Energy Management System Auditing Guidelines

By Author: niha
Total Articles: 9
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ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification, delivers a framework for establishing energy management best practice to help organizations to improve their energy efficiency and also make a return on investment by implementing ISO 50001. The standard allows organizations to establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use, and consumption.
An ISO 50001 internal audit checks on energy performance and the execution and effectiveness of energy management system (EnMS). It is a systematic and independent process that must be documented. Internal auditors collect and objectively evaluate evidence to determine whether organization is meeting the requirements of its EnMS.
Energy Management system audits based on ISO 50001:2018 requirements are system-focused; they are very different from other types of audits with which may be familiar, such as environmental obedience audits or financial audits. Hence, ISO 50001 auditor training for energy management system auditing is critical and basic requirements for internal auditors. Appropriate resources will be needed ...
... to confirm that this training is provided, either in-house or by an external training provider.
The energy management demonstrative often has overall responsibility for the internal audit program. But some organizations allocate an internal audit program manager who is not the management representative.
If organization has an internal audit program in place for another management system, then control that existing process and the available in-house internal auditing expertise. But, if do not have an internal audit program in place, it is highly recommended that attend an online ISO 50001 auditor training – certified course to understands the auditing guidelines and learn how to manage and conduct internal audits.
Energy Management System Audit Requirements based on ISO 50001:2018:
• Plan, establish, implement and maintain the organization’s audit program:
The program must include the frequency at which the audits will take place, the methods to be used, and the person(s) responsible for carrying out the ISO 50001 audit. Also establish the requirements and reporting mechanisms, and confirm that results and recommendations of previous audits are implemented.
• Define the criteria and scope of the audit:
An important consideration is to confirm uniformity in the criteria from one audit, because this facilitates the capability to assess progress in implementing recommendations over time. However, the criteria should also be flexible enough to be changed as required, so that it remains relevant to the organization’s objectives.
• Select impartial auditors:
Internal auditors for EnMS should represent the organization but must be unbiased and not involved in any of the activities being audited, so that there is no conflict of interest.
• Report results to top management:
The results of an audit are worthless if they remain only on paper. The results of Energy management system internal audits, both positive and negative, must be recorded and communicated to top management. Some organizations record ISO 50001 audit findings on an audit finding form. Other organizations record negative findings directly onto a corrective action form and list the positive findings within an audit report or other summary of the audit results.
The reporting of ISO 50001 audit results to top management is part of the management review process. The level of detail accessible on the audit results should be appropriate to the needs of top management. Corrective action on the negative findings should be taken in a timely manner.
• Implement recommendations and corrective actions as soon as possible:
The effectiveness of these measures should then be assessed in ensuing internal audits.
• Maintain records of results:
ISO 50001 requires to maintain records of internal audit results, both positive and negative. Typical records consist of Audit schedule, Audit plan(s), Auditor training records, Audit nonconformity reports or completed corrective action records, Audit reports.