Overview
EN ISO/IEC 13273-1:2016 (ISO/IEC 13273-1:2015) is a horizontal terminology standard that establishes a common international vocabulary for concepts related to energy efficiency. Prepared by ISO/IEC JPC 2 and adopted by CEN, the document is intended to improve coherence and reduce ambiguity across standards, technical publications and energy‑related practice by providing agreed definitions for transverse energy concepts.
Key topics and what the standard contains
This part focuses on terms and definitions relevant to energy efficiency. Major topics covered include:
- Fundamental energy concepts: energy, energy carrier, energy source, feedstock energy, primary energy.
- Energy conversion and storage: energy conversion, energy storage, cogeneration (e.g., CHP).
- Systems and boundaries: energy using system, system boundaries, energy end user.
- Energy flows and balances: final (delivered) energy, applied energy, system energy loss, recovered energy, lost (wasted) energy.
- Consumption and performance metrics: energy use, energy consumption, energy intensity and related performance terminology.
- Supporting material: Annex A (methodology used to develop the vocabulary) and Annex B (useful energy / energy loss / recovered energy / wasted energy).
Note: the standard is a terminology/reference document rather than a prescriptive performance or compliance standard.
Practical applications and who uses it
EN ISO/IEC 13273-1 is useful wherever consistent energy terminology is needed:
- Standards developers and technical committees - to harmonize language when drafting new energy, building, industrial or electrical standards.
- Energy managers and auditors - to ensure consistent definitions in energy management systems (e.g., when aligning with ISO 50001 terminology).
- Policy makers and regulators - to reduce ambiguity in energy policy, reporting and legislation.
- Engineers, consultants and researchers - for clear communication of energy balances, conversion processes and efficiency measures.
- Manufacturers and product developers - to align product documentation and performance claims with internationally accepted terms.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 13273-2 - companion part addressing terminology for renewable energy sources.
- References and alignment with ISO 50001 and other energy management documents are noted where terms overlap.
By adopting common definitions from EN ISO/IEC 13273-1, organizations and professionals can improve clarity in energy reporting, design, procurement and standardization activities - supporting consistent assessment of energy efficiency, energy performance, and energy‑related decision making.
