The Irish Energy Management System Standard IS 393 was developed in 2005 by SEAI in consultation with NSAI and industry representatives. It offers a systematic approach to data collection and helps organisations gain a complete picture of the energy flows at their facilities. This information can then be used to plan and build a more formalised and structured approach to maximise energy cost savings. Existing energy-management activities can easily be incorporated in the most relevant parts of the IS 393 process.

Forward-looking companies have already implemented IS 393 and have been formally certified to the standard.

The objective of the Energy Management System is to establish a systematic process for improving energy performance continually, and to make it a tool to protect energy savings and related investments in the foreseeable future.

In summary, the process requires:

• the adoption of an energy policy
• the determination of energy objectives and the
• energy use of activities and services
• the development of appropriate energy objectives
• and measurable targets
• the implementation and operation of programmes to
• meet these objectives and targets
• checking and corrective action
• an ongoing management review

On completion of the process, energy management is integrated into routine management activity and energy savings can be sustained over the longer term. The process of ongoing improvement, which is a key element of the standard, ensures that the organisation remains alert for new opportunities as they present themselves and that no areas for energy savings are  left untapped.

IS393 is now leading the way in providing the blueprint for a new European standard, EN16001. It has a similar structure to the Environmental Management System Standard, ISO14001, and is compatible with it. This ensures that the two sets of activities complement each other and integration between the two is seamless.

Companies committed to IS 393:2005 will be required to transition or upgrade to IS EN 16001:2009 by July 2010.

ISO 50001 is the international energy-management standard. It is currently in development and scheduled for release at the end of 2010.

Energy Management Systems I. S. 393: 2005 Technical Guideline

List of I.S. 393 Legal Requirements

IS393 Energy Management System Training Courses

Case Studies

Energy Agreements DVD