Energy Efficiency Directive - EED
Large enterprises and government institutions must comply with the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Under the current EED directive, companies are subject to an audit obligation: once every four years an assessment of your organization’s energy consumption needs to be conducted and reported to the RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency).
Revision of EED Directive
The European Commission aims to encourage companies and institutions to implement more energy-saving measures. To achieve climate targets, the European EED Directive was tightened in 2023. Member states are currently translating this into national legislation. The revised EED Directive is expected to come into force in the Netherlands by the end of 2026.
Who does the EED apply to?
Not every company falls under the EED. Currently, the EED applies to all enterprises or institutions with:
- More than 250 employees; or
- An annual turnover of at least €50 million and an annual balance sheet exceeding €43 million in total.
Under the revised directive, the EED applies to all enterprises or institutions with:
- An average annual energy consumption of more than 10 TJ (terajoules) and less than 85 TJ over the past three years. These organizations are subject to the EED audit obligation.
- An average annual energy consumption of at least 85 TJ over the past three years. These large organizations are required to implement an energy management system.
Energy management system
Organizations that fall under the audit obligation but already have an internationally recognized energy or environmental management system, or an RVO-approved certification scheme, are exempt from the EED audit requirement. Examples of RVO-recognized certifications include BREEAM-NL In-Use and ISO 50001.
What is an EED energy audit?
The EED energy audit is an initial assessment that provides a baseline measurement of your current energy consumption and identifies opportunities for energy efficiency. This audit must be conducted every four years. Based on the results of the EED audit, we can create a comprehensive list of energy-saving measures, including their associated costs and projected payback periods.
EED audit by SGS Search
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is responsible for monitoring compliance with EED obligations and the quality of audit reports. Since RVO sets strict requirements, it is advisable to have the audit carried out by experienced consultants.
Our expertise ensures that the audit complies with all legal requirements and that the report is clear, complete, and practical for both RVO and your organization. In addition, we assist not only with the report itself but also with developing a feasible action plan for implementing the recommended measures.
Implementation energy management system
If your organization’s average annual energy consumption exceeded 85 TJ over the past three years, you are required to implement an energy management system by 11 October 2027. Our consultants can support you with a sustainability assessment and obtaining BREEAM certification.
Strategic action plan for recognized measures
The EED audit may not be your sole obligation. Hence, we intelligently integrate our investigations. Utilizing the findings of the energy audit, we can promptly formulate an action plan to adhere to the recognized list of energy-saving measures outlined in the Activities Decree (Environmental Management Act). Additionally, we can aid in enhancing the energy performance of your property.
Want to know more?
The EED offers an opportunity to prepare your organization and real estate for a sustainable future. From a baseline assessment and action plan to EED reporting to the RVO: SGS Search offers a complete service of taking care of everything related to EED obligations.
Are you interested in learning more about the EED audit, energy-efficiency research, and other energy measures? Contact us for more information via the form below.
