The main objective of the standard is to improve energy performance and energy efficiency on a continuous basis, and additionally identify opportunities to reduce energy use. This systematic approach will help organizations establish systems and processes.

Consistent energy management helps organizations discover and realize their energy efficiency potential. They can benefit from cost savings, and make a significant contribution to climate and environmental protection (for example, through a permanent reduction in greenhouse gas emission rates). The standard should alert employees and particularly the executive and management level about the possible long-term gains in relation to their energy consumption. The organization can discover potential savings and competitive advantages. It may even be an important strengthening of the company's image.

The ISO 50001 standard is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, also known as PDCA or Deming Circle.

The main milestones of this methodology applied to the ISO 50001 Standard:.

The Standard is structured and divided into the following sections:[1]​.

Certification demonstrates that the energy management system meets the requirements of ISO 50001. This provides customers, stakeholders, employees, and management with a greater degree of confidence regarding the organization's energy savings. Additionally, it also helps ensure that the energy management system is in place throughout the organization.

An additional advantage of certification is the emphasis it places on continuous improvement. The organization will progressively improve its energy management. Additional cost savings can be generated over the years. Even a certified organization demonstrates its public commitment to energy management.

Currently in the UK, ISO 50001 is not accredited by UKAS, the certification body accreditation scheme. Certification bodies are not yet able to offer accredited certificates, however a pilot program that ended in May 2013 will conduct the trial review, and certification bodies are expected to be accredited from the end of 2013.

As with other ISO standards for management systems, certification to this standard is possible but not mandatory. Some organizations decide to implement the standard exclusively for its benefits, others decide to become certified to demonstrate to third parties that they have implemented an energy management system. The ISO does not grant certification.

The main objective of the standard is to improve energy performance and energy efficiency on a continuous basis, and additionally identify opportunities to reduce energy use. This systematic approach will help organizations establish systems and processes.

Consistent energy management helps organizations discover and realize their energy efficiency potential. They can benefit from cost savings, and make a significant contribution to climate and environmental protection (for example, through a permanent reduction in greenhouse gas emission rates). The standard should alert employees and particularly the executive and management level about the possible long-term gains in relation to their energy consumption. The organization can discover potential savings and competitive advantages. It may even be an important strengthening of the company's image.

The ISO 50001 standard is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, also known as PDCA or Deming Circle.

The main milestones of this methodology applied to the ISO 50001 Standard:.

The Standard is structured and divided into the following sections:[1]​.

Certification demonstrates that the energy management system meets the requirements of ISO 50001. This provides customers, stakeholders, employees, and management with a greater degree of confidence regarding the organization's energy savings. Additionally, it also helps ensure that the energy management system is in place throughout the organization.

An additional advantage of certification is the emphasis it places on continuous improvement. The organization will progressively improve its energy management. Additional cost savings can be generated over the years. Even a certified organization demonstrates its public commitment to energy management.

Currently in the UK, ISO 50001 is not accredited by UKAS, the certification body accreditation scheme. Certification bodies are not yet able to offer accredited certificates, however a pilot program that ended in May 2013 will conduct the trial review, and certification bodies are expected to be accredited from the end of 2013.

As with other ISO standards for management systems, certification to this standard is possible but not mandatory. Some organizations decide to implement the standard exclusively for its benefits, others decide to become certified to demonstrate to third parties that they have implemented an energy management system. The ISO does not grant certification.