Energy audit requirements and standards in Austria

Fully implemented by the Austrian Energy Efficiency Act (Bundes-Energieeffizienzgesetz – EEffG), Federal Law Gazette I No. 2014/72, (in force since 12/08/2014 (regulation on energy audits in force since 01/01/2015)).

Qualifying undertakings must take certain measures for the years 2015 – 2020 in order to improve energy efficiency. Such measures involve

1. i. external energy audits at least every four years;
2. ii. the implementation of an energy/environmental management system; and
3. iii. the execution of an energy advisory service at least every four years.

Large undertakings (see below) may choose between completing the measures of external energy audits and the implementation of an energy/environmental management system (which has to be notified to the National Energy Efficiency Monitoring Agency) by the following dates:

• energy audits: 30/11/2015; and
• energy/environmental management systems: ten months from the date of notification, but 30/11/2015 at the latest.

Small and medium sized undertakings (SMEs, see below) may undergo energy advisory services every four years. The result of such advice shall be documented and forwarded to the National Energy Efficiency Monitoring Agency.

A qualifying (large, non-SME) undertaking is an undertaking which meets one or both of the following:


1. i. ≥ 250 employees; and/or
2. ii. an annual turnover of > EUR 50m and a balance sheet total of > EUR 43m.

Each qualifying undertaking which is at least 50% owned by another undertaking is considered to be a part of such parent undertaking. Therefore, in evaluating the mentioned thresholds all such group companies are considered on an aggregate basis. If the criteria are met, all group companies are therefore required to comply with the energy efficiency measures.

There is no concept of “qualification date” under Austrian law. Qualifying undertakings have to comply with the obligations from the date on which the implementing legislation entered into force and must complete energy audits and/or comply with other applicable obligations by the compliance deadline.

Monetary fines up to EUR 20,000, unless other criminal or other administrative laws apply. Please note that non-compliance with other sections of the Energy Efficiency Act, in particular involving energy supplier, may result in different and higher fines.