Sustainably reduce energy costs and secure competitive advantages

With the new law on increasing energy efficiency and amending the Energy Services Act (EnEfG), the German government has now created a clear framework for systematically improving energy efficiency in companies: Companies are now obliged to make their energy consumption transparent and reduce it sustainably.  

Technical purchasers, production managers, and energy managers are at the center of this development. They are called upon to view energy efficiency not only as a mandatory task within the framework of new legal regulations, but also as a strategic instrument for reducing operating costs and ensuring long-term competitiveness. The requirements affect many companies, which must specifically adapt their processes, structures, and investment decisions. 

The law defines specific obligations, ranging from the systematic recording of energy consumption to the introduction of efficiency measures. When implemented correctly, these requirements offer the opportunity to gain transparency about energy use, uncover savings potential, and use resources more sustainably. Companies that invest in professional energy management at an early stage not only lay the foundation for compliance but also strengthen their market position. 

Background to the EnEfG advantages

The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) is part of a larger European strategy: With the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791, the EU has set targets to significantly reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Germany has been implementing these requirements with the EnEfG since November 18, 2023, thereby expanding the previous regulations of the Energy Services Act (EDL-G). 

• The Energy Efficiency Act sets clear requirements for binding final and primary energy savings targets for the first time. Specifically, this means: 

• By 2030, actual energy consumption should be around a quarter lower than in 2008. 

• Primary energy consumption (total energy used, including losses) should be reduced by 39.3% by 2030.  

• The long-term plan: By 2045, final energy consumption is to be reduced by 45% overall.  

These targets make it clear that energy efficiency is not just a short-term measure, but part of a long-term transformation strategy for the economy and society. 

Which companies are affected by the new Energy Efficiency Act?

The expanded Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) is aimed at medium-sized and large companies as well as energy-intensive businesses.  

Companies with … 

• an annual energy consumption of more than 7.5 GW
• more than 250 employees 
• an annual turnover of at least €50 million or a balance sheet total of €43 million 
• energy-intensive production processes 

These companies face the challenge of complying with legal requirements while saving costs. Especially against the backdrop of current energy price developments, early and strategic implementation not only helps to fulfill legal obligations but also offers significant cost savings and competitive advantages. 

Overview of key requirements of the EnEfG

To meet the requirements, companies must fulfill clearly defined obligations: 

• Implement an energy management system (ISO 50001 or EMAS certified)
• Conduct an energy audit every four years in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1
• Implement economically viable energy efficiency measures (amortization < 3 years)
• Ensure transparent annual reporting on consumption and savings

In addition, companies must regularly evaluate and adjust their measures to ensure long-term efficiency gains. 

These legal requirements also represent a strategic opportunity: companies that take a systematic approach to energy efficiency reduce costs, strengthen their competitiveness, and demonstrate that they are responsible, forward-looking players.  

The current BAFA information sheet (as of July 7, 2025) explains the changes in detail. In addition, the information sheet contains specific guidance on the design of implementation plans based on ISO 50001 and EMAS. 

Step by step to digital energy management

To effectively meet requirements and fully exploit efficiency potential, we recommend the following steps: 

1. Digitally record and analyze consumption: A transparent data basis creates clarity and a solid basis for decision-making. Digital tools enable detailed analyses and reveal previously invisible savings potential.
2. Establish digital energy management: Define clear responsibilities and processes based on digital solutions to reduce complexity.
3. Prioritize measures in a targeted manner: Digital tools support you in prioritizing economically viable measures with short payback periods. This allows you to make optimal use of your resources and achieve quick results.
4. Set up efficient monitoring: Real-time monitoring makes savings visible and enables continuous improvements. Digital platforms offer automatic reports and real-time dashboards that allow energy data to be centrally recorded and evaluated.

Mastering challenges: Strategies for efficient implementation

Implementing the expanded EnEfG can be complex. Typical challenges include initial investment costs, lack of resources, and complex technical requirements.  

