Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) and Management Systems at a Glance
DIN EN ISO 50001, EMAS, and ISO 14000 Explained Simply
The new Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) was enacted on November 18, 2023, requiring affected companies to implement management systems to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact.
What is the goal of the new act?
The new Energy Efficiency Act aims to reduce final energy consumption by at least 26.5 percent and primary energy consumption by at least 39.3 percent by 2030 (compared to 2008). By 2045, the goal is to cut final energy consumption by 45 percent compared to 2008.
Who is affected?
The updated EnEfG aligns thresholds more closely with EU guidelines. Today, the only decisive factor is the average total final energy consumption over the past three years. Public institutions have a different obligation compared to private companies.
Current Obligations (Thresholds of the new amendment from 09.04.2026 – not yet finally adopted)
| Energy consumption | Obligation |
| 2.5 GWh/a (2.77 GWh/a) | Energy audit obligation and structured analysis |
| 7,5 GWh/a (23,6 GWh/a) | Introduction of an energy management system (ISO 50001) or environmental management system (EMAS) |
The smallest legally independent unit is decisive. Actual energy consumption is what counts, not company size (SME/non-SME). The management system must cover at least 90 percent of the energy consumption.
Core elements
- Energy review
- Energy performance indicators (KPIs, EnPIs)
- Identification of significant energy uses (SEUs)
- Action and investment planning
Methodology: System based on the PDCA cycle (Plan–Do–Check–Act)
- Plan: Analysis, energy policy, goals
- Do: Implementation and operation
- Check: Monitoring and internal audits
- Act: Optimization and continuous improvement
Goal
- Holistic improvement of a company's environmental performance
Content
- Energy efficiency
- Emissions and climate impact
- Resource consumption (material, water)
- Waste and circular economy
- Biodiversity
Goal
- Forms the basis for environmental management systems and is also a part of EMAS
Significance in the context of EnEfG
- Structure for environmental and sustainability processes
- Compatible with ISO 50001 (same structure)
- Enables integrated management systems
Drees & Sommer offers you comprehensive services
- Screening with the creation of a gap analysis on the status quo of energy or environmental management
- Determination of internal and external resources for the introduction of energy or environmental management
- Development of an energy or environmental policy and definition of baseline and targets
- Development of measurement and metering concepts
- Execution of an energy or environmental audit with the creation of a measures and action plan
- Establishment of a cross-location energy or environmental team
- Support with employee training
- Support with internal audits, management reviews, and preparation for external audits
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