How companies improve their energy efficiency
Rising energy costs and regulatory requirements make efficient energy management essential for businesses. An energy audit in accordance with DIN 16247 (more specifically, an energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1) can help to identify potential savings and reduce energy costs in the long term, provided it is carried out correctly.
But who is actually obliged to carry it out? And how does an energy audit work?
In this article, you will find out what an energy audit is, which companies benefit from it and how you can increase your energy efficiency through targeted measures.
What is an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247-1? Definition and advantages
An energy audit involves a systematic analysis of energy consumption in a company by an auditor approved by the BAFA (Federal Office of Economics and Export Control) (such as us, for example). The aim is to present the current state of consumption, identify potential savings and derive measures to increase energy efficiency.
An energy audit brings companies numerous advantages – both economically and ecologically. Through a detailed analysis of energy consumption, cost savings can be achieved by identifying and optimizing inefficient processes.
Systematic energy management also contributes to sustainability by reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering energy consumption. Companies also benefit from the optimisation of operational processes, as machines, lighting, and heating systems can be used more efficiently. Another plus point is the state funding opportunities that offer companies financial support for energy-saving measures.
Finally, carrying out an energy audit can offer a competitive advantage that goes beyond simply reducing costs: customers and business partners are increasingly attaching importance to sustainability and energy-efficient business practices.
Additionally, the neutral view from the outside, by an experienced auditor, can reveal potential savings that may not have been recognised before. New developments in the field of technical building equipment are progressing rapidly!
It is therefore worth hiring experienced energy auditors. Caution: Many of the energy consultants listed by Dena are not certified as energy auditors.
Energy audit process: The 5 most important steps
Due to the standards, energy audits always follow the same procedure, but are closely geared to the needs of the audited company:
1. Introductory discussion and definition of the scope
- Objective: Definition of the scope of the audit (e.g. entire company or individual locations)
- Clarification of legal requirements and individual company goals
- To what depth should the audit be conducted?
2. Data collection and analysis of energy consumption
- Collection of consumption data (electricity, gas, heat, fuels)
- Analysis of load profiles and plausibility check of consumption
3. Survey
- On-site inspection to identify energy consumers
- Creation of an installations catalogue with allocation of
4. Evaluation and identification of potential savings
- Calculation of Potential Energy Savings According to DIN EN 17463
- Development of specific energy efficiency measures
- Preparation of the report and final discussion
- Detailed report with results, measures, and profitability assessment
- Presentation of the results & advice on implementation
For us, the end of an audit normally means nothing more than the first step towards the concrete implementation of the measures, which we are, of course, happy to accompany right through to realisation. We are already familiar with the company, we know the energy flows, and now we can provide you with ideal support for optimisation.
Who needs an energy audit? Legal requirements and obligations
Under Section 8 of the EDL Act, conducting an energy audit is mandatory for all non-SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).
This includes all companies with more than 250 employees (full-time equivalents, i.e., two half-time positions equal one full-time equivalent position).
A further criterion would be if your company achieves a turnover of more than 50 million euros per year or a balance sheet total of more than 43 million euros.
Caution: In the case of affiliated companies, it must be checked whether an independent business exists. If this is not the case, the parent company and/or the group of companies are also used to assess the SME status.
Furthermore, since 18 November 2023, all companies with an energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh/a have been obliged to introduce an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 or EMAS pursuant to Section 8 EnEfG.
Are you not sure whether you need to carry out an energy audit or even introduce a management system? Talk to us!
If you are an SME, you can still carry out a voluntary energy audit, but it is recommended that your annual energy costs amount to at least €25,000 per year, as otherwise the costs of the audit are disproportionate to the potential savings.
Costs and Funding Opportunities for an Energy Audit in Accordance with DIN EN 16247-1
The cost of an energy audit in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1 depends on several factors, such as the size of the company, the number of locations, and the complexity of the processes—and, of course, the desired level of detail for the energy audit.
In most cases, we at Envision Solutions offer a grade 2 or 3 energy audit, i.e. detailed analyses of energy flows and at least 90 % identified consumers, as we are convinced that only then can the objectives of an audit really be achieved. In individual cases, however, a simplified grade 1 audit may also be appropriate.
If you are obliged to carry out an energy audit in accordance with the EDL-G, there is unfortunately no way to subsidise the implementation of an energy audit.
The situation is different if you want to carry out a voluntary audit. According to module 1 of the Bafa, a subsidy of up to 80% of the costs of an audit is possible, but only up to a maximum of €1,200 for small companies (< 10 employees) and up to €6,000 for medium-sized companies (< 250 employees).
Regardless of whether you are obliged to carry out an audit or do so voluntarily, the majority of the measures we propose are eligible for funding, either from BAFA, KfW, or through a regional funding program. We will be happy to advise you here too!
Do you have any further questions? Please contact us using our form and we will get back to you shortly!
Energy audit or ISO 50001? Which solution suits your company?
Last modified on July 18, 2026