Rising energy costs and increasingly complex requirements are leading many companies to face the same challenge: using energy consciously and reducing consumption in a targeted manner. An energy management system according to ISO 50001 anchors this control permanently. It reveals potential savings, documents progress annually, and keeps the results measurable. It is about a cultural change. It reduces costs and anchors sustainability in the company.
While it is a legal requirement for many companies, some others can also implement it voluntarily. This makes energy efficiency a competitive advantage.
For many companies, the audit according to DIN EN 16247 is a legal requirement. According to the German Energy Services Act (EDL-G), all companies that are not classified as SMEs have been required to conduct a regular audit every four years since December 5, 2015. Used correctly, it goes beyond a mere mandatory audit. It shows how energy is actually used, where losses occur, and which measures make economic sense. In production, building management, or support processes.
Each audit provides practical recommendations that quickly show results. The control format becomes a tool that visibly increases efficiency.
An energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247 takes a close look at how energy is used in a company. It shows which processes consume a lot and where savings can be made. On this basis, concrete steps can be planned to reduce costs and consumption in the long term. As a rule, the energy audit applies to companies with a total annual energy consumption of over 500,000 kWh. Large companies are legally required to carry out an audit. Smaller businesses and local authorities can participate voluntarily and benefit from a clear overview of their consumption – and from ideas on how to use energy more efficiently in a targeted manner.
An energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247 follows a clear procedure. First, the areas with the highest energy consumption in the company are identified. These include, for example, production facilities and buildings, but also vehicle fleets and supply systems. The energy data is then evaluated according to defined criteria. According to the BAFA information sheet, the audit must cover at least 90% of total energy consumption and take all important energy sources into account. The result is a comprehensive picture that shows where energy is being lost and where your company can make targeted savings.
During the audit, the energy data provided by the company is checked on site. The inspections and discussions with employees give us a realistic picture. It is important not to overlook any relevant consumers. In this way, the main energy consumers can be identified and evaluated. Based on this, we will derive suitable savings measures.
At the end of the energy audit, companies receive a detailed audit report that summarizes the results in a transparent manner. This includes findings on consumption and weak points, a root cause analysis, and a presentation of possible savings potential. These are calculated using recognized methods, such as the net present value method according to DIN 17463. The results are an action plan that outlines investments, individual steps, and their effects. highlighting options that make sense from a technical and economic standpoint.
Energy audits in accordance with DIN EN 16247 are monitored by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). The BAFA conducts random checks on implementation and publishes a list of qualified auditors. Only experts registered on this list are permitted to conduct audits in compliance with the law. This ensures the quality of the audits and the traceability of the results.
Laws, regulations, and standards are constantly changing—we keep track of them all. Whether it’s energy, the environment, quality, or occupational safety, we support you in setting up and maintaining your legal register. This ensures that your company remains legally compliant and audit-proof at all times.
An energy audit provides a snapshot. An energy management system according to ISO 50001, on the other hand, ensures continuous improvement. Companies systematically record and evaluate their energy flows, set clear goals, and demonstrate annually that savings potential is being exploited in order to create cost certainty. At the same time, it establishes a culture of energy efficiency that is put into practice. Employees, management, and technology all contribute to this common goal. In such a way, energy efficiency moves from being an individual project to an integral part of corporate strategy.
Before the external audit, all documents are compiled and evaluated. These include the energy policy, evidence of EnPI, monitoring results, and management reviews. Internal audits serve as a dry run revealing any gaps in good time.
The Platform for Waste Heat makes it possible for the first time to see where waste heat potential arises in Germany and how it can be utilized. Companies with a total annual final energy consumption of more than 2.5 GWh must store their waste heat data there. The information is publicly available and supports German authorities in heat planning in accordance with the new Heat Planning Act.
The aim is to prevent waste heat from going unused and instead to use it as an energy source for sustainable heating networks, based on the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), which came into force on November 17, 2023.
The accompanying information sheet explains the requirements, reporting channels, and deadlines in detail:
We help you to correctly implement your obligations – from data collection to publication.
The net present value method according to DIN EN 17463 (also known as VALERI) is used to systematically check the economic efficiency of efficiency measures. This allows you to compare investments, set priorities, and make informed decisions. The aim is to achieve transparency for management and controlling.
The introduction of energy management systems and the implementation of efficiency measures are often subsidized by government programs, for example by BAFA or KfW. We would be happy to check which programs are suitable for your company. We prepare the applications and accompany you through all the steps until approval is granted. This allows you to make full use of the available subsidies.
Laws and regulations in Germany such as the Energy Services Act (EDL-G) and the Building Energy Act (GEG) set out clear obligations. We determine what this means for your company, registered in Germany. As part of this, we maintain an up-to-date legal register and anchor the requirements in your energy management system. Thereby creating legal certainty, reducing risk, and strengthing trust among customers and authorities.
