Step 2.11 Prepare action plans

Once the organization has selected the energy opportunities for implementation, responsibilities are assigned for developing an implementation or action plan for each opportunity. A good plan considers resources and includes planning, implementing, verifying and communicating. An energy action plan defines, at a minimum, the activities to be completed, the resources needed to complete the activities, the person or group of people responsible for completing the activities, and methodology to be used for verification of results. Identifying an individual responsible for opportunity implementation allows for one point of contact between management and the project team. This person must drive the project team to ensure implementation is in accordance with the energy action plan. As projects are completed the cycle of identifying potential projects, prioritizing and selecting projects is repeated with the goal of continuous energy improvement.

Advancing from Foundational Level 1 to ISO 50001 Level 2 for Step 2.11

Foundational energy management (Level 1) involved developing an action plan for each of the selected opportunities. Also, it considered the resources necessary for successful project completion. This provides the groundwork for ISO 50001 (Level 2), but ISO 50001 lists specific requirements for the action plans. In an ISO 50001 system, you must determine the activities and timeframes required for conducting the project(s). These activities must include the method by which the energy performance results will be verified as well as a verification of the effectiveness of the action plans in achieving the intended results. The individuals who will be responsible for leading the project(s) and accomplishing the tasks required for successful completion must be identified. Action plans must be documented and updated at defined intervals. Action plans are to be a reference for ensuring projects proceed as planned. If the projects are not proceeding as planned, appropriate adjustments must be made and the action plans are modified accordingly.

Advance to Next Level

How to do it

There is one associated task you will need to complete:

2.11.1 Complete action plan(s) for each selected opportunity

2.11.1 Complete action plan(s) for each selected opportunity

Complete the Action Plan template to help you effectively organize the implementation of each selected energy performance opportunity project. When completing these action plans, focus is an important consideration. It’s often better to do a few things well than to spread resources too thinly. So take care in not implementing too many projects at the same time. Momentum for continuous energy improvement is built as project success is followed by project success. Also be careful to think thoroughly about all the resources needed for successful project completion. Include them in the action plans. Don’t commit resources beyond their capacity to support project success. An Example Energy Management Action Plan illustrates a completed action plan.

Resources & Examples

These resources can help you develop action plans to achieve the energy objectives and targets established by your organization:

Energy Management Action Plan Template
Example Energy Management Action Plan
EPA ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management: Contains a step-by-step road map for continuous improvement, based on best practices as compiled by the EPA ENERGY STAR Program. Refer to Step 3 of the ENERGY STAR Guidelines for guidance specific to eGuide Step 2.11.
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Continuous Energy Improvement (CEI) for Industry Tool: NEEA’s CEI system provides a methodology and tools that support achieving energy management goals and objectives through progressive steps.
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy MAP: SEAI’s Energy MAP tool provides a step-by-step guide to creating a best practice action plan for energy management. Refer to Step 11 of the SEAI Energy MAP for helpful guidance specific to eGuide Step 2.11.

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