This step is relevant to section 4.4.4 of the ISO 50001-2011 standard.
The energy baseline is the reference point used as the basis of comparison for determining energy performance. The baseline is established using the energy and organizational data from the energy review.
Selection of the baseline is influenced by:
The period for which reliable data is available,
Identification of a period prior to beginning energy improvements,
Determination of when active energy management was begun,
Satisfaction of stakeholder and/or certification body mandates, and
The EnPI(s) used for energy performance measurement.
The baseline facilitates comparison between where an organization is (or will be) with respect to current energy performance and where it started before initiating energy improvements. The baseline can be for any time period that is meaningful to your organization and the performance metric being evaluated. Often a baseline is established by an organization’s strategic initiatives or in response to a legal or other requirement. The baseline is established considering the data period(s) suitable for your organization’s energy use and consumption. Typically, each identified energy performance metric (EnPI) will have an associated baseline.
The management representative has responsibility for preparing the energy baseline(s). Members of the energy team or organizational personnel can be called on as needed to help. Resources to prepare the baseline(s) are provided by top management in support of the organization’s energy management efforts.
How to do it
There are four tasks needed to effectively implement this step:
The baseline can be established at any level of your organization and there may be multiple baselines. A baseline can be established for the entire facility and/or there can be baselines for individual equipment, systems, or processes. The baseline(s) is the reference(s) for comparing current energy performance to determine if performance is improving. The following inputs will help to determine the appropriate baseline(s):
How is each EnPI developed in Step 2.7 evaluated for energy performance? Is there a logical baseline for each?
What are the historical changes to facilities, equipment, systems, processes or organization that would change how energy performance is evaluated?
What stakeholder interests should be considered when establishing baselines for the energy metrics?
Are there strategic initiatives that would be measured or influenced by one or more of the established energy performance metrics? Is there a baseline associated with these strategic initiatives?
What are the historical periods that have reliable, consistent data for the established EnPIs?
The answers to these questions will help identify the relevant baselines for the established EnPIs.
2.8.2 Compare EnPIs to the baseline(s)
The EnPIs that are established to determine energy performance are compared to the baseline to measure progress on improvement. Since the EnPIs and their associated baselines are compared, they must be in the same units. For example, an energy intensity of Btu/lb. would be compared to an appropriate baseline also in Btu/lb. More complex models would also require that the EnPIs be consistent in form or units to provide for a valid comparison.
If the EnPI is a simple metric (e.g. consumption) or a ratio (e.g. energy intensity Btu/lb.), energy performance is measured by comparing the current EnPI against the baseline. At least four possible results representing different performance outcomes can occur when the comparison is made:
EnPI compared to the baseline indicates improvement in energy performance;
EnPI compared to the baseline indicates deterioration in energy performance;
EnPI compared to the baseline indicates no change in energy performance; or
EnPI and baseline show no discernible pattern in their relative values. (This could indicate variation in a factor assumed to be constant or the presence of variables unaccounted for in the metric.)
The baseline can also aid in the forecast of expected or predicted energy performance metrics. The benefit of making the comparison between actual and predicted EnPI is that it shows the direction and rate of change in organizational energy performance. Since the ultimate objective of energy management is continual improvement, consistent trends in actual and predicted energy performance indicators can demonstrate and quantify the improvement.
The responsibility for EnPI and baseline analysis generally rests with the same personnel responsible for developing, testing and determining the factors that affect the identified performance indicators. Often charts or graphs are used to report on EnPIs and energy performance metrics. EnPIs and their associated baselines are used to report energy performance to top management.
2.8.3 Record and maintain the baseline(s)
The baseline(s) is recorded, maintained and periodically reviewed to determine if adjustments are required. Calculated EnPIs and their associated baseline(s) are recorded and reviewed on a regular basis. Updated EnPIs are incorporated into your organization’s energy planning and used to help determine energy performance. Updated EnPIs include an evaluation of the relevant baselines to determine if the baseline(s) remains relevant. Maintaining the baseline(s) ensures that the evaluation of energy performance will remain relevant and meaningful as the energy management system (EnMS) matures.
Accurately recording and storing EnPIs and the associated baseline(s) creates a historical registry that displays the impact of energy management practices over time. This performance data verifies the success of activities such as energy efficiency projects, energy efficiency training and increased energy management awareness. It also provides a positive message for middle and top management to build support for the EnMS. Improvements in energy performance are indicators of energy management successes and are communicated across your organization (see Step 3.4.3).
2.8.4 Specify conditions for adjusting the baseline(s)
Because the energy baseline serves as the basis for comparison of energy performance, it generally remains stable over time. However, adjustments to the baseline are made:
When the EnPIs no longer accurately reflect organizational energy use or consumption,
When there are major changes in the process, operational patterns or energy systems, or
According to a predetermined method.
Baseline records are updated when the baseline(s) is updated. Maintaining the baseline(s) keeps the measures of energy performance relevant and meaningful to your organization.
Resources & Examples
The following resources provide information needed to understand EnMS documentation and decide what documents and records are needed for your EnMS.
