ISO 50001 certifies companies that create an Energy Management System and exhibit excellent, effective energy management. Organizations must implement energy management techniques top-down to get certified and keep their certification. Setting goals for energy performance at the top management level, putting rules in place to reach quantifiable objectives, and consistently enhancing operational efficiency are all part of this.
Vodacom has been concentrating on increasing energy efficiency throughout its markets for the past year, and this has resulted in the company’s recent ISO 50001 certification for energy management.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement. Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to our society, especially in Africa. As a purpose-led organization, Vodacom Group aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% and source 100% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025.
ISO 50001 is instrumental in Vodacom Group’s journey to net zero and reinforces our commitment to sustainable energy management. We have worked hard over the last two years to position ourselves for success by establishing the frameworks and procedures required to execute various energy efficiency initiatives across our operations.
This certification underscores our dedication to energy management and to connecting for a better future while lowering our energy use, containing extremely variable energy costs, and gradually decarbonizing our operations,” said Dejan Kastelic, Group Technology Officer for Vodacom Group.
Many ISO 50001-certified companies report significant energy reductions across various industries, with some businesses achieving savings of up to 30%. In tough economic environments, even marginal cost savings can significantly impact operational efficiency and business resilience, which is imperative for businesses to stay competitive and relevant.
Additionally, the environmental benefits are substantial. Power generation plays a critical role in climate change, accounting for around 33% of total GHG emissions, largely due to the global over-reliance on fossil fuels. This makes the energy sector and energy usage habits a top priority for reform. Since the industrial age, GHG emissions have increased alarmingly due to the rising need for energy.
Vodacom invests in energy efficiency programs, which include sourcing more efficient network equipment, reducing energy demand by installing lower-power and cooling technologies, and reducing energy use by decommissioning and upgrading legacy equipment. This investment led to a 26% reduction in our energy intensity from our 2023 to 2024 financial years.
“While this is achievable for some organizations, projects of this scale may be out of reach for smaller organizations. For these organizations, another impactful approach is energy efficiency. The adage ‘the greenest energy is the energy that is not used’ offers an equally effective solution. Energy efficiency is achieved through structured, well-controlled energy management, and the impact can be widespread. The key lies in continuous improvement. As an organization operating in Africa, we are acutely aware of the impact of climate change on our customers. We have seen and felt the effects of climate-related disasters and recognize the need for sustained and improved action to bring about meaningful change. Energy efficiency initiatives are critical to helping us decarbonize society,” said Kastelic.The post Largest Telco Becomes First to Earn ISO 50001 Certification first appeared on IT News Africa | Business Technology, Telecoms and Startup News.