ISO 50001 Internal Audits Explained: A UK Business Guide

Now, ISO 50001 is legally required and is becoming a strategic priority, as improving energy performance is now imperative to the bottom line of UK businesses, especially as energy costs continue to rise and businesses face Net-Zero and sustainable development goals. Increasingly, organisations are seeking to enhance their energy performance through ISO 50001.

An internal audit is a crucial aspect of the ISO 50001 standard. Understanding internal audits and knowing how to plan for them is critical to attaining and retaining ISO 50001 certification.

This tutorial aims to communicate to UK businesses all they need to know regarding ISO 50001 internal audits and the support provided by ISO 50001 Consultants.

What Is ISO 50001?

ISO 50001 is the International Standard for providing organisations with a framework to establish, implement, maintain and improve an Energy Management System (EnMS).

In the UK, ISO 50001 helps organisations to:

• Enhance corporate image 
• Show evidence of energy compliance 
• Support sustainability and Net-Zero 
• Improve the overall efficiency of energy 
• Reduce energy costs and their consumption 

With ISO 50001 certification, organisations demonstrate their commitment to the responsible and systematic management of energy.

What is an ISO 50001 Internal Audit?

An ISO 50001 internal audit is a review of an organisation’s Energy Management System to determine if it:

• Complies with ISO 50001
• Is being put into action
• Results in continual improvement

Internal audits are necessary for ISO 50001 and need to be done within set timeframes before certification and surveillance audits.

Unlike external audits, internal audits are performed by trained internal auditors or independent ISO 50001 consultants.

Why are internal audits important to UK businesses?

Internal audits are necessary for acquiring and sustaining ISO 50001 certification. They assist UK businesses by:

• Spotting compliance gaps before a certification audit

• Lowering the chances of gaps in the desired outcome

• Enhancing energy efficiency and control systems

• Reinforcing internal systems and record-keeping

• Showing the organisation's active role in managing energy

Lack of good internal audits may lead to the certification bodies citing major gaps in desired outcomes, which may delay or even stop the award of certification.

What Does an Internal Audit of 5001 Cover? An Internal Audit of 5001 usually includes:

1. Policy and Objectives of the Company 

• Has the energy strategy been documented and communicated? 
• Are the energy objectives measurable and aligned with the goals of the business? 

2. Energy Review and Baselines  

• Has the organisation established significant energy uses? 
• Are the energy performance indicators (EnPIs) established and tracked? 

3. Legality and Regulatory Requirements 

• Are the UK energy and environmental laws recognised and complied with? 
• Is compliance evidence documented? 

4. Operational Control 

• Are there procedures to manage significant energy uses? 
• Are the employees trained and responsible for energy? 

5. Monitoring the Measurement and Analysis of Data 

• Is energy data collected and analysed accurately? 
• Is there an improvement over a defined period? 

6. Management Review and Ongoing Development 

• Has the highest management reviewed the results of the audit? 
• Are there corrective actions, and does the audit have follow-up action? 

Who can carry out Internal ISO 50001 Audits?

Internal audits can only be performed and conducted by people who are:

• Understand and are trained in ISO 50001 
• Are not involved in the activities being audited to maintain neutrality 

Numerous companies in the UK decide to collaborate with reputable ISO 50001 consultants to guarantee that the audits are conducted impartially and accurately, in accordance with the standards of the certifying body.

Common ISO 50001 Internal Audit Mistakes 

Common problems faced by UK organisations include:

• Check box mentality when it comes to audits 
• Inadequate documentation and record keeping 
• Inadequate competence and knowledge of the audit team 
• Closure of corrective actions is not completed within the specified timeframe 
• Lack of involvement from top management 

The above problems may result in delays in obtaining ISO 50001 Certification or result in continued nonconformance.

What ISO 50001 Consultants Do

Partnering with specialists such as Tritact® Consulting helps ensure your internal audits are useful and ready for certification.

Professional consultants are able to do the following:

• Perform independent internal audits
•  Locate missing information and address problems before the certification audits
• Outline corrective action plans
• Educate internal audit team members
• Assist with the ongoing advancement of your EnMS

This strategy saves time, lowers risk, and raises the chances of successful first-time certification.

ISO 50001 Internal Audits and Certification in the UK

Internal audits are compulsory for UK businesses as a standard aspect of ISO 50001 certification. Effective internal audit programmes showcase a company’s commitment to improving energy performance and managing compliance with applicable regulations.

Effective internal audits are crucial to your company’s success, both for your first certification audit and for the ongoing maintenance of your existing system.

How Tritact® Consulting Supports UK Businesses

At Tritact® Consulting, we work with UK businesses at all stages of ISO 50001 implementation. Our services include:

• ISO 50001 gap analysis
• Internal audits
• Comprehensive support for certification
• Guidance for ongoing compliance and improvements

Our advisers are experts in creating Energy Management Systems that are useful, compliant, and synchronised with your goals.

Final Thoughts 

ISO 50001 internal audits help to enhance energy efficiency and ensure continuous compliance. When executed well, they not only bolster business value and real profitability for organisations in the UK, but also secure the business certification. 

For those aiming at certification ISO 50001 or requiring knowledge and experience for internal audits, working with ISO 50001 consultants helps to enhance the quality and ensure the desired outcomes to address the gaps within the system.