Energy management and sustainability have become critical factors for success in today’s business landscape.
With the growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, companies are increasingly turning to international standards like ISO 50001 to improve their energy performance and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
This article explores how Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software can support businesses in achieving ISO 50001 certification, particularly in the realms of asset management and energy management.
What is ISO 50001?
ISO 50001 is an international standard that provides organisations with a framework for developing an effective energy management system (EnMS). This standard aims to help businesses continually improve their energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption. By implementing ISO 50001, companies can:
- Reduce energy costs
- Improve energy efficiency
- Decrease greenhouse gas emissions
- Enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible organisations
IMSM (International Management Systems Marketing) are leading ISO specialists who we have worked with; they deliver high-quality ISO consultancy services and standards to organisations of all sizes, from all sectors, all over the world. With IMSM, you can experience all the support you need when it comes to achieving the various different ISO standards.
As we become a more eco-conscious world, it is becoming increasingly important to prioritise ESG values and monitor energy consumption and usage.
The Growing Importance of ESG and Energy Management in Facilities Management
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have become increasingly important for businesses across all sectors. 60% of investors in the UK are keen to see more businesses be transparent about their environmental impact. That’s why ESG-conscious facilities management companies are much more likely to draw in investors due to the decreased risk and enhanced financial viability, especially concerning asset value.
In facilities management, energy management plays a crucial role in addressing the environmental aspect of ESG. Here’s why:
Climate Change Mitigation
Efficient energy management helps reduce carbon emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Cost Reduction
Optimising energy consumption leads to significant cost savings, improving a company’s bottom line.
Regulatory Compliance
As governments worldwide implement stricter environmental regulations, robust energy management systems help ensure compliance.
Stakeholder Expectations
Investors, customers, and employees increasingly expect companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship can attract environmentally conscious customers and partners.
Given that 40% of global energy consumption and a third of all greenhouse gas emissions is caused by buildings, sustainable facilities management has never been more crucial.
Elogs CAFM+ Service Desk allows businesses to efficiently monitor, manage, and optimise their operations from an ESG perspective.
Asset Management: A Key Component of ISO 50001
Asset lifecycle management (ALM) is the process of managing and optimising the lifecycle of physical assets. Typically, this process aims to manage all aspects of an asset in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
Asset management is a critical aspect of ISO 50001 implementation. It involves the systematic and coordinated activities through which an organisation optimally manages its assets and their associated performance, risks, and expenditures over their lifecycles.
In the context of energy management, effective asset management helps:
- Identify energy-usage across assets.
- Optimise assets for energy efficiency.
- Plan for energy-efficient upgrades or replacements.
CAFM systems play a crucial role in supporting and streamlining asset lifecycle management processes.
These software programs help managers and organisations manage and maintain their physical assets effectively throughout their lifespan.
How CAFM Supports Asset Management and ISO 50001 Implementation
CAFM software plays a crucial role in supporting businesses to achieve ISO 50001 certification. Here’s how Elogs CAFM can help:
Comprehensive Asset Tracking
Elogs CAFM provides a robust asset management function that allows organisations to maintain detailed records of all energy-consuming assets. Our CAFM system provides a centralised repository for storing and managing asset data, including acquisition details, maintenance records, warranties, and performance metrics.
With Elogs CAFM, organisations can track the location, condition, and utilisation of their assets in real-time. This information helps optimise asset deployment, identify underutilised or redundant assets, and plan for replacements or upgrades. This centralised information enables better decision-making and facilitates effective asset management.
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Planned maintenance can help you keep your assets in good condition and make them last longer by doing regular equipment checks. This proactive approach helps minimise unplanned downtime and reduces the risk of costly breakdowns. The PPM planner in Elogs CAFM ensures that assets are maintained regularly, optimising their energy efficiency and extending their lifespan.
Essentially, PPM planners help facilities managers to enhance asset longevity, decrease energy usage, and minimise waste.
Performance Analysis
CAFM software enables businesses to analyse asset performance over time, helping identify trends and opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.
Documentation and Reporting
Facilities managers collect and analyse data on the asset’s performance, maintenance history, and costs. This information informs future decision-making and helps optimise asset management strategies.
Elogs CAFM helps facilities management companies hit ESG targets more easily as it provides comprehensive tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Our CAFM software gives you a better understanding of which facilities and pieces of equipment are becoming inefficient. It can also generate comprehensive reports on asset management and energy consumption, providing the necessary evidence for ISO 50001 certification audits.
Leveraging Elogs CAFM for ISO 50001 Compliance
When used to its full capabilities, Elogs CAFM becomes a powerful tool in achieving and maintaining ISO 50001 certification:
Asset Lifecycle Management
Elogs CAFM supports the entire lifecycle of assets, from procurement to disposal, ensuring energy efficiency is considered at every stage.
Monitor Energy Consumption
Elogs CAFM also has a meter function which allows users to plug in their meter readings and monitor energy consumption within their buildings and assets.
Continuous Improvement
By providing real-time data and analytics, Elogs CAFM supports the continuous improvement cycle that is central to ISO 50001.
As businesses strive to improve their energy performance and meet ESG criteria, ISO 50001 certification has become increasingly important. CAFM software, particularly Elogs CAFM, offers a powerful solution for implementing and maintaining an effective energy management system.
By leveraging its asset management and energy monitoring capabilities, organisations can streamline their path to ISO 50001 certification, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Implementing ISO 50001 with the support of CAFM software is not just about achieving certification; it’s about embedding energy efficiency into the core of your business operations. As energy management continues to grow in importance, tools like Elogs CAFM will play an increasingly crucial role in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Working towards ISO 50001? Use CAFM to make life easier and help you get accredited!
