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News publ. 30. Mar 2024
News publ. 06. Mar 2014
Manufacturers estimate that 15 per cent of their energy consumption could be saved. Yet only few small and mid-sized enterprises are taking advantage of systematic energy management. With funding from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, adelphi consults German companies.
As of the start of 2014, businesses wishing to take advantage of eco-tax refunds ("Spitzenausgleich") must fulfil greater requirements. Last year, the introduction of a certified energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001, or EMAS, become a legal requirement for granting eco-tax refunds. While in 2013 it was relatively easy to comply with regulations by gradually introducing such a system, as of 2014 the requirements are stricter. As well as analysing energy sources, businesses must now also assess their main energy consumers. From 2015 onwards, it will also be necessary to identify and implement appropriate measures to continue to benefit from eco-tax refunds. Timely planning and adhering to statutory deadlines are crucial in order to qualify for a refund. It is therefore highly advisable to begin introducing a system as early as in spring 2014 in order to compile the necessary data by the end of the year.
Systematic energy management pays off in the long term: According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute ISI, businesses in the German manufacturing sector estimate possible savings in energy consumption to be in the region of 15 per cent. To ensure the success of an energy management system, it is essential to choose appropriate methods, control points and measuring technology. Only with the right tools can businesses achieve sufficient precision and discover areas for improvement.
However, so far only few SMEs in the manufacturing sector have focussed on an efficient use of energy. These enterprises can now benefit from a scheme by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs entitled "Energy Saving – A Systematic Approach". The aim of this support scheme is to help introduce simpler approaches to energy management in SMEs in the manufacturing sector, such as alternative systems in accordance with Appendix 2 of the Efficiency Act on Eco-Tax Refunds (SpaEfV), or regular energy audits in accordance with DIN EN 16247.
Consulting services provided by adelphi form an important element in this programme. The think tank has been commissioned by the BMAS to assist SMEs in the introductory phase. A large proportion of the consultancy fee will be covered by federal funding, and companies will only be required to pay a one-off participation charge of €1,000. The consulting services will be customised to suit the needs of the participating businesses. adelphi will support the individuals and departments responsible for introducing a suitable energy management system, and will also advise them on applying for eco-tax refunds.
If you would like to know more about the scheme, or require support for an application or developing an energy management system, you can contact Karolin Blattmann at adelphi research gGmbH (tel. +49 30 8900068-23 or email blattmannadelphi [dot] de (blattmann[at]adelphi[dot]de)).