Google has a long-standing commitment to the environment and energy efficiency. It used ISO 50001 as a framework to establish a more structured and formalized energy management system and achieve recognition for its efforts. Bolstered by the programmeʼs success, the company continues to reduce its energy use and emissions through improved efficiency – leveraging new tools like machine learning – as well as by purchasing renewable power. Here, Laura Franceschini, Program Manager, Data Center Sustainability at Google, examines best practice.

ISO 50001 is under revision after its first five years of service. But as the energy management standard that held so much promise for a clean energy future enters this new stage, the time is ripe to ask the question: “How has it done so far?”

The global building sector has never faced more challenges – from curbing energy use to creating high-performance buildings, while lowering our carbon dioxide emissions and ensuring energy security in the years to come. So how can designing buildings or retrofitting existing ones help meet our climate targets?