Step 1. Get Started

1.1. Overview of EnMS

This topic is an introduction and overview of the main principles of energy management.

An EnMS is a structured approach to improving energy performanceThis is a complex topic that has a number of variables. In simple terms for most organization, it means reducing energy consumption. in an organization.

It is based on the principles of continual improvement.

1.2. Gap Analysis

The purpose of a Gap Analysis is to find out where your organization is at the moment in terms of energy management practices. It compares your current practices with best practice in a number of areas of importance in energy management.

This will help your organization to know its areas of strength and weakness. Your organization will then be in a position to focus resources available on the areas with the biggest potential for improvement and of most benefit in improving your energy performance.

1.3. Top management commitment

It is crucial that any effective energy management system has the full commitment and support of top management of the organization. This commitment can be demonstrated by signing the energy policy but in general more is needed from top management to make successful energy management possible.

To have full commitment and support it is important that top management is convinced that having an EnMS is an advantage for the organization (energy saving, cost saving, competitiveness, etc.).

1.4 Control documentation

It is desirable to keep documentation requirements as simple as possible. There will, however, be many documentsDocument: this tells how a procedure or process works. An example is a standard operating procedure or a work instruction and recordsRecord: this shows the results of what has happened in the past.

1.5. Common problems and barriers to success

The components of a good approach to energy management are easy to understand and to develop.

However many organizations experience difficulties in achieving the goal of making energy and cost savings and improving energy performance.

This topic will try to help you ask questions as to how to be aware of these problems and decide how to minimize their effects or avoid them altogether.

1.6 Communication and communication planning

It is very important that relevant people in the organisation know what is happening with the EnMS and how it affects their roles and what is expected of them.