Standards Comparison

    ISO 50001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for energy management systems

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU harmonized standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 50001 enables voluntary energy performance improvement across industries globally, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium in EU construction. Companies adopt ISO 50001 for cost savings and sustainability; EN 1090 for legal market access and compliance.

    Energy Management

    ISO 50001

    ISO 50001:2018 Energy management systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Requires demonstrable continual improvement in energy performance
    • Mandates energy review, SEUs, EnPIs, EnBs for measurement
    • Annex SL structure enables integration with ISO 9001/14001
    • Strong top management leadership and accountability emphasis
    • PDCA cycle with risk-based energy planning
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification required
    • Execution Classes (EXC1-4) for risk-based scaling
    • CE marking enables EU market access
    • Welding quality aligned with ISO 3834
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection regimes

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ISO 50001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 50001:2018 is an international certification standard for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). It provides a systematic framework to improve energy performance, including efficiency, use, and consumption, applicable to all organization types and sectors. Built on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and Annex SL High-Level Structure, it emphasizes risk-based planning and continual improvement.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning (energy review, SEUs, EnPIs, EnBs), support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Requires documented energy policy, data collection plans, operational controls, procurement criteria.
    • Core principles: leadership accountability, measurable performance via normalized indicators.
    • Optional third-party certification per ISO 50003.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives cost savings (4-20% energy reduction), resilience, GHG reductions.
    • Meets regulatory expectations (e.g., EU directives), enhances ESG reporting.
    • Manages energy risks, integrates with ISO 9001/14001.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via auditable improvements.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, energy review, controls deployment, audits.
    • Suited for all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical.
    • Involves metering, training, management reviews; certification optional via accredited bodies.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It governs execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components/kits for construction works. Primary purpose: ensure safe fabrication, assembly, and CE marking via risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4).

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification, Declaration of Performance (DoP).
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT).
    • Core: ISO 3834 welding alignment, material traceability, inspection regimes. AVCP systems with Notified Body oversight.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for EU market access; reduces liability, rework. Drives capability in welding/traceability; enhances competitiveness, trust via CE marking.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel quals, NB certification, surveillance. Targets fabricators; 6-12 months typical; audits ongoing.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 50001
    Energy management systems and performance improvement
    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures

    Industry

    ISO 50001
    All sectors worldwide, any organization size
    EN 1090
    Construction/steel fabrication, EU/EEA market

    Nature

    ISO 50001
    Voluntary international certification standard
    EN 1090
    Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking

    Testing

    ISO 50001
    Internal audits, optional third-party certification
    EN 1090
    Notified Body FPC certification and surveillance

    Penalties

    ISO 50001
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, fines, legal liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 50001 and EN 1090

    ISO 50001 FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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