In a world where energy is a key concern, companies are faced with a dual challenge: the ever-increasing cost of energy and the need to implement effective energy management. In addition to the obvious benefits in terms of productivity gains, addressing these challenges is also part of a CSR approach that is increasingly crucial in today’s economic environment.
The regulatory audit, often perceived as a restrictive obligation, nevertheless represents a vital step in ensuring responsible and optimal use of energy resources.
However, there is an alternative: ISO 50001 certification. This standard offers a proactive approach to energy management and has the advantage of exempting companies from the regulatory audit. Faced with this dilemma, the fundamental question arises: should we opt for the regulatory audit or opt for the ISO 50001 certification? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of these two approaches to guide you in making the choice that best suits your situation.
Understanding the regulatory energy audit
Regulatory audit is an essential standard for companies meeting any of these three conditions:
- They have a turnover exceeding 50 million euros.
- They have a balance sheet exceeding 43 million euros.
- They employ more than 250 employees.
These companies are required to carry out a statutory energy audit every four years. This obligation applies to all industrial and tertiary activities.
Note that the Energy Efficiency Directive, published in September 2023 and currently being transposed into French law, completely changes the eligibility criteria for the regulatory energy audit: they will no longer take into account the size of the company but its level of consumption (10 terajoules). This change considerably increases the number of companies subject to a statutory energy audit! Companies will be affected by these new rules for their energy audits by October 2026 at the latest.
This approach is much less restrictive than ISO 50001, but must be carried out every four years.
ISO 50001: a more restrictive system, but with numerous benefits
The certification is an independent external evaluation process that attests that an organisation complies with certain predefined standards. In the case of ISO 50001, this recognition is based on a methodical approach focused on the continuous improvement of energy management within companies.
Open to all industrial and tertiary activities on a voluntary basis, ISO 50001 is based on the implementation of an Energy Management System (EMS or EMSn). This requires a methodical approach and a vision that is consistent with the specific challenges facing each company.
Implementing this standard is a more time-consuming process for companies, but can bring a number of advantages:
- Exemption from regulatory energy audits
- Improved corporate image
- Advantages in calls for tender
- Development of skills and mobilisation of employees
Cleaneo can help you, regardless of your choice
The regulatory audit and ISO 50001 each address different issues. If your primary objective is to guarantee compliance, the regulatory audit is a suitable option, less restrictive but just as effective.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more advanced approach to energy management, ISO 50001 could be the ideal solution. This standard goes beyond regulatory requirements, offering a proactive and integrated approach to optimising energy use within your company.
With Cleaneo’s support, you benefit from a tailor-made service designed to simplify the process. Whether you choose the regulatory audit or ISO 50001, our specialist team will guide you through the process, enabling you to meet these challenges smoothly and achieve your energy objectives efficiently.
