Energy efficiency laws in Germany and Austria.
What they mean for companies.
In order to limit energy consumption and minimise dependence on fossil fuels, Germany and Austria have enacted energy efficiency laws.
These laws aim to reduce energy consumption, secure energy supplies and achieve climate targets. Both laws transpose the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED, Directive (EU) 2023/1791) into national law.
For companies, this means not only adapting to new legal requirements, but also playing an active role in reducing energy consumption, cutting CO2 emissions and increasing sustainability.
The Energy Efficiency Law in Germany (EnEfG)
The German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) came into force on 18 November 2023 and aims to reduce primary and final energy consumption, increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
For companies, this means:
- Introduction of energy management systems: Companies with an average total energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh per year are required to implement a certified energy or environmental management system in accordance with ISO 50001 or EMAS within 20 months.
- Waste heat utilisation and energy saving: Companies with a total energy consumption of more than 2.5 GWh per year must avoid or reduce energy consumption in accordance with the state of the art. This includes identifying waste heat and defining measures for its avoidance or utilisation.
- Economic assessment: Identified energy-saving measures must be assessed economically in accordance with DIN EN 17463:2021-12 (VALERI).
- Reporting obligation: Companies with a total energy consumption of more than 2.5 GWh are obliged to draw up and publish implementation plans for energy-saving measures. Data on waste heat must be reported annually to the BfEE's waste heat platform.
The Energy Efficiency Law in Austria (EEffG)
The Austrian Energy Efficiency Act (EEffG) was last amended in 2023 and revised again in 2024. It transposes the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) into national law and aims to reduce final energy consumption and increase energy efficiency in households, businesses and public institutions.
For companies, this means:
- Energy audits or management systems: Companies with more than 249 employees or a turnover of more than EUR 50 million or a balance sheet total of more than EUR 43 million are obliged to carry out energy audits in accordance with EN 16247-1 or to install a certified energy management system (e.g. ISO 50001).
- Reporting obligation: There is a reporting obligation to the monitoring body at the Federal Office for Energy Efficiency at the BMK, whereby a new electronic reporting platform is being set up in accordance with Section 59 EEffG.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency laws in Germany and Austria are presenting companies with new challenges. By taking proactive measures, companies can not only meet legal requirements, but also make a significant contribution to energy savings, CO2 reduction and sustainability.