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ISO 50006: Energy Performance
Indicators and Energy Baseline

ISO 50006 is the guidance standard for Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs) and energy baselines within the ISO 50001 framework. It answers the decisive question: how do I measure whether my energy management is actually improving?

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→ Fundamentals

What is ISO 50006?

ISO 50006 is a companion standard to ISO 50001. Whilst ISO 50001 defines the what of an energy management system, ISO 50006 explains the how of measurement: how do I define Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs)? How do I establish a meaningful energy baseline (EnB)?

Without correct EnPIs and a baseline, it is impossible to assess objectively whether an organisation is genuinely improving its energy performance. ISO 50006 provides the methodological framework to do so.

The standard is particularly relevant for organisations that must satisfy ISO 50001 requirements in Clause 6.4 (energy baseline) and Clause 6.6 (EnPIs).

Core Concepts

EnPI
Energy Performance Indicator (EnPI): a quantitative value used to assess the energy performance of an organisation or process.
EnB (Baseline)
Energy Baseline (EnB): the reference starting point against which future energy performance is compared.
Relevant Variable
A normalisation factor that influences energy performance — such as production volume, outdoor temperature, or operating hours.
→ Indicator Types

Types of Energy Performance Indicators

Simple Ratio EnPI

Energy per reference unit: kWh per tonne of product, kWh per m², kWh per operating hour. Simple to calculate and communicate.

EnPI = Energy consumption ÷ Reference unit

Normalised EnPI

Energy consumption adjusted for external influencing factors such as weather (heating degree days) or production mix. Enables fair comparison across different periods.

EnPI = f(Consumption, Temp., Production)

Regression-Based EnPI

A statistical model that quantifies the relationship between energy consumption and relevant variables. Highest accuracy for complex processes.

EnPI = a·x₁ + b·x₂ + c (Regression)
→ In Practice

Typical Normalisation Factors

Weather Normalisation

Heating Degree Days (HDD) or Cooling Degree Days (CDD) normalise heating/cooling energy consumption to comparable climatic conditions — regardless of how severe a given winter was.

Production Normalisation

Energy consumption per unit produced (kWh/t, kWh/unit) makes comparisons between periods with different utilisation levels meaningful and fair.

Operating Hours

Normalisation by operating hours or machine hours — relevant where plant utilisation fluctuates or shift patterns vary.

Floor Area Reference

kWh per m² or kWh per heated usable floor area — the standard approach for building benchmarking and site-to-site comparisons in retail.

→ Software Support

EnPI Tracking with Alligator

The Alligator platform puts ISO 50006 into practice: unlimited EnPI definitions, automatic baseline calculation, and normalisation by any factor — fully integrated with real-time data from your meters and sensors.

Unlimited EnPI Definitions
Create any number of indicators per plant, area, or site — each with individual reference units and normalisation factors.
Automatic Baseline Calculation
Configure the baseline period once; the system handles the rest — reference values, statistical curves, and deviation monitoring in real time.
Best-Case Identification
The system automatically identifies optimal operating conditions and makes them available as a benchmark for all other periods and sites.

Automate Your EnPIs and Baseline

We'll show you how Alligator puts ISO 50006 into practice — live and free of charge.

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