Changing Energy Use

Energy use is one of the biggest expenses many businesses face.  But until recently, there was no standard benchmark to measure how a company uses energy.

Last month, the International Standards Organization adopted ISO500001 to address energy use.  The standards will be important for companies that seek LEED certification, carbon trading (to the extent that it can be done), B Corp status and likely certain tax credits in the years to come.  It will also help any company – large or small – save on their energy expenses.

Home construction, high-tech manufacturers and operations, heavy equipment users, food processors, and chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers are among those who will get large benefit from ISO 50001.  For all businesses, though, the standards can show a way to improve a company’s bottom line, with pressure from top management leading the way.

The International Standards Organization provides a framework so that offices can:

• Develop policies for more efficient use of energy
• Identify targets and objectives to meet that policy
• Use data to better understand and make decisions concerning energy use and consumption
• Measure the results
• Review the effectiveness of the policy
• Continually improve energy management

You can find out more about the new standards here.