Wicklow County Council is delighted to announce they have achieved certification to ISO 50001 Energy Management, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The International Organisation for Standardisation or ISO is a global federation of national standards bodies that enables organisations to establish systems and processes to enhance performance. The international standard ISO 50001 specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system
In 2023, the Energy Office in Wicklow County Council launched a 10-day masterclass training programme to assist in implementing the standard. NSAI was appointed as the external auditors for the certification process. Following a comprehensive assessment of the council’s Energy Management System they determined that it complies with the extensive requirements of ISO 50001:2018 and awarded the certification.
The initial certification is valid for three years and the Energy Management System will be subject to an ongoing surveillance programme by NSAI to ensure that it continues to meet the requirements of the standard.
The ISO 50001 certification encompasses all energy usage by Wicklow County Council. The Energy Office identified the significant energy users in Wicklow County Council that account for over 80% of total energy consumption, including public lighting, four leisure centres, County Buildings and the fleet. The Energy Office expresses gratitude to Wicklow County Council Energy Team and external stakeholders who contributed to achieving this certification.
This project was delivered by the Energy Office with support from the SEAI Pathfinder Programme and the Mid-East Energy Unit, led by Wicklow County Council.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien commented on the initiative, “Achieving ISO 50001 Energy Management certification is a significant achievement for the organisation, it encompasses all the energy used by the council and will contribute to our commitments under the Climate Action Plan”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman said, “The certification is recognition that Wicklow County Council is committed to improving their energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions. I would like to thank all those who contributed to achieving the certification”
The ISO 50001 accreditation builds upon previously carried out work. Wicklow County Council is committed to continuously improving its energy management system over the next three years of the re-certification process.