ISO 50001 Certification: Steps to Prepare for the Audit

In short: To prepare for an ISO 50001 certification audit, set energy objectives and action plans, complete an energy review with EnPIs and a baseline, implement and run your energy management system, then test it with an internal audit and management review before booking the certification body. After the audit, any corrective actions must be completed and verified before certification is granted.

As the world becomes acutely aware of the pressing need to conserve natural resources, energy management is gaining more importance than ever. Companies that aim to improve their energy efficiency, minimise waste, and reduce costs need to adopt a systematic approach to energy management. ISO 50001 standards provide a framework to help organisations reduce their energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall environmental impact. The current edition is ISO 50001:2018, amended in 2024 to include climate change considerations.

However, preparing for an ISO 50001 audit can seem daunting. But, by following the right steps, you can make the process simpler, quicker, and less stressful. In this blog post, we will discuss the critical steps you need to follow to prepare for an ISO 50001 certification audit.

1. Set Energy Objectives and Action Plans

Before beginning the implementation process, a company needs to define its energy objectives. Objectives could be anything from reducing energy consumption to production waste to carbon footprints. Once objectives are established, action plans can be formulated and put into motion. A roadmap should be created that outlines the company’s goals, timelines, and resources. Our ISO 50001 implementation roadmap sets this out step by step.

2. Conduct an Energy Review

To understand where your organisation currently stands in terms of energy use, an energy review should be conducted, which includes identifying potential opportunities for improvement. An energy review will help identify areas where your organisation can gain additional savings. This review includes data collection and analysis, auditing energy efficiency, and establishing energy performance indicators and an energy baseline.

3. Develop and Implement Energy Management System (EnMS)

An EnMS provides a framework to manage and improve energy efficiency. ISO 50001 requirements such as control of documented information, internal audits, and operational control help ensure that your EnMS can produce reliable results.

The implementation process is key to developing and building the EnMS. Training and development sessions typically occur during this process. Employees learn about best practices for energy management, and awareness is spread across the organisation.

4. Plan and Schedule the Audit

Before scheduling an audit, you should consider conducting a self-audit. It would operate as a simulation of the actual ISO certification audit. A self-audit will identify areas where your company is lacking, and corrective measures can be taken before the actual audit. Certification bodies expect a full internal audit and a management review to have been completed before the certification audit, so plan these in good time.

Once a self-audit has been carried out, and all the gaps have been fixed, you can start planning and scheduling the actual ISO 50001 certification audit. This is where Newfil Consultancy will guide you through the steps of planning and scheduling. The certification audit is done in two stages: a stage 1 review of your documentation and readiness, followed by a stage 2 audit on site, where the auditor also looks for evidence that energy performance has improved.

5. Verify Corrective Actions

After the audit, if any corrective actions are recommended, they need to be implemented and verified. Verification checks whether the reported issues have been fixed according to the audit’s recommendations and are capable of producing positive results.

What Certification Means and How to Keep It

ISO 50001 certification is an independent confirmation that your energy management system meets the standard. A few points are worth knowing before you start:

• Start with a gap analysis. Assess your existing energy management practices against the requirements of ISO 50001 so you know what needs to change before the audit.
• Use an accredited certification body. In South Africa, accreditation is provided by SANAS. Accredited certification carries more weight with customers and in tenders.
• Plan for the initial investment. There may be upfront costs for metering, energy-saving measures and staff time to set up the system.
• Certification is a cycle, not a one-off. A certificate is normally valid for three years, with surveillance audits in between and a recertification audit at the end. To keep it, continue monitoring energy performance against targets, review and update the EnMS, carry out internal audits, and keep training and awareness going.

Conclusion

Attaining ISO 50001 certification is critical for businesses that focus on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and reducing costs. The certification audit may be a little intimidating, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be approached as part of your organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

Implementing an energy management system involves setting objectives and action plans, conducting energy reviews, developing an EnMS, planning and scheduling the audit, and verifying corrective actions. Ultimately, successful certification ensures that your organisation is truly committed to energy efficiency, cost savings, environmental sustainability, and an overall future-oriented approach. For general tips that apply to any ISO audit, see ISO audits made easier.

Frequently asked questions

What happens during an ISO 50001 certification audit?

The certification body carries out a stage 1 audit to review your documentation and readiness, then a stage 2 audit on site with interviews, record checks and inspections. If no major nonconformities remain, it recommends certification.

How long is ISO 50001 certification valid?

Certification normally runs on a three-year cycle, with surveillance audits during that period and a recertification audit before it expires.

Do I need to show energy savings to get ISO 50001 certified?

Yes. ISO 50001:2018 requires you to demonstrate continual improvement in energy performance, so the auditor will look at your EnPIs and energy baseline for evidence of improvement.

Who certifies ISO 50001 in South Africa?

Independent certification bodies carry out the audits. Look for one accredited for ISO 50001 by SANAS or another recognised accreditation body so that your certificate is credible.