After a nonconformity is identified, corrective and preventive measures shall be identified, assessed and implemented. This applies to both energy efficiency and the energy management system.
Corrective measures relate to removing the causes of a specific event that already happened, while preventive measures address elimination of the cause of a potential nonconformity, i.e. something that has not happened yet. In addition, it is important that corrective and preventive measures are addressed and documented according to the energy management system.
What should be done
Causes of non-conformity
Treatment of nonconformance and improvement may follow the same systems and systematics as treatment of other nonconformance within quality and HSE that already exist in the company.
- Obtain information about the identified nonconformities and clarify the reasons for nonconformity or potential nonconformity.
- Evaluate the need for actions to ensure that nonconformities do not occur or recur.
- Decide and implement appropriate necessary measures.
- Document and file records of corrective and preventive measures.
- Review the utility value (measurement and control of the effectiveness) of the completed measures.
Handling of nonconformities from the energy management system should be in accordance with the company’s established procedures.
Who should be involved
The energy manager and the energy team should manage the implementation of corrective and preventive measures. Everyone should be involved in the improvement activities for the energy culture in the company.
What should be documented
Measures shall be documented. This includes both corrective and preventive measures (action items, timeline or the like) as well as changes in procedures that are introduced as a result of nonconformities.
With substantial energy consumption beyond what is expected, episode, causes, analysis and measures should be identified and described.
Challenges and opportunities
How should nonconformities be followed up?
Correction and improvement requires systems that capture and document nonconformities as described in Monitoring and Measurement. Thereafter it is important to follow up with corrective measures to ensure that the nonconformities are closed. This will require that there is a culture among the employees to use the system.
Where do you find this in ISO 50001?
- Chapter 4.6.2 Evaluation of compliance with legal requirements and other requirements
- Chapter 4.6.4 Nonconformities, correction, corrective action and preventive action