Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) and ISO 50001: A guide for companies to increase energy efficiency

In times of growing environmental responsibility and rising energy costs, companies are faced with the challenge of making their energy consumption more efficient. Two key components that support this task are the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) and ISO 50001. In this blog, we take a look at what both sets of regulations contain and how they help companies to optimise their energy use and operate more sustainably at the same time.

1. What is the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG)?

The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) was introduced by the German government to reduce energy consumption at a national level. It is an important part of the energy transition and aims to achieve a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The law obliges larger companies in particular to record their energy consumption and implement measures to increase efficiency.

Important points of the EnEfG:

Companies that consume more than 7.5 GWh of energy per year are obliged to carry out energy audits in accordance with ISO 50001. This helps to analyse current energy consumption and identify potential savings.

Companies that consume more than 2.5 GWh of energy per year can alternatively carry out an energy audit in accordance with ISO 16247. However, there is then an obligation to report annually on the energy-saving measures implemented.

So would you rather go straight for ISO 50001? Certainly if you are not far away from the 7.5 GWh limit and your energy requirements continue to rise.

2. ISO 50001: International standard for energy management

ISO 50001 is an internationally recognised standard for energy management systems (EnMS). It helps companies to implement and continuously optimise a structured framework for improving their energy-related performance. By introducing an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001, companies can not only lower their energy costs, but also reduce their CO₂ emissions and thus improve their ecological footprint.

Main components of ISO 50001:

• Energy management system (EnMS): Companies are supported in developing a systematic approach to the continuous improvement of their energy-related performance.
• Continuous improvement process: ISO 50001 is based on the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), which encourages companies to regularly review their energy policy and implement new efficiency measures.
• Measurement and monitoring: By implementing monitoring and measurement systems, companies can closely track their energy consumption and identify potential savings.
• Set energy targets: Companies set targets for improving their energy efficiency and implement measures to achieve these targets.

3. synergy between EnEfG and ISO 50001

While the EnEfG is a legal obligation, ISO 50001 offers a voluntary framework that helps companies to systematically improve their energy utilisation. For companies subject to the obligation to conduct energy audits in accordance with the EnEfG, the introduction of ISO 50001 can offer many advantages. A certified energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 can serve as proof of fulfilment of the requirements of the EnEfG and helps to make energy consumption more sustainable.

Advantages of the combination of EnEfG and ISO 50001:

• More efficient compliance with legal requirements: Companies that implement an ISO 50001-compliant energy management system automatically fulfil many of the requirements of the EnEfG.
• Improved cost control: The introduction of both systems provides a deeper insight into energy consumption and identifies areas where significant cost savings can be realised.
• Competitive advantage: By increasing energy efficiency, companies can not only reduce their operating costs, but also position themselves on the market as environmentally conscious players.

4. Implementation and challenges

The implementation of measures from the EnEfG and the introduction of an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 requires time and resources. Some of the biggest challenges for companies lie in the initial analysis of energy consumption, the training of employees and the integration of new technologies for energy monitoring.

Nevertheless, investing in such a system can offer enormous long-term benefits – both financially and in terms of the company’s social responsibility.

Conclusion

The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) and ISO 50001 offer companies a clear way to reduce their energy consumption and minimise their ecological footprint at the same time. The EnEfG is legally binding and requires, among other things, ISO 50001 certification. This is an extremely effective method of continuously improving energy performance. This set of regulations offers companies the opportunity to operate sustainably, reduce energy costs and make their contribution to the global energy transition. 

Companies that proactively invest in energy efficiency not only secure economic advantages, but also strengthen their position as pioneers in climate protection.