GN4.1: An energy policy

An Energy Policy is usually established at the company level.  While the focus of an Energy Policy may vary between asset managers, property managers and facility managers, the process for developing and maintaining an Energy Policy can be applied consistently. 

It is important that an Energy Policy is endorsed by a company’s senior management, is documented, and is communicated to employees throughout a company and is available to stakeholders.  The Energy Policy should be reviewed at least annually, and updated to reflect to update its suitability for the organisation. 

Developing and maintaining an Energy Policy, you should include the following steps: 

An Energy Policy should clearly set out the scope of the organisation within which energy will be managed.  The scope of an Energy Policy may be set at either the company, portfolio of individual property level and should describe the location and types of properties covered, as well as energy sources and significant utilization. 

It is important to address the operational boundaries of energy use between individual occupiers, as well as reference to shared spaces. 

It is important that an Energy Policy includes a clear commitment to comply with applicable legal and other obligations relating to energy utilisation. 

This may include regulatory requirements, for example ESOS.  It may also include non-regulatory requirements, for example associated planning conditions, such as the on-site renewable generation, or voluntary commitments, such as the adoption of green tariffs.  Legal and other obligations should be collated in a register for reference. 

An Energy Policy should make reference to the continual improvement of energy performance.  This should be accompanied by a commitment to establish objectives, improvement targets and associated actions.   

Objectives could relate to reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency or and increasing the proportion of energy from renewable sources. Targets should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound. 

Consideration should be given to the scope of the energy policy, and the way in which objectives, targets and actions relate to consumption that is specific to operators as well as within common or shared areas. 

The resources available to support the achievement of energy objectives and targets, alongside high-level responsibilities for implementing actions and governing progress, should be clearly described within an Energy Policy. 

This may include responsibilities of a dedicated Energy Manager, were relevant. In addition, responsibilities should make reference to managers of key functions, such as facilities management, occupiers and contractors. It is also important to reference the oversight responsibilities of senior management. 

An Energy Policy should make reference to the way in which energy performance, and progress towards energy objectives and targets, are reviewed.  This may involve establishing a dedicated forum to review energy management, or it could relate to the inclusion of energy within existing environment or health and safety forums.   

An Energy Management System  

An Energy Policy can provide the foundation for a wider Energy Management System (EnMS).  With potential to certify to schemes such as ISO50001.  An EnMS enables the systematic management of energy and should involve consideration of the following factors:  

• Review historic and current energy use. 
• Identify sources of significant energy use. 
• Create an energy baseline. 
• Establish objectives, targets, and timeframes. 
• Develop an energy action plan to achieve objectives and targets. 
• Provide training to employees and contractors. 
• Raise awareness of energy performance and the EnMS with stakeholders. 
• Document related policies and procedures. 
• Monitor, measure, and review energy performance. 
• Address under-performance and non-conformities and take corrective action. 
• Undertake a management review of the Energy Policy and Energy Management System.