Before setting a net-zero energy target, define the boundary, period, and how energy inputs and outputs are counted. This enables a consistent comparison of efficiency measures and supply options.
Who may need this
Organizations with an energy-management foundation that are considering long-term equipment investment or energy procurement strategies may use this guidance.
Common challenges
Combining renewable-energy purchases, efficiency savings, and emissions targets into one figure can make targets and results inconsistent. Annual totals alone may also hide operating conditions.
Guidance and scope
ISO/PAS 50010:2023 is a published publicly available specification that gives guidance for progressing toward operational net-zero energy using the ISO 50001:2018 framework and supports related net-zero carbon goals. It is not equipment-design, construction, or technology-specific specification.
See the ISO catalogue. Possible project scope, roles, and deliverables require agreement.
Areas to review
- Define target accounting: state sites, activities, period, and energy types; distinguish energy targets from greenhouse-gas targets.
- Assess demand and efficiency first: review operations, maintenance, and equipment efficiency before increasing supply.
- Compare supply choices: assess energy procurement against actual contracts and metering; retain assumptions and accounting limits.
- Build a phased roadmap: connect equipment changes, resources, decision dates, monitoring, and adjustments.
Suggested work stages
- Align target definitions, boundaries, units, and the coverage supported by current data.
- Compare efficiency and supply options, dependencies, costs, and constraints.
- Track implementation and energy changes for each action.
- Revisit the roadmap when demand, equipment, or contracts change.
Information to prepare
Target wording and organizational/site boundary; measured consumption, generation, imports, and exports; renewable-energy and other supply contracts with their conditions; operating and maintenance information; capital and equipment-replacement plans.
Possible outputs include a target and boundary statement, option comparison, phased roadmap, and data-monitoring needs. A net-zero achievement claim and engineering documents require separately defined evidence and scope.
Planning fees differ from energy investment. Data quality, number of options, and procurement terms affect analysis depth; do not promise an achievement date without feasibility evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is net-zero energy the same as net-zero carbon?
They use different measures and methods. An energy target cannot replace a greenhouse-gas claim.
Is purchasing renewable energy alone sufficient?
Check the target boundary, accounting criteria, and energy demand; a purchase label alone does not establish achievement.
Is PAS an unpublished draft?
No. ISO/PAS 50010:2023 is a published document, although its status differs from a management-system requirements standard.
Does planning include engineering drawings?
Management-roadmap planning and engineering design are separate scopes. Drawings, construction, and testing require separate agreement.
Can the project guarantee net zero?
Results depend on feasibility, investment, operation, and accounting conditions. The guidance itself does not guarantee achievement.
How does it work with ISO 50001?
Use existing energy data, performance monitoring, and improvement decisions, then add analysis needed for long-term targets.
Related services
Share the current net-zero energy target wording and calculation boundary to review whether definitions and data are consistent.