ENERGY EFFICIENCY AS A CRITERION OF QUALITY 5.0: MANAGEMENT THROUGH SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the analysis of energy efficiency as a decisive criterion in the context of the Quality 5.0 concept in the conditions of implementing sustainable innovations. Modern transformation processes, which accompany Industry 5.0, predetermined the need for new approaches to quality management, in which an important role belongs to digital technologies, environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and human factors. In this context, energy efficiency is considered not only as a technical indicator but also as a multi-component strategic phenomenon, which is integrated into the general system of quality management and forms new vectors of sustainable development. It is offered to consider energy efficiency as one of the main ESG indicators, which is closely connected with the use of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards, integration of digital technologies, development of the systems of forecasting and management, and implementation of the circular economy principles. The key role of sustainable innovations is emphasised; they ensure the reduction of energy consumption, an increase in companies’ analytical ability, improvement of labour conditions, and involvement of employees in the processes of quality management. The research methodology is based on the multidisciplinary approach, which combines the principles of physics, energy, economics, quality management, cybernetics, and social and humanitarian sciences, with the involvement of the concepts of sustainable development, technological modes, corporate social responsibility, circular economy, and Society 5.0. Synthesis of the provisions of the modern theory of quality management, digital transformations, human-centrism, and environmental safety is supported by analytical elaboration on ISO standards and scholarly sources. This research is of the descriptive and analytical character and uses general scientific and special methods of abstracting, analysis, synthesis, comparison, and graphic and monographic analysis. The main value of this paper lies in the theoretical substantiation of energy efficiency as an integral criterion of quality in the conditions of Industry 5.0, which combines the concepts of sustainable development, digital technologies, and human-centric management. The research offers a comprehensive view of the synergy between eco-oriented management, digital transformation, and continuous improvement of quality, which is relevant for modern companies in the conditions of transition to Industry 5.0.