National programs to build capacity for effective ISO 50001 implementation in North America

摘要

Achieving robust implementation of ISO 50001 presents a number of challenges for implementing organizations, energy efficiency service providers, management system experts, and policymakers. ISO 50001's data-driven approach to continual improvement of both an organization's energy management system (EnMS) and energy performance requires a unique combination of skills not common in most markets. Building this capacity requires integrating the technical expertise of an energy efficiency service provider with the business process expertise of a management system expert. Innovation is also needed in policy and program design to support the necessary shift in organizational culture from energy efficiency as a technical matter dealing with energy projects to energy management as a business process. A number of countries across the world are developing programs to build capacity for effective ISO 50001 implementation. Many public policy initiatives have been implemented, including regulation, tax incentives, facility certification programs, personnel certification programs, and technical assistance such as training, tools, and guidebooks. On the leading edge, some countries are using ISO 50001 as a compliance mechanism for greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting. This paper will present activities across North America related to effective implementation of ISO 50001. The range of program activities will be described, with a special focus on 1) personnel credentialing programs, and 2) developing a methodology to predict energy savings and GHG reductions resulting from future ISO 50001 implementation. Analysis of data will be provided, supporting the value of competency-based personnel certification in achieving robust implementation outcomes. Additionally, a methodology for predicting ISO 50001 GHG impacts, developed the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and under review by the ISO 50001 Global Research Network, will be presented.