Energy management We operate energy management in accordance with DIN ISO 50001 and pursue a sustainable energy policy as a non-profit organisation. The aim is to optimise energy consumption, increase efficiency and protect the environment.

The non-profit organisation Gesellschaft der Franziskanerinnen zu Olpe mbH (GFO) has always been committed to sustainable action and the responsible use of resources. As part of the new legal requirements of the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), we are now obliged to introduce an environmental or energy management system by 18 July 2025 due to the size of our company. We have decided to have GFO certified by the energy management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50.001.

Despite the many challenges of such extensive certification, such as the basic use of resources, the organisational effort and data management, the numerous opportunities of systematically coordinating our energy management outweigh them. The opportunities include in particular

• Improving energy efficiency: by systematically monitoring and optimising our energy consumption, we can achieve considerable cost savings in the long term.
• Environmental protection: Improved energy efficiency makes a significant contribution to protecting the environment by reducing our CO2 emissions and conserving resources.
• Employee commitment: Involving our employees in the process of improving energy efficiency promotes commitment and creates a greater awareness of sustainable behaviour.

We therefore see certification as a further step in our ongoing endeavours to work sustainably and energy-efficiently and we are convinced that it will be of great benefit in the long term, both ecologically and economically.

For more information, please read our energy policy.

As a non-profit organisation in the tradition of St Francis of Assisi with facilities in the areas of elderly care, child and youth welfare and healthcare, it is our responsibility to promote and implement sustainable practices. Our sustainability strategy aims to integrate ecological, social and economic sustainability to ensure a long-term positive impact on our community and the environment. In doing so, the non-profit organisation Gesellschaft der Franziskanerinnen zu Olpe mbH (GFO) (hereinafter referred to as "GFO") is also dedicated to improving energy-related performance based on the following intended outcomes:

1. Ensuring standard-compliant internal processes
2. Fulfilment of the energy targets set by the GFO
3. Establishment of a continuous improvement process in line with the PDCA cycle
4. Commitment to compliance with the requirements of all relevant legal provisions and regulations

GFO's energy policy is realised through the implementation of a comprehensive energy management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001:2018, which ensures that

• energy use and consumption is systematically determined and checked
• the areas with significant energy consumption are identified
• the main energy flows are presented transparently and kept up to date
• effective energy efficiency measures are planned, approved and implemented in action plans,
• the results of the energy efficiency measures are reviewed at regular intervals,
• energy efficiency is taken into account in the design of facilities, equipment, systems, operations, activities and energy consumption processes,
• a process is established for the energy-efficient procurement of energy-utilising products, facilities and services,
• energy efficiency, energy consumption and energy use are improved effectively and measurably, and their planned improvement activities are continuously updated,
• internal communication and information on target achievement as well as securing the resources required for recording and communication are available,
• all standard requirements of DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 are correctly implemented and maintained
• the management's commitment to the continuous improvement of energy-related performance.

The management appoints an energy management team consisting of persons responsible for energy (including the energy management officer) in order to anchor the energy policy in all areas of the company in a targeted manner and implement it appropriately. The management undertakes (including vis-à-vis the energy management team) to provide all the necessary information, resources and powers required to realise the energy targets.

In order to fulfil the energy policy, the GFO is continuously committed to ensuring that

• all relevant laws and regulations, as well as internal agreements and guidelines, are complied with,
• measuring, recording and reviewing the various energy consumption figures at appropriate intervals,
• implementing suitable and effective technical, organisational and behavioural measures,
• energy requirements are reduced through the use of modern, energy-efficient technologies, where technically possible and economically viable,
• employees are actively involved in the implementation of the energy policy,
• support employees in their participation in the energy management system,
• existing resources and time are utilised as effectively as possible.

The responsible management level of the GFO ensures that the energy policy is compatible with the strategic orientation of the GFO and that the guidelines and principles of action of the stated policy are understood and implemented.

The GFO's energy policy

• is available as documented information,
• is publicised within the GFO,
• is available to all relevant interested parties (where appropriate),
• is reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that it is up to date and adapted as necessary.

The energy policy is a declaration of intent by the GFO to implement, maintain and improve an effective energy management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001: 2018.