A new era of energy efficiency

The EU’s revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED 2023/1791) came into force in October 2023, with national implementation required by 12 October 2025. The changes will have a broad impact on Finnish companies, municipalities, and other public actors, bringing not only new obligations but also major opportunities to improve energy efficiency and cut costs.

New obligations for the private sector

The updated directive changes the scope of energy efficiency obligations for the private sector. Previously, under the Energy Efficiency Act, the requirement to carry out energy audits mainly applied to large enterprises, defined by headcount, turnover, and balance sheet. The revised directive shifts the focus to a company’s average annual energy consumption over the past three calendar years. As a result, small and medium-sized enterprises may also fall within its scope in the future.

The new consumption thresholds and related obligations are twofold:

• Certified energy management system: Companies with an average annual energy consumption of more than 23,600 MWh over the past three years must implement a certified energy management system. Acceptable systems include at least ISO 50001 and ETJ+.

• Mandatory energy audit: Companies with an average annual energy consumption of more than 2,700 MWh but less than 23,600 MWh, and that do not operate an energy management system, must conduct an energy audit. The audit must be renewed every four years.

Companies must notify the Energy Authority if their consumption exceeds these thresholds in any calendar year. Those that carry out an energy audit must also prepare a concrete action plan for implementing the recommendations identified. These requirements are designed to strengthen the directive’s goal of moving from passive reporting to active implementation.

The benefits of an energy management system

With EG EnerKey’s 30 years of experience and more than a thousand customers using the platform as a central tool in their energy management processes, we have extensive insight into the benefits of systematic energy efficiency work. While a standardized energy management system may initially seem demanding, it almost always pays for itself.

Beyond tangible energy and cost savings, an energy management system can improve productivity, reinforce corporate culture through a model of continuous improvement, and meet the expectations of customers and stakeholders. In short, systematic energy management addresses both regulatory requirements and an organization’s own goals for responsibility and cost efficiency, helping organizations move from recognizing energy-saving potential to delivering concrete, measurable results.

The energy management toolbox

In this transformation, smart software solutions (EMS systems) play a central role. While the principles of energy management are clear, practical implementation and ongoing maintenance require effective, integrated tools. By providing real-time insights into energy use patterns, modern software enables organizations to identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability targets.

As expectations for transparency and accountability continue to grow, investing in energy management software is no longer just a technical decision – it is a step toward building a smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable organization. Such systems provide the visibility needed to optimize energy use, streamline reporting, and proactively meet sustainability requirements. They must support growth, adapt to regulation, and enable transparency, collaboration, and sound decision-making across departments. In doing so, they drive long-term cost savings, compliance, and flexibility in an increasingly data-driven business environment.

Alongside their analytical capabilities, EMS platforms also act as a unifying hub across the organization. Energy managers, sustainability officers, finance teams, and property operators can collaborate seamlessly using the same up-to-date data to align strategies, optimize energy use, and ensure compliance with reporting standards. By breaking down silos between departments, EMS systems foster a shared understanding of energy efficiency – leading to better coordination and more effective use of resources.

Towards a more sustainable society

In an increasingly data-driven world, technology plays a crucial role in how organizations optimize their energy use and building operations. The ability to collect, analyze, and apply real-time data is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity for organizations seeking to improve efficiency, lower costs, and remain competitive in a constantly changing regulatory landscape.

Sustainability and efficiency are not just buzzwords – they are essential goals shaping the future of the built environment. Buildings will play a decisive role in the transition to a more sustainable society. Fittingly, the theme of Green Building Week 2025 is “From Sustainability to Competitive Advantage: Business goes better when you’re bold on buildings” – a message that’s hard to disagree with.

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