A Guide to the Different Levels of EMGS Certification (1, 2, 3 Stars)

Reading time: ~12 minutes

Key takeaway: This article explains what EMGS 1-, 2-, and 3-Star certification really means, how each level differs, and how to decide which one fits your organisation best—without technical jargon or fluff.

A Guide to the Different Levels of EMGS Certification (1, 2, 3 Stars)

Introduction

Energy costs keep rising. Regulations keep changing. And many organisations still aren’t sure if their energy efforts are “good enough.” That uncertainty is the real problem. Without a clear benchmark, it’s hard to know where you stand—or how far you still need to go.

That’s where EMGS certification comes in. It gives your organisation a clear, structured way to measure energy management maturity. But here’s the catch: EMGS has three different levels, and many people don’t understand what each star actually means.

This article, “A Guide to the Different Levels of EMGS Certification (1, 2, 3 Stars)”, breaks it all down in plain language—so you can make confident decisions without guessing.

📦 Summary Box: EMGS Certification at a Glance

• 1 Star: You’ve started managing energy properly

• 2 Stars: Your energy system is working and delivering results

• 3 Stars: Energy management is embedded and optimised

• Best for: Organisations at different stages of energy maturity

• Goal: Lower energy costs, stronger compliance, better performance

What Is EMGS Certification?

EMGS stands for Energy Management Gold Standard. It is a recognised framework that evaluates how well an organisation manages its energy—not just whether it saves energy once, but whether it can keep improving year after year.

EMGS focuses on:

• Leadership commitment

• Energy planning

• Data tracking

• Action plans

• Continuous improvement

Think of EMGS as a roadmap, not a trophy. The stars show how far along that roadmap your organisation has travelled.

This is why understanding A Guide to the Different Levels of EMGS Certification (1, 2, 3 Stars) matters. Each level represents a different stage of energy management maturity.

Why EMGS Uses a Star System

The star system exists for one simple reason: not every organisation starts at the same place.

Some companies are just beginning. Others already track energy closely. A few have advanced systems running smoothly.

The EMGS star system:

• Recognises progress, not perfection

• Encourages gradual improvement

• Makes energy performance easy to compare

• Helps management set realistic goals

Instead of asking, “Are we certified or not?”, EMGS asks, “How well are we managing energy right now?”

EMGS 1-Star Certification: Building the Foundation

What 1 Star Really Means

A 1-Star EMGS certification means your organisation has started managing energy in a structured way. You are no longer reacting to high bills—you are paying attention and taking control.

This level focuses on awareness and basic systems.

What You Typically Have at 1 Star

• An energy policy approved by management

• Clear responsibility for energy management

• Basic tracking of energy use

• Identification of major energy users

• Initial energy-saving actions

You don’t need advanced software or complex models. What matters is that energy is now visible and managed.

Who 1 Star Is Best For

• Organisations new to energy management

• Companies preparing for stronger compliance

• Facilities with rising energy costs

• Teams with limited internal expertise

Common Misunderstanding

Many think 1 Star is “too basic.” In reality, it’s the most important level. Without a solid foundation, higher stars are impossible to sustain.

EMGS 2-Star Certification: Turning Systems into Results

What Changes at 2 Stars

At 2 Stars, energy management is no longer just a plan—it’s working.

You move from awareness to control and consistency.

What You Typically Have at 2 Stars

• Regular energy performance reviews

• Clear energy objectives and targets

• Data-driven decision making

• Monitoring of improvements over time

• Documented procedures and actions

Energy is now part of daily operations, not a side project.

What 2 Stars Shows About Your Organisation

• You understand where energy is used

• You can measure improvement

• You can repeat good results

• You have management buy-in

This is often the level where organisations start seeing real, sustained cost savings.

Who 2 Star Is Best For

• Medium to large facilities

• Organisations under regulatory pressure

• Companies planning ISO 50001

• Businesses with energy teams in place

EMGS 3-Star Certification: Optimised and Embedded

What 3 Stars Represents

3 Stars is the highest EMGS level. It means energy management is fully embedded into how your organisation operates.

At this stage, energy decisions are made proactively—not reactively.

What You Typically Have at 3 Stars

• Advanced energy analysis

• Strong performance benchmarks

• Continuous improvement culture

• Integration with business strategy

• Clear long-term energy planning

Energy management is no longer dependent on one person. It survives staff changes, expansions, and new projects.

What 3 Stars Says to Stakeholders

• You are an industry leader

• You manage energy strategically

• You reduce risk and uncertainty

• You are serious about sustainability

This level builds trust with regulators, investors, and partners.

Key Differences Between 1, 2, and 3 Stars

Area	1 Star	2 Stars	3 Stars
Focus	Awareness	Performance	Optimisation
Data use	Basic tracking	Regular analysis	Advanced insights
Management	Assigned responsibility	Active involvement	Strategic leadership
Improvement	Initial actions	Measured results	Continuous optimisation

This table alone explains why A Guide to the Different Levels of EMGS Certification (1, 2, 3 Stars) is essential reading.

How Long Does It Take to Move Between Levels?

There is no fixed timeline, but typical progress looks like this:

• 1 Star: 3–6 months

• 2 Stars: 6–12 months

• 3 Stars: 12–24 months

The speed depends on:

• Data availability

• Management commitment

• Team capability

• External support

Rushing usually leads to weak systems. Steady progress delivers stronger results.

Common Mistakes Organisations Make

Trying to Skip Levels

Jumping straight to 3 Stars without mastering basics often fails. Each level builds on the previous one.

Treating EMGS as a One-Time Project

EMGS is not a checklist. It’s a living system.

Ignoring Staff Engagement

Energy management works best when everyone understands their role.

How EMGS Supports Compliance and Cost Control

EMGS helps organisations:

• Meet energy regulations

• Prepare for audits

• Reduce operational costs

• Improve reporting accuracy

• Strengthen management systems

This makes EMGS valuable not just for certification—but for long-term business stability.

How to Choose the Right Star Level

Ask yourself:

• Do we track energy properly today?

• Do we act on the data we collect?

• Is management actively involved?

• Can our system survive staff changes?

Your honest answers point to the right starting level.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Energy management doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you understand the structure, EMGS becomes a powerful tool—not a burden. This article, “A Guide to the Different Levels of EMGS Certification (1, 2, 3 Stars)”, showed how each level builds on the last, what each star really means, and why choosing the right level matters.

If you want clear guidance on where your organisation stands—or how to move to the next star—talk to someone who does this every day. WhatsApp or call 013-300-6284 to get practical, no-nonsense advice on EMGS certification and energy management that actually works.