOS responsibilities.

A need for businesses to perform continuous energy assessments and management

Typically when looking at their energy consumption, a business will conduct an energy audit. However, this audit only provides a snapshot of the usage. Energy audit can identify areas if inefficiency and show what there are opportunities to make savings such as a reduction in reactive power. The energy audits also provide supporting evidence of a companys energy compliance at that given point in time
The alternative introducing by the implementation of ISO 50001 is a real-time and dynamic Energy Management System (EnMS) which revolves around a singular concept of making continuous improvements to energy usage.

The system requires companies to:

  • Monitor their real time energy usage
  • Set defined energy performance indicators (EnPIs)
  • Recognise their baseline usages and monitor for deviations
  • Actively apply corrective actions where needed
  • Establish documented processes and demonstrate measurable improvements in the results

Making the data visible allows for more control

To start down the road of achieving ISO 50001 certification, it is not just a simple exercise in documenting a companys energy usage and processes. It is also an exercise in energy data management.

For my companies they often struggle with the same issues:

  • Having an incomplete or fragmented set of their energy data
  • Physical processes are not integrated with existing energy consumption systems
  • The energy usage at a machine or department level is limited
  • A lack of systems to bring all the information together to see how energy consumption is affected by their production output

Businesses need accurate, low level, reliable real time data in order for their ISO50001, otherwise the implementation of such a standard starts to become difficult and hard to maintain.

Where can Power Quality Expert and Electrex provide solutions

In partnership with Electrex, we are able to deliver on these real-time energy data demands. The energy management solutions from Electrex can bridge the gap of where the raw data is measured and where you can use this data to make actionable decisions based on the insight the solutions provide. This is a big step towards meeting the requirements of ISO50001.

Monitoring of your energy infrastructure

The Electrex devices provide a real-time and high-resolution measurement solution for monitoring the electrical parameters across a business. Meters can measurement from the main incomers all the way through to the individual loads.

This level of detail enables:

  • The accurate measurement of energy baselines
  • A continuous method of tracking your EnPIs
  • Ability to immediately detect and therefore act on any anomalies
  • The integration of energy and process information

Unlike some other traditional metering systems, the Electrex solutions are able to integrate:

  • A machines status
  • The environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and air quality
  • Additional user specific operational parameters

This flexibility allows for companies to put their actual energy consumption and usage into a real world context which is a key requirement for making a meaningful performance analysis within an ISO 50001 system.

Integrated system intelligence and energy automation and control

Devices can be added in the system with embedded PLC functionality and relay outputs, meaning the Electrex meters can go beyond just simple monitoring:

  • They can automate responses to any inefficiencies
  • Control the loads based on energy performance requirements
  • Allow you to support demand-side management strategies
  • This helps to align perfectly with the ISO 50001 focus on making continuous improvements and corrective actions.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) ready and scalable architecture

To provide scope for business changes and growth, the Electrex systems are designed for multi-site deployment, Operation through Cloud or on-premise server integration and to be compatibility with existing SCADA, BMS, and EMS platforms  This ensures that businesses can scale their energy management strategy as and when their requirements change.

Electrex PLC energy automation and control

Electrex PLC energy automation and control

ISO50001 compliance presents you with an Opportunity, not another legislative burden

While a move to comply and implement an ISO5001 system can at first appear to be another regulatory burden, many forward-thinking companies have started to recognise that it can also be used a strategic opportunity to:

  • Help them better manage and reduce their energy costs
  • Improve their overall operational efficiency
  • Provide and enhance their net zero sustainability credentials

But, as with all successful transition when implementing new standards into a business, it can all depend on the quality of the underlying infrastructure. The move to ISO 50001 is not just about obtaining another certification as a marketing tool or checking another box your for customers approval, it is about implementing an energy awareness into your daily operations.

Companies can rely on periodic audits and reactional surveys, but those that can invest in solid, data-driven systems, such as those from Electrex offering integrated monitoring and control, will not only achieve compliance but will be able to unlock long-term value and return on their investment.

It is now a time to no longer be thinking about whether or not to act on your energy usage, but how you can move from being aware of your energy to controlling your energy.

Learn more about our products and services by visiting our Power Quality Expert product catalogue,  Sonel product catalogue , Electrex product catalogue or Elspec product catalogue or you can contact us to discuss your measurement requirements further.

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