Energy Saving Investigation Obligation: What does it mean?
What is the Energy Saving Investigation Obligation?
The Energy Saving Investigation Obligation is a legal requirement for companies and institutions with high energy consumption to investigate which energy-saving measures they can implement.
It is part of the broader Energy Saving Information Obligation, stemming from the Dutch Environmental Management Act (Wet Milieubeheer).
This obligation applies to organizations that consume at least 10 million kWh of electricity or 170,000 m³ of natural gas per year.
Why is the Investigation Obligation important?
The government aims to accelerate energy savings and reduce CO₂ emissions.
Companies with high energy consumption have a significant environmental impact and therefore face additional obligations to map their energy use and explore saving opportunities.
Benefits of the Investigation Obligation
- Cost savings: Energy-saving measures lead to lower energy bills.
- Sustainability: Reducing CO₂ emissions contributes to climate goals.
- Compliance: Avoid fines and meet regulatory requirements.
- Reputation advantage: Show that your organization actively contributes to a sustainable future.
What must your organization do?
- Conduct an investigation: You must have an assessment performed to identify energy-saving measures with a payback period of five years or less.
- Reporting obligation: The findings must be submitted to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) through their eLoket portal.
- Implementation: Recognized cost-effective measures must be implemented.
- Monitoring and enforcement: Environmental agencies will monitor compliance with the Investigation Obligation.
Reporting requirements and structure
To meet legal requirements, your report must include:
- A description of energy consumption and energy-saving measures that are cost-effective within five years.
- Technical justification for the proposed measures.
- A cost-benefit analysis of the measures.
- A plan and timeline for implementing the measures.
- References to the methodologies and data sources used.
Deadline for submission
Reports must be submitted before the specified deadline through the RVO’s eLoket portal.
Failure to comply may result in fines or other enforcement actions by authorities.
Technical requirements and report submission
Many companies may be unfamiliar with the technical aspects of reporting. It is advisable to:
- Use certified energy consultants.
- Deploy energy management and monitoring systems to collect data.
- Contact the RVO in advance for clarification on guidelines.
Difference between the Investigation Obligation and the EED Audit Obligation
Besides the Investigation Obligation, there is also the EED Audit Obligation (European Energy Efficiency Directive).
The key differences and similarities are:
Energy Saving Investigation Obligation:
- Mandatory for companies with energy consumption >10 million kWh or 170,000 m³ of gas per year.
- Focuses specifically on identifying energy-saving measures with a five-year payback period.
- Requires reporting to the RVO.
EED Audit Obligation:
- Mandatory for large enterprises (>250 employees or >€50 million annual turnover).
- Involves a broader audit of all energy flows within the organization.
- Reporting must be completed every four years and submitted to the RVO.
Overlap and determining which obligation applies
Some companies fall under both obligations. It is advisable to:
- Check whether your company meets the EED criteria.
- Consider combining both reports for greater efficiency.
- Seek advice from an energy expert to determine which obligations apply.
Preparing for reporting
To prepare properly for the Investigation Obligation, companies can:
- Conduct an energy scan by a specialist.
- Use energy management systems like smart meters to collect data.
- Utilize templates and tools provided by the RVO, such as sample reports, checklists, manuals, and online tools.
- Link to existing energy monitoring systems to pull data directly.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Investigation Obligation
1. Which companies fall under the Investigation Obligation?
Companies and institutions consuming more than 10 million kWh of electricity or 170,000 m³ of natural gas annually.
2. What is the difference between the Information Obligation and the Investigation Obligation?
- Information Obligation: Applies to companies with energy consumption from 50,000 kWh or 25,000 m³ gas per year and requires reporting on implemented energy-saving measures.
- Investigation Obligation: Applies to large energy consumers and requires a detailed investigation into potential savings.
3. What happens if my company does not comply?
Authorities can enforce compliance through fines or mandatory measures.
Conclusion
The Energy Saving Investigation Obligation is a critical measure to encourage companies to save energy and operate more sustainably.
By acting early, companies benefit from cost savings, improve their sustainability profile, and avoid penalties.
👉 Want to know how your organization can comply with the Investigation Obligation?
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