Integrating energy and environmental management systems to enable facilities to qualify for carbon funds

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical framework that integrates energy and environmental management systems to satisfy the monitoring and verification requirements of facilities energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; these requirements are essential for organisations to access financing mechanisms, such as carbon funds. As a reference point, the framework uses the ISO 50001 standard, which pertains to an organisation’s energy management procedures. This framework is enriched with elements from other standards, such as ISO 14001 (environmental management system) and ISO 14064 (GHG verification system). The framework also incorporates sound technology management practices and other obligations, such as those arising from international law. It, thus, allows for the systematic quantification, assessment and forecasting of the energy and environmental footprints of facilities throughout their life cycles, enabling them to qualify for carbon funds.