Glossary · Energy and utilities automation
Energy management system (EMS)
Also known as: EnMS, Energy management system
German: Energiemanagementsystem (EMS)
In ISO 50001, an energy management system is a management system used to establish an energy policy, objectives, energy targets and action plans, and the processes to achieve them. The term is also used for software that collects and analyzes energy data, and in power grids for control-center systems that manage generation and transmission.
- Energy
- Standards
In one sentence
An energy management system (EMS) establishes energy policy, objectives, targets and action plans; in ISO 50001 it is a management system, not software.
Example
The plant introduces an ISO 50001 energy management system with an energy team, an annual energy review and action plans for compressed air and heating.
How it applies
- Management: An ISO 50001 energy management system follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle with an energy review, significant energy uses, EnPIs, baselines and management review.
- Engineering: Software tools and metering support the system, but they are not the system itself.
- Operation: Operational control of significant energy uses, for example set points and shutdown procedures, is part of the system.
- Documentation: ISO 50001 requires documented information, such as the scope, energy policy, objectives, EnPIs and baselines. Machine manuals can support users by describing energy-saving modes and the energy data the machine provides.
Energy management system vs. EMS software vs. grid EMS
The ISO 50001 energy management system (often abbreviated EnMS) is an organizational system. Energy management software collects and analyzes data. In utilities, an EMS is the control-center system for generation and transmission. Texts using "EMS" should make clear which is meant; certification to ISO 50001 applies to the organizational system.