Achieving Energy Efficiency; Sligo and Galway County Councils' Energy Management System and ISO 50001 Certification Journey

In response to the urgent need for enhanced energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has developed the ISO 50001 Accelerator Programme. This initiative is instrumental for public sector entities to meet the stringent 2030 targets. The focus of this article is on the active participation of Sligo and Galway County Councils in the programme, aiming for ISO 50001 certification by Q1 2024.

Programme Details

The ISO 50001 Accelerator Programme is a comprehensive, ten-month course, designed to guide organisations towards establishing a best practice energy management system. The programme's structure is divided into six essential modules, each requiring specific actions to be completed by the participating bodies. These modules are integral to securing the accreditation.

1. Commitment: Senior management in each council must endorse a new Energy Policy, a critical prerequisite of the programme. This policy needs to be communicated across the entire organisation. A thorough review of roles and responsibilities is conducted, aligning them with the Energy Management System (EMS) requirements. Compliance with legal and other organisational standards is also evaluated.
2. Planning: Energy Planning is centred on completing an Energy Review document. This review assesses all areas of energy consumption within the organisation and aligns with SI 426 audit standards. The process includes identifying Significant Energy Users, establishing performance indicators, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Each council develops a Register of Opportunities, quantifying energy savings and investment costs. An Energy Manual is created to guide the organisation through each stage of the programme.
3. Implementation and Operation: This stage focuses on effectively implementing the EMS. It includes an energy awareness campaign, tailored training based on a needs analysis, and operational planning for Significant Energy Users. Integration of Energy Efficiency design and a review of the Procurement policy are essential components.
4. Continuous Improvement: Ongoing monitoring of energy metrics, managing non-conformances, and reviewing operational and maintenance criteria for all significant energy elements are key.
5. Internal Auditing: Conducting an internal audit of the EMS, as exemplified by Sligo County Council, and addressing any findings is a crucial step towards certification.
6. Certification Preparation: The final module prepares the organisation for the official Certification Audit, ensuring all EMS operations are established and functioning optimally.

Benefits and Progress

Both Sligo and Galway County Councils have made significant strides under the ISO 50001 Support programme. The establishment of dedicated energy teams within each council has been pivotal in navigating the path to certification, providing invaluable insights and guidance.

In conclusion, the journey of Sligo and Galway County Councils towards ISO 50001 certification exemplifies a proactive approach to energy management, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and efficiency. Their experiences and achievements serve as a model for other public sector entities aiming to enhance their energy management systems.

Written by Michael O'Brien & John Quinn , Plan Energy

With thanks to Galway & Sligo County Council, Dave O'Loughlan and Pete Murtagh