ISO 50001 for Commercial Buildings: Lessons Learned From U.S. DOE Pilot Project: Preprint

Michael Deru, Sonia Punjabi

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

In the U.S., the ISO 50001 Standard, which establishes energy management systems (EnMSs) and processes, has shown uptake primarily in the industrial sector. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) undertook a pilot program to explore ISO 50001 implementation in commercial buildings. Eight organizations participated as pilots, with technical assistance provided by DOE, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). This paper shares important lessons learned from the pilot. Staff time was the most critical resource required to establish effective EnMSs in commercial buildings. The pilot also revealed that technical support and template/example materials were essential inputs. Crucial activities included evaluating performance, identifying goals, making connections, communicating operational controls, and tracking/reviewing progress. Benefits realized included enhanced intra-organizational connections, greater energy awareness, increased process efficiencies, and improved ability to make business cases. Incremental benefits for ISO 50001 certification were greater accountability, assurance of best practices, public relations opportunities, and potential to unlock verified savings credits or incentive money. Incremental certification costs included more staff/consultant time, money for certification, and a tendency to limit EnMS scope in order to ensure favorable audit results. Five best practices were identified - utilizing expert technical assistance, training, and other resources; focusing on implementation over documentation; keeping top management involved; considering organizational structure when selecting EnMS scope; and matching the implementation level to an EnMS's scope and scale. The last two practices are particularly relevant to the commercial buildings sector.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages13
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings - Pacific Grove, California
Duration: 17 Aug 201422 Aug 2014

Conference

Conference2014 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
CityPacific Grove, California
Period17/08/1422/08/14

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-61496

Keywords

  • commercial building
  • energy management systems
  • ENMS
  • ISO 50001

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