The energy audit is an important tool to identify measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. By determining where in the company how much energy is consumed, it is also possible to identify where there is potential for savings. The economic benefit of the energy audit should therefore not be underestimated.
Article 8(4) of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU (EED) requires Member States to ensure that enterprises other than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are subject, by 5 December 2015, to an energy audit carried out by qualified or accredited experts in an independent and cost-effective manner at least every four years from the date of the first energy audit, and monitored by independent authorities in accordance with national law. Article 8(4) to (7) of Directive 2012/27/EU was transposed by amending the Energy Services and Other Energy Efficiency Measures Act (EDL-G). The amended version of the EDL-G came into force on 22 April 2015. §§ 8 – 8d EDL-G now contain the basis for the obligation of nonSMEs to carry out periodic energy audits.
The BAFA is responsible for the random verification of the energy audits and the provision of a public list of persons who have the necessary qualifications to carry out an energy audit in accordance with § 8 of the EDL-G.
For companies to systematically and purposefully exchange experiences, it can also be beneficial to network with one another, for example within the framework of the „Initiative Energy Efficiency Networks“.