Introduction
The first national observatory was structured into two thematic blocks. The first block focused on the current German data collection and evaluation practice of data on energy audits and energy management systems (EnMS) as part of the monitoring procedure of the energy audit obligation stemming from the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). dena provided an impulse on the current practice and showed which data evaluations are currently done in Germany and in other European countries.
Attendance
A total of 21 participants took part in the German National Observatory 1, bringing together voices from policy making, professional and business associations, finance, regulation, and academia to foster cross-sector collaboration.
| Stakeholder type | Participating stakeholders |
| 🏛 Policy Makers | 5 |
| 👩💼 Professional Associations | 10 |
| 💰 Funding & Regulation Bodies | 1 |
| 🏦 Financial Institutions | 1 |
| 🏭 Business Associations | 3 |
| 🎓 Academia & Research | 1 |
Agenda
| Time | Agenda item | Format |
| 10:00 – 10:10 (10 min) | Arrival and welcome | Introduction by dena |
| 10:10 – 10:15 (5 min) | Background to the project and objectives of the workshop | Impulse by dena |
| Block I: Data on energy audits and energy management systems (60 min) | ||
| 10:15 – 10:30 (15 min) | Collection and evaluation of data on energy audits and energy management systems in Germany and other countries | Impulse by dena |
| 10:30 – 11:10 (40 min) | Improving the data situation to promote the implementation of energy efficiency measures Key questions for the discussion: What added value and potential do you see in analysing and using data on energy audits and energy management systems? Which analyses and possible uses are desirable from the perspective of companies? How do you see current data collection practices in Germany? What would be a beneficial future development? | Discussion of all stakeholders based on key questions and collection on whiteboard |
| 11:10 – 11:15 (5 min) | Summary | Consolidation by dena |
| 11:15 – 11:20 (5 min) | Break | |
| Block II: Implementation of the requirements of Article 11 of the EED (30 min) | ||
| 11:20- 11:50 (30 min) | Implementation of the requirements of Article 11 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Germany with focus on practical realisation of requirements on “Action Plans” and reporting on EnMS Key questions for the discussion: How can the new requirements of the EED regarding monitoring and data collection be implemented as practically and efficiently as possible? What needs to be considered, particularly with regard to EnMS and “Action Plans”? In your opinion, how can the awareness of companies of their obligations, of the benefits of energy audits and EnMS and of support programmes be increased? | Discussion of all stakeholders based on key questions and collection on whiteboard |
| 11:50 – 12:00 (10 min) | Feedback, next steps and farewell | Feedback from all participants on the workshop Consolidation by dena |
Summary and Key Outcomes
The first German National Observatory focused on the current German data collection and evaluation practice of data on Energy Audits and Energy Management Systems (EnMS), as part of the monitoring procedure of the energy audit obligation stemming from the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Also, in the second part of the meeting, the discussion revolved around an efficient and practical implementation of the EED requirements in Germany, regarding reporting on “Action Plans” and on EnMS. The discussions led to the following main conclusions:
- Improved Data Evaluation: Stakeholders emphasized the value of collecting and analysing data on energy audits and energy management systems (EnMS) to support political decision-making and guide enterprises.
- Support for Enterprises: Clear, practical information—such as potential energy savings, support programmes, and real-world examples—was seen as critical for helping companies, especially those new to energy efficiency.
- Impact of Public Reporting: Publishing “Action Plans” can incentivize companies to act, but also risks leading to vague reporting to avoid reputational pressure.
- Minimising Burden: To make reporting effective and manageable, stakeholders highlighted the need for user-friendly electronic forms and centralised portals for streamlined data submission.
Access the meeting’s presentation
