The EN 16001 standard of 2009 sets uniform EU-wide criteria for structured energy management systems. By implementing the standard, companies and organisations can improve their energy efficiency and identify energy saving potential. The new guideline published by Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) shows in a clear and practice-oriented way just how it is done and that doing so is worthwhile in both environmental and economic respects.