The launch of International Standard ISO50001 is likely to add further impetus to the energy management momentum that is building in South Africa.
Energy is one of the most critical challenges facing the international community and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) estimates that the standard could have a positive impact on some 60% of the world’s energy use.
Gustav Radloff, managing director of local energy optimisation company Energy Cybernetics, comments: “In many ways the publication of ISO50001 is well timed for the South African market since we are once again moving into a situation where we find ourselves facing a supply capacity constraint. Companies embarking on an ISO50001 drive will save money, gain international as well as local recognition and help to alleviate the strain on the Eskom supply network going forward.”
The development of ISO50001 over the last three years will now provide organisations with a recognised framework for integrating energy performance into their management practices. ISO secretary general, Rob Steele comments: “Individual organisations cannot control energy prices, government policies or the global economy, but they can improve the way they manage energy here and now.”
An energy management system can often be confused with a technical tool such as a data logger or scada system for instance. ISO50001 is an energy management standard which stipulates a set of interlinked processes, practices and procedures driven by a clear policy, with the aim to reduce energy costs. ISO50001 requires organisational changes, both internally and externally, to make a positive impact on energy use. From security personnel who identify equipment in use outside of operating hours, to cleaning staff during their after hour cleaning schedules, to the purchasing department that continues to purchase energy inefficient equipment. ISO50001 facilitates the successful management of these changes for optimal energy management.
Director of Energy Cybernetics and Professor at the North-West University, LJ Grobler welcomed the release of ISO50001 and observed that indications are that ISO500001 will have a bigger impact on international trade than ISO90001, the quality management standard. Grobler comments: “The standard’s release opens local job creation opportunities as organisations now need assistance to make them ready for the ISO50001 certification process. Leading up to the release of the standard Energy Cybernetics identified the skills requirements and our training division has developed a two-day course for organisations to understand and become equipped for the implementation of ISO50001.”
For more information contact Gustav Radloff, Energy Cybernetics, +27 (0)12 369 9880, [email protected], www.energycybernetics.com
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