Conserving energy through benchmarking

adelphi and the Austrian Energy Agency are currently developing the methodological foundations for energy-efficiency benchmarking, which helps to identify potential to conserve energy.

Industrial and commercial businesses can significantly reduce their energy costs by taking steps to boost energy efficiency. However, problems often arise when implementing these measures because companies cannot determine their current energy consumption or have difficulties doing so. DIN EN 16231 – which adelphi has viewed in its final draft – is the first standard to stipulate uniform requirements for energy-efficiency benchmarking, which helps to reveal potential to conserve energy.

As part of a research project for the Federal Environment Agency, adelphi and the Austrian Energy Agency are developing the methodological foundations required to enable sound benchmarking in line with the standard. The aim is to provide a clear explanation of the particular requirements – illustrated using examples from selected branches and cross-sector technologies – and integrate them into a web-based tool. The findings will be presented to experts in the field on 17 September and discussed with selected specialists.