Stadtwerke Gießen fulfils all energy management requirements in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001, as confirmed by a certificate issued and recently handed over by TÜV Rheinland.
Giessen. It has never been more important to use energy efficiently. This is why the state requires large companies such as Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) to introduce and operate an energy management system (EnMS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001. Those responsible at SWG decided to introduce an EnMS back in 2013 - i.e. without this legal pressure - and it has been in place since 2014. After all, the responsible use of resources has always been a central component of the corporate strategy. As the audit cycle is three years, the second recertification was due in 2020. "We are delighted that the auditors issued us with the document again this time," explains Martin Zielke, Energy Management Officer at SWG.
More than usual so far
The audit, which took place at the end of 2020, differed significantly from the first recertification in 2017, as a new standard has applied since 2018. As a result, SWGs now have to fulfil numerous other, sometimes significantly more demanding criteria in order to receive the certificate. For example, the amended standard applies the so-called High Level Structure and therefore standardisation. "Although this has increased the effort this time and will not really make things any easier in the future, it makes it much easier to combine with other standards and management systems - for example in the area of IT security," emphasises Martin Zielke.
Another important innovation is that the auditors have more time to fulfil their responsible task. In other words, they can take a closer look. The new standard also places greater responsibility on company management. The EnMS must be integrated into the strategy and business processes, its importance must be communicated and the entire staff must be instructed, involved and won over to the cause.
Of course, this also requires adjustments to the organisation. This is exactly what SWG has done. In addition to Martin Zielke, there is now another person in charge of the EnMS and the energy team. The latter is made up of experts from various departments who meet regularly to discuss energy-related issues and develop measures and plans. The composition of this group varies depending on the issue at hand.
In addition to the standard-related differences, there was another massive deviation in the current audit: due to the coronavirus pandemic, the on-site appointments in Giessen were significantly reduced. They were essentially limited to inspections of various facilities. The auditors had the documentation, important key figures and the relevant organisational charts shown on screen in video conferences and explained in detail.
With full conviction
Unlike many other companies that see energy management as nothing more than an annoying evil, SWG attaches great importance to it. And for several reasons. Firstly, a certificate in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001 forms the basis for the business. This is because local authorities now always require such proof in their tenders. Some major customers now even attach importance to it. SWG also benefits from the suggestions for improvement that the auditors make in their report. "They really pack a punch," says Matthias Funk, Technical Director at SWG. In fact, the TÜV experts do a lot of travelling and have a correspondingly large overview of what others are doing to increase their energy efficiency. The team responsible for SWG in particular also certifies many other energy suppliers. "The tips and advice come from practical experience and have proven their worth," Matthias Funk explains. "So we are grateful for every suggestion. After all, they may help us to become even better." It is precisely this permanent optimisation, i.e. the reduction of energy use, that is not only the aforementioned central component of the SWG strategy, but also a criterion for successful recertification. And last but not least, an EnMS in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001 is a mandatory prerequisite for being able to claim special tax benefits for electricity and energy tax.
After the audit is before the audit
Although the next major check is not due until autumn 2023, SWG is keeping the tension high when it comes to EnMS. This is because inspections in the form of annual monitoring audits will also follow in 2021 and 2022. Of course, these are not nearly as extensive as a recertification, but they always show whether the direction is right. Which is usually the case. "Although we live and breathe energy efficiency at SWG, we prepare meticulously for these audits. Not just to convince the auditors, but because it is in our own best interests," says Martin Zielke. Because there are always things that can be improved. And it is precisely these that need to be identified and tackled one by one.