top of page

Understanding the Other E in your ESG Program


Most corporations that are currently using ESG to define their organizational sustainability programs use GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions as the measure of energy and place this activity into the environmental category of ESG. However, it is the energy use reduction that is important in the ESG program so we can use the same ”E” that is in the ESG program to cover both the environment management and the energy use reduction. This is what the International Organization for Standardization seeks to accomplish using ISO 50001:2018.It is ironic that this management system standard started using much of the ISO 14001 language with the provisions for lowering the amount of energy being used. The recent document is consistent with energy use.

The first document you should refer to is ISO 50001:2018 – Energy Management System – Requirements with Guidance for Use. Please note the general steps in this management system on the left side of the screen. This document provides requirements for a systematic, data-driven, and facts-based process, focused on continually improving energy performance. Energy performance is a key element integrated within the concepts introduced in this document to ensure effective and measurable results over time. Energy performance is a concept which is related to energy efficiency, energy use and energy consumption.


Energy performance indicators and energy baselines are two interrelated elements addressed in this document to enable organizations to demonstrate energy performance improvement.

ISO 50004:2020 Energy Management System provides guidance for the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of an ISO 50001:2018 management system, all of the steps in the process are listed in the left-side in the browsing platform. This is like the ISO 14004:2016 Environmental Management Systems – General Guidelines on Implementation.



There are also copies of free guidance documents, such as ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems. You can also search the ISO website for additional free information on energy management.

The biggest takeaway from this information is that you will want to focus on the energy management information when seeking to lower the GHG emissions. This is one of the key advantages of the ISO information – it shows you how to do this and how to make it fit both in the environmental “E” and in the full spectrum of ESG programming.


There are additional publications that suggest caution regarding the use of the information in the two documents above. The leader of the organization along with the people that have work that can impact the environment should be familiar with these general publications as well as the other information also provided above. Please remember that your company does not need to be certified to ISO 14001:2015.ISO now allows the organization to use “self-determination” and “self-declaration” to demonstrate conformance to the items in the ISO 14001:2015 standard. If the operating facilities and suppliers are following the same information, you will be able to provide comfort to your customers, regulators, and investors that you are paying attention to the “environmental “E” in your ESG program. A separate blog is provided on the second “E” in the program, i.e. Energy.


Dr. Bob Pojasek

Sustainability Legend | ESG Reporting & Disclosures | Uncertainty Risk | Pollution Prevention Expert | Process Improvement | Organizational Sustainability Reporting | Sustainable Procurement Professor

Profile


Chairman, Education and Research Executive Board (EREB)

VCARE Academy Inc.

Managing Director

Center for Corporate Performance & Sustainability

📩 rpojasek@sprynet.com

A successful career in supply chain necessitates a never-ending thirst for knowledge and the most up-to-date supply chain skills and knowledge. Even though continuing education and certification programs can take time and money, they help get your specialized knowledge or skills recognized.

https://www.vcare.international/certifications


When professionals have training that other professionals lack, it distinguishes them and sets them apart from the crowd. Certification and master classes show that the professionals are committed to learning, excelling, and using best practices.

https://www.vcare.international/mmc

Featured Certification Programs

Certified Stores and Stock Controller (CSSC)

Certified Production and Inventory Analyst (CPIA)


Featured Mini-Master Classes





Advanced

Mini-Master and Master Class

Supply Chain Sustainability with Circularity to Drive Profitability

Circularity is a methodology to reduce risk by eliminating waste and pollution in your supply chain. Circularity is above lean, superefficient supply chains by removing unnecessary inputs to the products and services.....

Star_4.png

4.5 Star Rating ! Love It

Advanced

Mini-Master and Master Class

Implementing 3PL and 4PL Strategies in the Value Chain

In an increasingly challenging overall market situation, it is difficult for any organization to anticipate and accommodate all internal expertise. Outsourcing logistics allows an organization to concentrate on its .....

Star_4.png

4.5 Star Rating ! Love It

Advanced

Mini-Master and Master Class

Collaboration among Sustainability, Procurement and Supply Chain

Sustainable procurement is the practice of making buying decisions that meet an organization's needs for goods and services in a way that is good for both the organization and society as a whole, minimizing its impact on the .....

Star_4.png

5 Star Rating ! Fantastic

Foundational

Mini-Master and Master Class

Supply Chain Framework and Strategy

It's no secret that the field of supply chain management is thriving. Businesses all around the world have changed their strategies and, more crucially, globalization and competition have forced businesses to rethink how they operate .....

Star_4.png

4 Star Rating ! Great

Intermediate

Certification Program

(CSSC) Certified Stores and Stock Controller

CSSC certification is designed to increase knowledge of the role of the store and warehouse, the functions of the store and warehouse personnel, how stock is managed and moved into through and out .....

Star_4.png

5 Star Rating ! Fantastic

Intermediate

Certification Program

(CPIA) Certified Production and Inventory Analyst

CPIA program is designed to increase your knowledge of a business environment and in particular the role manufacturing plays in business. The program will provide insights into the many opportunities that exist .....

Star_4.png

4.5 Star Rating ! Love It

bottom of page