Energy audit according to DIN EN 16247: Meaningful, mandatory, or strategic entry point?

(Updated April 2026) A Energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 helps companies systematically analyze their energy consumption, identify potential savings, and sustainably reduce energy costs. For some companies, such an audit is legally required, while for others, it is a worthwhile strategic entry into energy management and energy efficiency.

In this post, we clarify,

• what companies can do with it after the audit.
• Who benefits from an energy audit?,
• in what form it is enshrined in legislation today,
• how an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 proceeds and

What is an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247?

An energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 is a systematic process for Energy Consumption Analysis a company or facility. The goal is to record energy flows, identify inefficient processes, and recommend concrete measures to improve energy efficiency.

The standard defines uniform structures and procedures, so that audits can be compared, understood, and evaluated based on clear criteria. The audit can be carried out as a standalone measure or as an entry into a comprehensive energy management system.

An energy audit is relevant for which companies?

An energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 can concern three main groups:

1. Companies with statutory audit responsibilities

In Germany, certain companies are obligated to conduct energy audits. The specific criteria (e.g., revenue, number of employees, energy consumption) are always regulated by the current energy efficiency requirements and transparency regulation.

These are currently classic non-SMEs according to the Energy Services Act (EDL-G) with more than 250 employees or an annual turnover of over 50 million Euros and a balance sheet total of over 43 million Euros. This also includes companies within a group structure. They are all required to undergo an audit every four years.

For companies with an annual consumption of 7.5 GWh or more (according to the Energy Efficiency Act), a simple energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 is no longer sufficient. These companies must implement a certified energy management system according to ISO 50001 or an environmental management system according to EMAS introduce.

2. SMEs without direct obligation

Even small and medium-sized enterprises that are not legally required to undergo an audit can voluntarily commission an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247. For many SMEs, the audit is worthwhile for taking advantage of energy tax relief, reducing energy costs, and establishing a structured basis for energy management.

3. Companies involved in energy management

Energy audits are often used as an entry point for an energy management system (e.g., ISO 50001) or a comprehensive efficiency management system. Those who plan to systematically meet energy efficiency requirements in the long term can use an audit to define their action base and concrete implementation plans. This includes, for example, companies with an annual consumption between 2.5 GWh and 7.5 GWh.

Advantages of an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247

An energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 offers companies several advantages:

• Identify savings potential
  Through a systematic analysis of energy consumption, inefficient processes, outdated equipment, and unnecessary energy losses can be identified.
• Reduce costs
  Implementing the recommended measures often leads to significant savings in energy costs and maintenance expenses.
• Environment and Emissions
  Reducing energy consumption generally leads to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and a lower environmental impact.
• Strengthen competitiveness
  Companies that systematically increase energy efficiency reduce their risk from energy price volatility and strengthen their image as sustainable partners.
• Transparency and Compliance
  Structured recording and traceability of energy consumption aids in reporting obligations, stakeholder inquiries, and energy reporting.

How does an energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 work?

An energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 is divided into several steps:

• Hiring an energy auditor
  An energy officer or a responsible contact person within the company selects an independent energy auditor, who is typically certified.
  The selection is usually made based on qualifications, experience, and references.
• Define scope of listening
  Together, the scope of the audit will be determined: which sites, facilities, processes, and energy sources will be considered.
  The dimensions can be expanded depending on company size and objectives.
• Collect and analyze data
  The auditor records energy consumption data, loads processes, inspects systems, and defines measurement points.
  The analysis is carried out based on the currently measured values and previously defined economic and technical criteria.
• Recommendations and Implementation Prioritization
  The results report presents the identified savings potentials, defines and prioritizes measures.
  The economic viability, investment requirements, and expected energy cost savings are presented transparently.

What happens after an energy audit?

After an energy audit, the decision is made on how to implement the results:

• Mandatory company
  Companies that are required to be audited by applicable legislation must formally review and, if necessary, implement the recommended measures that are economically sound.
  The specific implementation obligations are based on the current requirements.
• SMEs and voluntary audits
  For companies that voluntarily conduct an energy audit: the results should be incorporated into planning.
  The implementation of the recommended measures generally leads to very good results, both financially and strategically.
• Introduction to Energy Management
  Many companies use energy audits as the basis for an energy management system according to ISO 50001 or a comprehensive efficiency management system.
  This is how energy efficiency is permanently integrated into business processes.

Energy audits as the basis for energy management

An energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 is not an end in itself, but a strategic component in a company's energy management portfolio.
It delivers:

• A clear analysis of the current situation.
• A prioritization of measures.
• The basis for further energy management measures.

Those already using energy management systems like ISO 50001 or EMAS can use the audit as a supplement or review to validate existing measures in a site- and practice-specific manner.

Conclusion

An energy audit according to DIN EN 16247 is a useful tool for making energy consumption transparent, identifying saving potentials, and reducing costs. For certain companies, it is a legal requirement that must be fulfilled within the framework of energy efficiency regulations. For other companies, especially SMEs, it is an economical entry into energy management, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

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