Large companies (that is, companies that do not qualify as small and medium-sized enterprises) have been obliged to provide evidence of their first energy audit – as defined by DIN EN 16247 – by 5 December 2015 and to conduct at least one energy audit every fourth year since the date of the first audit. Companies with an ISO 50001 certificated energy management system or an environmental management system are exempted from the obligation.

The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) will undertake random samples to check compliance and impose sanctions (up to €50,000) if non-compliance is detected.