Introduction to eGuide Level 1: Foundational Energy Management
What is eGuide Level 1?
eGuide Level 1 is the Foundational Energy Management level. This level is designed to help implement a basic energy management program at organizations of any size and any type—including commercial, industrial, and government facilities. This level is the right starting point for you if your organization is new to energy management, or if you’re looking to develop a more systematic approach to implementing energy management, but are not yet ready to implement the ISO 50001 energy management standard. Level 1 provides a strong framework to establish a continual improvement approach to implementing energy projects and sustaining the energy savings achieved.
Level 1 is organized in a step-by-step approach, with progress made by implementing defined tasks within each step. You and your energy management implementation team will be able to work together, keeping track of your progress by using the eGuide Status Tracker. If you start with Level 1 and later your organization decides it would like to pursue ISO 50001 and/or SEP certification, you can flexibly advance to Level 2 or Level 3.
What is the difference between eGuide Level 1 and eGuide Level 2?
In eGuide Level 1, Foundational Energy Management, you develop an energy management program focused on a continuous approach to implementing energy projects and sustaining the energy savings achieved. This is accomplished by ensuring that the needed training, communication and operational controls are addressed as part of project action plans and that they remain in place as needed after completion of the project.
Level 2 of the eGuide is a comprehensive resource designed for organizations that desire to implement the International Standard ISO 50001:2011. In implementing ISO 50001, you are transitioning your energy management program to an energy management system (EnMS). This involves executing activities and processes designed to embed energy management into your daily operations. In short, energy management becomes part of your organizational culture and an integrated element in how your organization conducts its business.
An ISO 50001 EnMS is concerned not only with making energy performance improvements through energy projects (and associated action plans), but also with ongoing management of the significant energy uses and compliance with energy-related legal and other requirements. This is accomplished by structuring energy management processes around a continual improvement framework that ensures that actions are planned, implemented, checked, and the results used to continually improve both energy performance and the EnMS.
Level 1 and Level 2 share many tasks in common. If you are transitioning from Level 1 to Level 2, everything from your Level 1 efforts will be useful and relevant for Level 2. However, in Level 2 for ISO50001, typically there are more details to be addressed as part of a common task, as well as additional tasks to implement that are not part of a Level 1 foundational energy management program.
How long does it take to work through the eGuide Level 1 for ISO 50001 implementation?
All levels within the eGuide are designed to guide your organization to make progress at a self-directed pace. This is a decision made by your organization based on organizational priorities and available resources.
How do I begin?
Start with eGuide Level 1 by clicking here: Step 1 Overview.
