How often is an energy audit required in Germany?

At least every four years, counting from completion of the first energy audit (Section 8(1) EDL-G).

When must the audit be declared to BAFA?

No later than two months after it is carried out, using BAFA's online form (Section 8c(1)).

Companies with an energy management system or EMAS environmental management system that is set up or being set up (Section 8(3)). With total energy consumption of at most 500,000 kWh a year, a declaration with reduced information is enough (Section 8(4)).

What applies to very high energy consumers?

Above an average of 7.5 GWh over the last three calendar years an energy or environmental management system is mandatory; until it is proven, and at the latest until the set-up deadline, the audit obligation does not apply (Section 8(1) and (2) EnEfG).

DE · Expiry & renewal tracking

Complete the energy audit and BAFA declaration on time

German companies that are not SMEs must carry out an energy audit at least every four years, counted from completion of the first one (Section 8(1) EDL-G), and declare it to BAFA within two months (Section 8c(1)). Companies with an energy management system or EMAS are exempt (Section 8(3)).

Companies that are not micro, small or medium-sized enterprises within the meaning of Recommendation 2003/361/EC must carry out an energy audit (Section 1 no. 4, Section 8(1) of the German Energy Services Act, EDL-G). Counting from completion of the first audit, another is due at least every four years (Section 8(1) sentence 2). A company that newly acquires this status must complete its first audit no later than 20 months afterwards (Section 8(2)).

The audit must comply with DIN EN 16247-1 (November 2022 edition), be based on verifiable operating data and examine at least 90 per cent of total energy consumption (Section 8a(1)). It may only be carried out by a qualified, independent person registered with the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) (Section 8b). No later than two months after the audit, the company declares it to BAFA using an online form (Section 8c(1)); BAFA carries out spot checks (Section 8c(2)).

Companies are exempt if, at the relevant time, they have set up or started setting up an energy management system or an EMAS environmental management system (Section 8(3)). With total energy consumption of 500,000 kilowatt hours a year or less, a declaration to BAFA with reduced information replaces the audit (Section 8(4), Section 8c(1) sentences 3 and 4). Under the Energy Efficiency Act, companies with average total final energy consumption above 7.5 gigawatt hours over the last three calendar years must set up an energy or environmental management system (Section 8(1) EnEfG); above 2.5 gigawatt hours they must draw up and publish implementation plans for economically viable savings measures within three years (Section 9 EnEfG).

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At a glance

Who	Companies that are not SMEs under Recommendation 2003/361/EC (Section 1 no. 4 EDL-G)
Repeat	At least every four years from completion of the first audit (Section 8(1))
Newly non-SME	First audit no later than 20 months after acquiring the status (Section 8(2))
Declaration to BAFA	No later than two months after the audit (Section 8c(1))
Exemption	Energy management system or EMAS set up or started (Section 8(3))
Up to 500,000 kWh a year	Declaration with reduced information only (Section 8(4), Section 8c(1))

Who is responsible?

The company arranges the audit, designates a person responsible or contact person for it, and files the declaration with BAFA (Section 8a(1) no. 1, Section 8c(1) EDL-G). The auditor transmits the data in a form the company can keep for historical analysis (Section 8a(2)). In-house auditors may not be directly involved in the activity audited and report directly to management (Section 8b(4)).

If the deadline passes

Administrative offences include intentionally or negligently failing to carry out an energy audit, or to do so correctly, completely or on time, and failing to declare it to BAFA on time (Section 12(1) nos. 1 and 3 EDL-G). BAFA is the competent authority (Section 12(3)).

Two deadlines per audit

Each audit starts two deadlines: the declaration to BAFA within two months (Section 8c(1) EDL-G) and the next audit no later than four years after completion of the previous one (Section 8(1)). A company relying on having started to set up a management system must present a valid DIN EN ISO 50001 certificate or EMAS registration notice after two years at the latest (Section 8c(7)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add the energy audit with the date by which the next audit must be completed, and a second entry for the BAFA declaration two months after the audit.
Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself.
The auditor can upload the report or confirmation through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
Assign a responsible person, such as the energy manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often is an energy audit required in Germany?: At least every four years, counting from completion of the first energy audit (Section 8(1) EDL-G).
When must the audit be declared to BAFA?: No later than two months after it is carried out, using BAFA's online form (Section 8c(1)).
Who is exempt?: Companies with an energy management system or EMAS environmental management system that is set up or being set up (Section 8(3)). With total energy consumption of at most 500,000 kWh a year, a declaration with reduced information is enough (Section 8(4)).
What applies to very high energy consumers?: Above an average of 7.5 GWh over the last three calendar years an energy or environmental management system is mandatory; until it is proven, and at the latest until the set-up deadline, the audit obligation does not apply (Section 8(1) and (2) EnEfG).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

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Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each energy audit for non-SMEs (EDL-G) (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

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Give each energy audit for non-SMEs (EDL-G) (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.