Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG)
The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) came into force at the end of 2023 and is currently being updated as part of the amendment to the EDL-G. It brings with it important requirements for companies.
Important information for companies:
Establishment of an energy/environmental management system: Companies with a total annual final energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh must set up an energy management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001 or an environmental management system in accordance with EMAS by 18 July 2025 and evaluate identified measures in accordance with DIN EN 17463 (VALERI).
Implementation plans: For companies with more than 2.5 GWh, implementation plans for final energy saving measures must be drawn up and published. The profitability analysis of the measures must be carried out in accordance with DIN EN 17463 (VALERI).
Waste heat:
Companies with an average of more than 2.5 GWh must provide information on waste heat generated. Information on waste heat generated must be submitted to the Federal Centre for Energy Efficiency (BfEE).
The BAFA monitors compliance; violations can be penalised with fines. Further information can be found on the BAFA website
DIN EN 17463 (VALERI)
Economic efficiency calculation of energy efficiency measures
In order to achieve the EU energy targets, it is necessary to increase investment in energy efficiency measures. Whether an energy-related investment is cost-effective depends on a number of different factors. A standardised system is required for a valid economic evaluation of identified measures. While previous economic efficiency analyses followed different approaches and did not take key aspects into account, DIN EN 17463 aims to ensure a transparent and comprehensible energy efficiency calculation.
Irrespective of legal obligations, the standard can also be a suggestion for smaller companies or serve as a practical guide for reviewing and improving their investment valuations.
Fuel Emissions Trading (BEHG) – Carbon Leakage Ordinance (BECV)
In order to avoid a possible shift of greenhouse gases to other European countries (carbon leakage) as a result of the Fuel Emissions Trading Act (BEHG), the German government has decided to provide appropriate subsidies for the affected sectors. According to Section 11 BEHG, the aid is to be provided primarily in the form of financial support for climate-friendly investments.
What ecological services must be provided in return?
Thanks to the Carbon Leakage Regulation (BECV), companies can receive aid from 2021 if they are active in a sector of the EU ETS that is eligible for aid. From 2023, they must have a certified energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 or an environmental management system in accordance with EMAS (note: ISO 14001 not yet permitted) and provide evidence of investments in decarbonisation or energy efficiency. The level of investment must amount to more than 50% of the previous year’s aid in 2023-24 (80% from 2025) and can be spread over four years.
For small emitters of less than 10 GWh of fossil fuels, a non-certified energy management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50005 or membership of an energy efficiency and climate protection network registered with the German Energy Agency is permitted.
Energy Financing Act (EnFG)
What is the EnFG?
The EnFG regulates the financing of expenses incurred by grid operators under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and the Combined Heat and Power Generation Act (KWKG) and in connection with the offshore grid connection. Companies can apply to limit the renewable energy levy (formerly the EEG levy) in order to reduce their financial burden.
In addition to the introduction of an energy management system and an electricity consumption of more than 1 GWh, the applications are now also linked to so-called ecological considerations in accordance with Section 30 EnFG.
For whom is DIN EN 17463 (VALERI) relevant?
The following basic requirements apply to applications for limitation in accordance with §30 EnFG:
- electricity consumption of more than 1 gigawatt hour in the last completed financial year,
- Introduction of an energy management system AND
- Ecological compensation
What ecological services must be provided in return?
The ecological considerations are contained in Section 30 EnFG and are limited to the following options
Sustainably reduce costs by continuously improving energy-related performance
Your advantages
- Proof of application of an international standard
- Improved competitiveness due to lower energy costs
- Reduced dependence on external energy suppliers
- Improving the company’s energy balance
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Increased brand value through demonstration of energy and climate awareness
- Continuous improvement of energy management systems
- An EnMS certified in accordance with ISO 50001 exempts non-SMEs from the obligation to carry out energy audits in accordance with § 8ff. EDL-G
- Possibility for energy-intensive companies to participate in the special equalisation scheme (BesAR)
- Proof for manufacturing companies to reduce their electricity tax (peak equalisation in accordance with the SpaEfV)
A TÜV certificate in just a few steps – the process of your ISO 50001 certification
- information and pre-audit (optional)
Information meeting (by telephone or in person), on-site project meeting and preparation for certification incl. document review
- certification on site
Readiness analysis with assessment and review of the description of the management system, review of documented processes and optional post-audit (review of corrective actions)
- audit report and evaluation
Documentation of the audit and evaluation of the management system
- issuance of certificate & TÜV seal
Once certification has been successfully completed, you will receive your certificate and the TÜV seal (valid for a maximum of three years) as well as registration of the certificate in the TÜV Saarland database
- first surveillance audit
A surveillance audit of the implementation of the practice is carried out every 12 months
- second surveillance audit
Repeated auditing of the practical implementation of the management system
- recertification
Three years after initial certification, steps 2 to 6 are repeated in the recertification audit
Your ISO 50001 certification is in experienced hands with us. We will guide you through the entire certification process and are always available to you as a contact partner.
TÜV certification – your advantages with TÜV Saarland Certification
- Internationally recognised, accredited certification body
- Personal contact and individual support for your company
- TÜV experts support you in implementing the requirements safely and sustainably.
- The independent assessment and the experience of the TÜV experts provide a precise, reliable statement on the status quo, potentials are revealed and the system is further optimised.
- Our independent TÜV experts with extensive industry experience are always available for you and are always informed about the latest standards.
- With successful certification, you can also benefit from the TÜV brand, which has a very high level of recognition internationally, even exceeding 98% in Germany. Use our recognised TÜV seal for your marketing and set yourself apart from your competitors.
