Compulsory energy efficiency audits in large companies

All companies which are not a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) as defined by the Commission's Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124 of 20 May 2003, p. 36), are required to conduct their first energy audit by 5 December 2015, and at least once every four years from the date of the first audit.

 

The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) will carry out random samples to check whether companies comply with this obligation and can award penalties.

 

 Companies that have an ISO 50001 certified energy management system or an EMAS environmental management system are exempted from the obligation.

 

The provisions have been created by an amendmend of the energy services act to implement Article 8 of the European Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU in domestic law.

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