This means that by 21 August 2021, all certificates shall be transitioned to ISO 50001:2018 to ensure continued validity. After the transition period, certificates to the 2011-edition cease to be valid. Certification bodies, such as DNV GL, are required to stop performing audits according to ISO 50001:2011 18 months after publication date.
ISO 50001:2018 is revised to follow ISO’s common framework and High Level Structure (HLS) for management system standards. Hence, it will be easier to integrate with other management system certifications, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Comments Nicola Privato, Global Director, Operations & Technical Services in DNV GL – Business Assurance:
“The world energy consumption is on the rise. Organizations have a very important role to play in achieving future sustainability through effective energy management and improved energy performance. Implementation of ISO 50001 transforms the way organizations manage their energy and offers companies a best practice approach to continually improve energy performance, sustainability and their bottom line. While around 25,000 companies currently hold a certificate, we hope to see more companies apply this standard in the future.”
Changes in ISO 50001:2018
The two main aims for the revision was to adapt the standard to the HLS, and to ensure that core concepts related to energy management were retained from the 2011 version.
“With this new edition of ISO 50001, all major ISO management system standards are following the common HLS framework, which is clearly a benefit for users. We consider the changes in requirements compared with the 2011 edition as moderate. The most extensive changes are induced by the HLS, but there are also some energy specific changes to be noted. Those that are already familiar with the HLS will easily recognize the majority of actions required to comply with the new standard”, says Tor Gunnar Tollefsen, global service manager for management systems in DNV GL- Business Assurance.
To get a more detailed overview of the changes, please read Key changes in the ISO 50001:2018 vs. ISO 50001:2011.
Adds Tollefsen, “While three years may seem like a long time, we know that the transition journey runs smoother when companies prepare and plan well to avoid a rushed process. We recommend to start already now, getting familiar with the new version and identifying gaps. Our staff is ready to support you.”
How to get started on the transition journey to ISO 50001:2018
DNV GL is an accredited certification body for ISO 50001, and can help existing and new customers to transition or get certified to the revised standard. Applying a consistent and structured approach will ease the process. For those transitioning, and to make the process as smooth as possible, DNV GL has developed three packages to support companies in all phases of the transition.
By applying the packages, companies can start preparing, assess their level of readiness and efficiently complete the transition well ahead of the deadline. The packages cover the preparation, development and implementation phases on your way to transitioning.