Successful strategies include: 

• Utilizing government subsidy programs to minimize financial burdens 

• Collaborating with experts to benefit from their experience and technological know-how 

• Long-term investment planning to minimize risks 

• Employee training and clear communication are crucial for the successful and sustainable implementation of the measures. The better employees are involved in the process and trained, the greater the chance of long-term success. 

• Introduction of a continuous improvement process to not only meet legal requirements, but also to benefit from the advantages of increased energy efficiency in the long term. 

Advantages of early introduction and implementation

The implementation of the EnEfG offers companies numerous advantages: 

• Reduced energy costs: Sustainable reduction in operating costs 

• Competitive advantages: Early adaptation gives you a decisive edge over your competitors 

• Funding opportunities: Government support through targeted funding programs facilitates financing 

• Better reputation: Sustainable action strengthens brand image and customer loyalty 

• Long-term planning: Digital tools enable long-term savings and facilitate future adjustments to regulatory changes 

In addition, the targeted implementation of the EnEfG requirements improves resilience to future energy price increases and stricter legal requirements. 

How the EnEfG turns into your key to success

The Energy Efficiency Act can be much more than a legal obligation for companies. It offers companies the opportunity to increase their competitiveness in the long term. It is important to plan strategically at an early stage, prioritize suitable measures, and make targeted use of external support. Digital solutions help not only to efficiently meet the requirements of the EnEfG, but also to benefit from significant cost savings and clear competitive advantages in the long term. 

Sources

Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle. Merkblatt für das Energieeffizienzgesetz (EnEfG). As of July 7, 2025. Accessed on August 11, 2025, at https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ea_merkblatt_energieefffizienzgesetz.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

Industrie- und Handelskammer Karlsruhe. BAFA-Merkblatt zum Energieeffizienzgesetz aktualisiert. Accessed on August 11, 2025, at:  https://www.ihk.de/karlsruhe/fachthemen/energie/aktuellesenergie/bafa-merkblatt-zum-energieeffizienzgesetz-aktualisiert 

Bundesministerium der Justiz und Verbraucherschutz. Gesetz zur Steigerung der Energieeffizienz in Deutschland¹ (Energieeffizienzgesetz – EnEfG). Accessed on August 11, 2025, at: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/enefg/BJNR1350B0023.html 

Learn how openpack simplifies data exchange between systems, reduces technical costs, and optimizes operational processes in the long term.

A Look into Production Halls, where Purchasing is often still analog 

A defective bearing, a torn seal or a failed control unit is enough to bring entire production lines to a standstill. At such moments, the procurement of spare parts determines whether machines will be up and running again quickly, or whether expensive downtime will occur. 

Despite state-of-the-art machinery, many spare parts procurement processes are still surprisingly analogue. Paper-based processes, Excel spreadsheets and phone calls characterise everyday life. However, this is precisely where change is needed: Purchasing 4.0 stands for digital processes that save time, reduce costs, and increase resilience. 

Purchasing 4.0: A Strategic Investment in Digital Transformation 

The concept of „Purchasing 4.0“ has been a subject of much discussion. However, what are the factors that underpin this phenomenon? 

The core issue is the intelligent connection of data, systems and people. The objective is not only to digitally map existing processes, but to thoroughly rethink them. 

The most important features of Procurement 4.0: 

• Digital Data Flows: Information is exchanged automatically between machines, ERP systems and suppliers. 

• Transparency through digitalization: Data is available centrally and is therefore always up to date. It is also tailored to relevance and responsibility on an individual basis. 

• Proactive Control Systems: designed to identify potential bottlenecks before they arise, ensuring efficient operational management. 

• Increased Speed: Processes are automated, ensuring minimal waiting times. 

• Early Warning Systems are key to minimizing risk and avoiding business disruptions. 

In terms of spare parts procurement, this translates to reduced downtime, minimized storage costs and a more robust supply chain. 

Challenges in Traditional Spare Parts Procurement 

Anyone who purchases spare parts is only too familiar with the usual hurdles: 

• Slow response times: Several days often elapse between notification of requirements, enquiry and order, which is a major problem when machines are down. 

