Why Strong Energy Governance Is Key to Net Zero Success

Written by Joe Wright

A managing consultant who is an expert in energy management and reduction strategies. His experience ranges from project managment, facilities management, construction and energy consultancy so he's uniquely qualified to advise on energy reduction and compliance for a wide range of building types and sectors

We all know what happens without governance, you struggle to achieve your desired results.

Think about it. You might set a personal goal like going to the gym three times a week to get in shape. But without a plan, no schedule, no accountability, no tracking you’ll likely fall off after a few weeks. The same thing happens in business when it comes to energy management.

Many organisations set ambitious energy or carbon reduction targets, but they don’t establish the governance frameworks needed to stay on track. Sound familiar?

The Role of Governance in Energy Management

Strong governance ensures that energy efficiency and carbon reduction aren’t just one time initiatives but ongoing, measurable improvements. Without it, even the best intentions can fall apart, much like those New Year’s resolutions that fade away by February.

Governance frameworks provide:

Clear accountability – Who is responsible for energy performance?
Regular reviews – Are you tracking and analysing progress?
Defined processes – How do you ensure energy savings are sustained?

ISO 50001: A Gold Standard for Energy Governance

One of the best examples of structured energy governance is ISO 50001. This internationally recognised standard requires organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an energy management system. It includes:

Regular audits to ensure compliance and progress
Systematic tracking of energy consumption and savings
Continuous improvement cycles to keep performance on track

Companies that adhere to ISO 50001 benefit from better energy performance, cost savings, and improved compliance with regulatory frameworks like ESOS and SECR.

Even Without ISO 50001, You Need Governance

Not every organisation will pursue ISO 50001 certification, but that doesn’t mean you should skip governance altogether. You can still set up a structured approach to energy management by:

Defining clear energy goals and responsibilities
Tracking performance through data driven analysis
Conducting regular internal audits
Embedding energy management into business operations
Holding teams accountable for results

Without these structures in place, your energy strategy may become just another failed resolution, well intentioned but ultimately ineffective.

How Strong Is Your Energy Management Governance?

If you’re unsure whether your organisation has the right governance in place, take our free Energy Management Scorecard quiz. It will help you assess where you stand and identify areas for improvement.

Click here to take the quiz

Or, if you’d like tailored advice, drop me a message we can discuss how to ensure your energy governance drives real results.