Energy saving obligation in 2025: What businesses need to know
Sustainable energy management is no longer optional — it’s a legal obligation. As of 2025, the energy-saving obligation for businesses has become more stringent, with tightened guidelines and expanded enforcement mechanisms. This requires a strategic approach to energy management. But how can your organization ensure compliance while also saving on energy costs?
What is the energy saving obligation?
The energy-saving obligation requires companies and institutions that consume at least 50,000 kWh of electricity or 25,000 m³ of natural gas (or equivalent) annually to implement energy-saving measures that pay for themselves within five years. This applies to both building-related and process-related measures.
New in 2025:
✅ Stricter enforcement using automated systems
✅ Expanded Recognized Measures Lists (EML) with sector-specific requirements
✅ Mandatory reporting via the RVO’s eLoket portal before December 1, 2027
🔗 More information can be found on RVO.nl.
Who must comply with the energy saving obligation?
The obligation applies to businesses, institutions, and organizations with high energy consumption, including:
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Industry: Manufacturing companies, factories, and heavy industry
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Offices and real estate: Corporate buildings and commercial property managers
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Hospitality and retail: Hotels, supermarkets, and shopping centers
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Healthcare and education: Hospitals, universities, and other large institutions
When does the obligation apply?
Companies must comply if they:
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Use more than 50,000 kWh of electricity or 25,000 m³ of natural gas (or equivalent) annually
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Fall under the Dutch Environmental Act and must report to the RVO under its energy-saving regulations
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Do not qualify for specific sectoral exemptions
Compliance means businesses must periodically report their energy-saving measures via the RVO’s eLoket portal.
Energy management: how to comply
1. Implement an Energy Management System (EMS)
An EMS offers real-time insights into your energy usage and actively supports energy-saving actions. It allows you to:
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Analyze consumption per location, installation, or process
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Identify saving opportunities through smart algorithms
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Generate reports that align with legal requirements
Since 2023, an EMS is included in the official EML list. Implementing an EMS like EnergyGrip means you immediately meet this legal requirement.
2. Use the Recognized Measures List (EML)
With the right energy management solutions, you can easily meet the EML standards. These are proven measures with a payback period of five years or less. Examples include:
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Smart lighting: Switch to LED lighting with automated controls
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Insulation and ventilation optimization: Improve building insulation to reduce heat loss
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Process optimization: More efficient production methods and advanced energy management systems
An EMS is specifically mentioned as a tool to monitor and optimize these measures.
Subsidies and financing for energy-saving obligations
To help businesses meet the energy-saving obligation, several subsidies and financing options are available in 2025:
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Subsidies: Programs like the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA) and SDE++ subsidy support sustainable investments
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Financing: Banks such as Rabobank offer business loans and funding through platforms like the Zakelijk Energieloket
🔗 More info: rabobank.zakelijkenergieloket.nl
By using these resources, businesses can turn a legal obligation into an opportunity for cost savings and sustainability.
Energy management in real estate: extra focus in 2025
For property managers and building owners, additional requirements apply:
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Buildings must achieve at least an A++ energy label
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Effective management and maintenance (DBO) is mandatory to ensure implemented measures deliver results
An EMS helps monitor building performance and detect areas for improvement.
What if you don’t comply?
Enforcement will be more strict in 2025. Municipalities and provinces can:
⚠️ Impose fines for non-compliance
⚠️ Increase enforcement through data-driven inspections
⚠️ Enforce stricter CO₂ reduction policies
Take control of energy savings with the right solution
A proactive approach with a smart energy management system like EnergyGrip not only ensures compliance with the energy-saving obligation but also delivers long-term cost savings.
👉 Curious how it works?
Schedule a free demo of EnergyGrip to stay compliant and in control of your energy use.
Want to learn more? Visit RVO.nl for the latest regulations.