• Susceptibility to errors: Manual processes lead to transmission errors, multiple orders or incorrect items. 

• Lack of transparency: Who ordered what? Where is the part? When will the delivery arrive? Often, answers to these questions are missing. 

• High stock levels: People often buy ‚in stock‘ out of fear of running out, which ties up capital and increases storage costs. 

Digital solutions can alleviate these issues, but only if companies are prepared to fundamentally rethink their processes. 

Automated spare parts procurement: the next evolutionary step 

The digital transformation is not limited to the procurement of spare parts. In the current business climate, there is an increasing trend among companies to adopt automated processes. This move is driven by the objective of achieving significant savings in terms of time, financial resources, and other assets. Automation encompasses a wide range of processes, extending well beyond the scope of basic digital order forms. 

Core elements of automated spare parts procurement: 

• Digital Spare Parts Lists: These parts lists are maintained electronically. This ensures that each spare part is always correctly identified and assigned to its designated machine. 

• Live Availability Systems are in place to immediately show whether a spare part is available and how quickly it can be delivered. 

• Automatic Demand Messages: Machines are designed to signal independently when components wear out or need to be replaced. 

• Initiate Order Proposals or utilize Auto-Ordering Mechanisms: Intelligent software automatically generates order proposals or triggers orders directly. 

• Supplier Integration: Digital interfaces facilitate the swift exchange of pricing, delivery times and order statuses. 

The result is a significant reduction in manual work, lower error rates and, most importantly, much faster response times when they are needed. 

What are the key drivers behind the decision to implement this change? 

To successfully navigate the path towards Purchasing 4.0 and automated spare parts procurement, it is essential to implement a clear strategy.  

The advantages are significant: 

• Time Savings: Automated processes are timesaving and significantly shorten procurement routes. 

• Cost Savings: Less warehousing, lower process costs 

• Enhanced Purchasing Conditions: Suppliers often grant online discounts 

• Competitive Advantage: The digitization of spare parts processes enables companies to act faster and more flexibly than their competitors. 

• Better Basis for Decision-Making: Data-based analyses create clarity about requirements, supplier performance and costs. 

By transitioning, companies can ensure a stable supply chain and a modern purchasing organization, which is a crucial factor in times of global uncertainty. 

Challenges on the path to Purchasing 4.0 

Of course, the transition to full automation is not guaranteed to be successful, and the process will take time. Many companies are still struggling with incomplete or outdated master data. Different systems often use different languages, which can cause media disruptions. Furthermore, it is essential for employees to develop a sense of confidence in new automated processes. Initial implementation of new systems is often accompanied by expenses related to time and financial resources, including training. 

However, addressing these challenges is crucial, particularly considering the escalating market volatility. 

A forward-looking perspective 

The development of Purchasing 4.0 and the procurement of spare parts is still in its infancy. However, many exciting developments have long been visible. Some of these are already a reality and will continue to gain in importance in the future: 

• Artificial Intelligence: Systems are learning to predict requirements ever more precisely and trigger orders automatically. 

• Digital Twins: Virtual images of machines, including all spare parts, enable the implementation of precise maintenance and procurement strategies. 

• Blockchain Technologies: In the current business environment, the importance of tamper-proof supply chains and transparent proof of origin is increasing.  

• Platform Economy: Digital marketplaces provide a platform for buyers and sellers of spare parts, offering transparency and choice. 

It is evident that the future of spare parts procurement will be characterized by increased efficiency, intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. 

Conclusion: Purchasing 4.0 is not merely a passing trend … 

… it is an essential component of modern business strategy. 

Purchasing 4.0 is no longer a vision, but a necessary step for companies that wish to remain competitive in the future. Procurement of spare parts has the potential to streamline processes, reduce costs and ensure machine uptime.  

Digitalization is a key driver of competitiveness in the business world. Companies that prioritize and implement digital strategies gain a significant advantage, impacting not only their technological capabilities but also their economic and strategic positioning. 

Find out how openpack simplifies data exchange between systems, reduces technical costs and sustainably optimizes operational processes.