The influence of energy management systems on the progress of efficient energy use in cross-cutting technologies in companies

The implementation of energy efficiency measures in companies is the key to a successful energy transition. To that end, companies should improve their energy efficiency and achieve energy savings. The aim of this paper is to present the current status of energy efficiency in companies based on selected cross-cutting technologies and to empirically investigate the implementation status of these measures. For this purpose, a multiple case study was conducted with 386 companies from different industries. The data basis of the case study was generated by means of questionnaires, interviews, and expert visits, and the data were collected within the framework of the Network of Regional Competence Centers for Energy Efficiency, an EU-funded project. A comparison of the potentials of companies with an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 and companies without such a system was carried out on the basis of 12 cross-cutting technologies. Statistical evaluation methods and hypothesis testing of eleven hypotheses and nine expressions were used. Our case study showed that (1) the level of energy efficiency in companies is highly dependent on the measure considered. (2) Simple measures have lower potentials than more complex, cost-intensive measures. (3) A positive effect of energy management on energy efficiency in general and on individual measures such as lighting technology, energy monitoring, peak load management, and energy purchasing is empirically confirmed. Further studies should investigate the interaction and correlation of individual efficiency measures (e.g., investments and organizational measures in cross-cutting technologies) in companies to make more targeted statements about the companies' needs and to create efficient support programs.