An Evaluation on the implementation of ISO 50001:2011 energy management system (ENMs) in the Sri Lankan context

Abstract

Throughout the world, energy conservation is ranked as a high priority on the environmental agenda, because energy is a demanding resource for organizational operations and can have a significant impact on organizational economic condition. Instead of economic problems, energy crisis can impose various environmental and societal costs by reducing resources and supporting environmental problems. Over the entire life cycle, building has been identified as main energy consumer in the world.Hence, energy is considered as one of the main cost centres for building operations. Considering the importance of managing energy, a number of national, regional and international Energy Management Systems (EnMSs) have been developed to integrate energy efficiency into organizations’ management practices, while fine-tuning operating processes and improving efficiency of industrial systems. However, literature and preliminary studies revealed that there are very few ISO-50001:2011-EnMS applications within Sri Lanka. Hence, there is a little doubt relating to the implementation of ISO 50001:2011-EnMS in Sri Lankan Context. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the adoptability of ISO 50001:2011-EnMS in the Sri Lankan context. Literature review, preliminary expert survey and multiple case studies were employed in achieving the aim of the research. A conceptual framework for implementing ISO 50001:2011-EnMS was developed after the literature review and it was revised with the preliminary expert survey findings. Research findings revealed that the entire EnMS is fully compatible with Sri Lankan context. Further, results from this study discussed organizational and system requirements, importance and objectives of implementing ISO 50001:2011-EnMS in Sri Lanka, enablers and barriers of implementation, and recommended practices for proper implementation process. According to the findings, ‘time consuming procedures for achieving the certification’, ‘development of EnPIs’, ‘hidden costs’, and ‘non-availability of competent persons internally’ could be identified as ruling barriers at the implementation stage. The study also found a number of drivers; ‘involvement and support of top management’, ‘past record keeping’, and ‘assertiveness on energy cost reduction’, as motivators for implementing ISO 50001:2011-EnMS. Finally, the research developed a framework for implementing ISO 50001:2011-EnMS in the Sri Lankan context with several recommendations on implementation.