Since 2015, all large companies, building societies, and subsidiaries of foreign companies with a total of - according to the valid SME definition of the BAfA: more than 250 employees and/or more than 43 million euros balance sheet total and/or more than 50 million euros turnover - have been required to undergo the new statutory audit every 4 years.  

The basis is the EDL-G, Energy Services Act, the foundation of which was adopted in the EU Council and which has been mandatory in Germany since April 2015; in case of non-compliance there are fines, the BAfA checks in random samples.  

The effort invested in the analysis is already worthwhile due to the total organizational savings identified. The analysis reveals potential savings, the implementation of which will pay for itself within a few years through reduced energy consumption and costs.  

All small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (according to the valid SME definition of the BAfA: fewer than 250 employees and/or less than €43 million balance sheet total and/or less than €50 million turnover) are significantly rewarded by the state for efforts to increase energy efficiency!

The entry point is the energy consulting service for SMEs (EBM), for which the BAfA provides a subsidy of 80%: analysis of energy flows, identification of savings and improvement potential and development of detailed implementation concepts including payback calculation - ready for implementation!

Further funding can be applied for to support the implementation itself. For example, a company implementing measures that save over 35% energy and CO2 and affect more than one trade receives subsidies of up to 30%, and if desired, subsidized contracting orientation and implementation advice and/or low-interest loans from KfW with various repayment options: from repayment suspension to special repayment. 

These companies are experiencing significant increases in revenue through subsidized measures! 

Certification in energy and/or environmental efficiency encompasses improvement measures in the management of energy resources and/or all other resources, and involves all employees of a site/company in a continuous improvement process. In addition, systems are established to monitor and control the implemented measures, and an annual external review of the agreed efficiency improvements is conducted.

ISO 50001 addresses energy performance. It requires the appointment of an "operational energy manager" and the establishment of an energy management team. The energy policy must emphasize the energy-efficient procurement of products and services. The organization must implement and document an energy planning process, which is regularly reviewed. Energy performance indicators are used to track progress toward efficiency goals. 

ISO 14001 addresses overall environmental performance. In addition to energy aspects, other environmental factors such as water, waste, and auxiliary and operating materials are also considered. These are communicated to contractors and suppliers. The assessment of resource use and processes is based on their environmental impacts.

EMAS Environmental Management System in accordance with EC Directive 1221/2009

Here, the internal and external review of environmental management, including that of energy media, is necessarily expanded to include an environmental report with public registration.