Energy Saving Obligation: Recognized Measures and Notification
Large energy consumers in the Netherlands are subject to the Energy Saving Obligation (in Dutch: energiebesparingsplicht). They are required to implement all energy saving measures with a payback period of five years or less. In addition, they must report on these measures once every four years. This obligation falls within the framework of the Environment and Planning Act (in Dutch: Omgevingswet).
Large energy consumption
The energy-saving obligation applies to companies and organizations with an energy consumption of more than 50,000 kWh of electricity and/or 25,000 m³ of natural gas per year, and that carry out a relevant environmentally impactful activity at the location (Netherlands Enterprise Agency).
What does the Energy Saving Obligation entail?
Companies and organizations that are subject to this obligation, must implement all energy-saving measures with a payback period of five years or less.
In addition, they must report on which measures were taken once every four years. This is done through the Energy Saving Notification Obligation and/or the Energy Saving Investigation Obligation.
Recognized Energy Saving Measures List
The Recognized Energy Saving Measures List (in Dutch, EML: Erkende Maatregelenlijst) includes the most common energy-saving measures, which generally have a payback period of five years or less. In many cases, applying these measures is therefore mandatory.
2027: Energy Saving Obligation tightened
The requirements for the Energy Saving Obligation are expected to be tightened as of 1 July 2027. The most important changes are:
- The maximum payback period for mandatory energy-saving measures will increase from 5 years to 7 years. This means more measures will fall under the obligation.
- The current threshold of 50,000 kWh of electricity consumption will be raised to 100,000 kWh.
- The Recognized Measures List will be updated, and some measures will be merged together.
Complying with the Energy Saving Obligation
If your organisation falls under the Energy Saving Obligation, it is important to assess which measures you need to implement. We can perform this assessment for you. Our energy consultants carry out an on-site inspection for this purpose.
The result of this energy-saving assessment is a tailored advisory report detailing exactly which measures you can take and their financial benefits. Based on this advice, you can implement the measures required to comply with the obligation.
Notification Obligation
We can also help you comply with the Energy Saving Notification Obligation at short notice. Our experienced consultants have the expertise to provide suitable solutions related to this requirement.
Combination EED audit
It is possible that your organization is also subject to the EED obligation. This depends on several factors. We can easily combine all required assessments for you.
