Superior Energy Performance^cm is a certification program that provides industrial facilities with a roadmap for achieving continual improvement in energy efficiency while maintaining competitiveness. The program will provide a transparent, globally accepted system for verifying energy performance improvements and management practices. It is anticipated that Superior Energy Performance will launch nationally in 2012.

A central element of Superior Energy Performance is implementation of the global energy management standard, ISO 50001, with additional requirements to achieve and document energy performance improvements. (Learn more about qualifying for Superior Energy Performance certification.)

To help facilities prepare for certification, several program elements are available or under development:

• Energy Management Standard, ISO 50001: This globally accepted framework for managing energy—including all aspects of procurement and use—is available for purchase from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• System Assessment Standards: ASME standards provide guidance on conducting energy-efficiency assessments in specific energy systems—pumps, process heating, steam, and compressed air.
• SEP Industrial Measurement and Verification Protocol: Methodology to verify energy performance improvement and conformance to ISO 50001 at industrial facilities.
• Certified Practitioners: Professionals certified to assist plants in implementing ISO 50001, conduct system assessments, or verify conformance to SEP requirements for certification.

To ensure that Superior Energy Performance offers value and flexibility for facilities of various sizes and experience in managing energy, facilities are pilot testing the program. Five industrial facilities conducted field tests through the Texas pilot program (2008-2010). These facilities achieved energy performance improvements between 6.5 percent and 17 percent over a period of two to three years and became the first facilities certified to Superior Energy Performance.

Additional testing opportunities are available through Superior Energy Performance demonstration projects occurring in several states in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO).

Superior Energy Performance is currently under development. Please check back for new developments or register your contact information with us to receive program updates.