ISO 55001
International standard for asset management systems
ISO 50001
International standard for energy management systems.
Quick Verdict
ISO 55001 establishes asset management systems for lifecycle value optimization in asset-heavy industries, while ISO 50001 drives measurable energy performance improvements across all sectors. Companies adopt them for governance, cost control, risk management, and certification credibility.
ISO 55001
ISO 55001:2024 Asset management — Management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Requires Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) linking strategy to operations
- Formal decision-making framework defining asset value and criteria (2024)
- Annex SL structure integrates with other ISO management systems
- PDCA cycle across Clauses 4-10 for continual improvement
- Balances asset performance, risks, and costs over full lifecycle
ISO 50001
ISO 50001:2018 Energy management systems
Key Features
- Demonstrable continual energy performance improvement via EnPIs
- Mandatory energy review and SEU identification
- Normalized energy baselines (EnBs) and data collection plan
- Annex SL for integration with ISO 9001/14001
- Operational controls for procurement and design
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 55001 Details
What It Is
ISO 55001:2024 is an international certification standard specifying requirements for an Asset Management System (AMS). It enables organizations to realize value from assets across lifecycles by connecting decisions to objectives, using a risk-based, PDCA methodology structured via Annex SL.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- 72 'shall' requirements, including SAMP, decision-making framework, risk/opportunity actions.
- Built on ISO 55000 terminology; supports certification audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives cost optimization, reliability, regulatory compliance.
- Manages risks like failures, outsourcing; builds stakeholder trust.
- Competitive edge in asset-heavy sectors via proven governance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, SAMP development, competence training, KPI monitoring.
- Applies to utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing; scalable by size.
- Involves internal audits, management reviews; optional third-party certification.
ISO 50001 Details
What It Is
ISO 50001:2018 is the international standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Energy Management System (EnMS). It applies to organizations of any size or sector, focusing on systematic improvement of energy performance (efficiency, use, consumption) via the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and Annex SL High-Level Structure.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning (energy review, SEUs, EnPIs, EnBs), support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Mandates energy policy, data collection plan, operational controls, internal audits, management review.
- Built on continual improvement principle; certification optional via ISO 50003.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces energy costs (4-20% savings), enhances resilience, supports GHG reductions.
- Meets regulatory expectations (e.g., EU EED), boosts ESG credibility.
- Manages risks like supply volatility; competitive edge in procurement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, energy review, EnPI/baseline setup, controls deployment, audits.
- Applicable globally, all sectors; integrates with ISO 9001/14001.
- Optional third-party certification (Stage 1/2 audits).
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 55001 | ISO 50001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Asset lifecycle management systems | Energy performance and consumption improvement |
| Industry | Asset-intensive sectors (utilities, infrastructure) | All sectors with energy consumption |
| Nature | Voluntary management system certification | Voluntary management system certification |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews | EnPI monitoring, energy reviews, audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 55001 and ISO 50001
ISO 55001 FAQ
ISO 50001 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

CIS Controls v8.1 Metrics That Matter: KPIs, KRIs, and Dashboards for Board-Ready Cyber Reporting
Quantify CIS Controls v8.1 success with KPIs, KRIs & dashboards. Learn what to measure, calculations, and executive presentations linking security to business r

CMMC Level 2 Implementation Guide for Small DIB Contractors: First 5 Steps to C3PAO Certification with Infographic
Actionable CMMC Level 2 guide for small DIB contractors: 5-step roadmap to C3PAO certification with infographic on timelines, costs & POA&Ms. Achieve DoD compli

ISO 27701 Standalone Certification in 2025: Debunking Myths and Navigating the New Reality
Debunk myths on ISO 27701 standalone certification post-2025. Clarify viability, accreditation bodies, ISO 27001 audit differences & procurement benefits. Guide
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) vs BREEAM
CSL vs BREEAM: Compare China's Cybersecurity Law & sustainability cert. Master compliance, risks, strategies for secure, green China ops. Unlock advantages now.
ISO 9001 vs ISO 55001
Explore ISO 9001 vs ISO 55001: QMS for quality excellence vs AMS for asset lifecycle mastery. Uncover key differences, benefits & choose your path to efficiency now!
EPA vs HITRUST CSF
Discover EPA vs HITRUST CSF: Compare Clean Air Act, NPDES, RCRA standards with HITRUST's certifiable security framework. Boost compliance efficiency now!