Success factors and organizational approaches for the implementation of energy management systems according to ISO 50001

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify main success factors for the effective implementation, operation and certification of an energy management system (EnMS) in accordance with ISO 50001, which represents the fastest growing standard for management systems in the world (International Organization for Standardization, 2013). Design/methodology/approach – Due to rising energy costs, increasing global competitive pressure and the demand for environmentally friendly products companies all over the world consider the implementation of an EnMS to meet future challenges. For that reason a survey (Jochem et al., 2013) among already certified German companies has been conducted focussing on organizational, teambuilding and technical aspects. Findings – Results indicate that EnMSs are most commonly built on already existing management structures and therefore staff organization is crucial for the success of the project. Still, monetary aspects such as energy related cost savings seem to be the decisive criterion for the operation of an EnMS. Regarding teambuilding aspects specific technical expertise is required which leads to cross-functional teams focussing on the field of production. In addition key technical and administrative measures for an effective EnMS were identified. Originality/value – The study provides best practice knowledge and gives interested companies the advantage to benefit from both the positive experiences of the participants as well as to prevent potential contra productive activities during the implementation, certification and operation of an EnMS.

Reasons to Adopt ISO 50001 Energy Management System

“…These good results are also an additional motivation for competitors to implement the standard. Karcher and Jochem [11] also found that the positive results of ISO 50001, in terms of monetary savings, motivate other organizations to implement it. Moreover, they also state that the main enabler is the positive attitude of the staff.…”

Diffusion of a Quality Management System: A Case Study

“…ISO 9001 is a process essentially designed to establish what the customer desires, and then satisfy those desires [23,39,28].…”

“…Management systems should not be viewed in isolation, because their structures are interlinked. Management standards overlap each other, and might form bases for each other [24,28].…”

Toward greener supply chains: is there a role for the new ISO 50001 approach to energy and carbon management?

“…support the creation of public and private policy programmes to mitigate the identified barriers (cost and technical expertise tend to be critical barriers); evaluating the results and benefits of the integration of ISO 14001 and 50001 in the context of supply; verifying empirically how the Table 2 would collaborate to develop a green supply chain more efficient in terms of energy and low carbon; analysing organisational resources, which should be developed to integrate ISO 50001 and GSCM, such as green training (Jabbour and de Sousa Jabbour 2014) and teamwork based on specific technical expertise (Karcher and Jochem 2015); exploring perception of managers with regard to how the integration between ISO 50001 and GSCM contribute to a sustainable competitive advantage in a context of environmental constraints (climate change) (Hart 1995); and discussing how low-carbon supply chains enable firms to respond to the challenges and demands posed by the natural environment (Chan et al 2015). Some limitations of this research can be point out.…”