Energy audit, energy plan or energy management system: which requirement applies to your organisation?
In Flanders, businesses are required, under certain conditions, to carry out an energy audit, draw up an energy plan or implement an energy management system. Which requirement applies depends on your organisation’s final annual energy consumption.
What obligations apply today?
Important change on the horizon: At the end of 2026, the legal framework will undergo fundamental changes as a result of the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For example, the threshold for the energy audit requirement will be lowered to 10 TJ and, from 85 TJ, an energy management system will be mandatory.
Update: On 17 July, the Flemish Government approved in principle the amendment to the Energy Decree to further transpose the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) into Flemish legislation. The new EBO3 also lowers the threshold to 85 TJ.
On this page, you can find out which energy consumption thresholds apply and how Encon can support your organisation in this regard.
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Energy Plan (certified)
Businesses with higher energy consumption are required to draw up a certified energy plan and update it regularly. This plan identifies where energy is consumed and what measures are needed to improve this on a structural basis.
Encon ensures that this does not remain a mere administrative exercise. We translate the energy plan into a concrete action plan with clear priorities and realistic savings targets, fully in line with VEKA’s requirements.
EBO (Energy Policy Agreement)
Energy-intensive businesses can join an Energy Policy Agreement (EBO). This programme combines an energy audit with a long-term commitment to energy efficiency and reporting.
Encon provides support both in drawing up the energy plan and in the annual monitoring and reporting. This ensures you remain compliant whilst maintaining control over your energy performance.
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Mandatory energy audit for non-energy-intensive businesses
Non-energy-intensive businesses are required to carry out a periodic energy audit. This audit maps out energy consumption and identifies cost-effective energy-saving measures, which must then be implemented.
Encon takes a pragmatic approach: rather than a theoretical report, we provide a clear overview of measures that are feasible and will have a real impact on your energy costs.
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Energy Study (Energy Planning Decree – BEP)
An energy study may be required when applying for a planning permission or an extension. You must demonstrate that your installation is as energy-efficient as possible and utilises the best available techniques.
Encon supports you throughout this process from start to finish: from data analysis and technical evaluation to reporting and liaising with the verification body. We ensure that your study not only complies with the regulations but also identifies specific areas for optimisation.
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ISO 50001 Energy Management System
For organisations with high energy consumption, structured energy management is becoming increasingly important. Under the revised European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), organisations with an average annual energy consumption of more than 85 TJ over the past three years must implement a certified energy management system. The deadline for this is 11 October 2027.
ISO 50001 provides a recognised framework for this. Rather than analysing energy consumption periodically, you embed energy management structurally within your organisation, with continuous monitoring, targets and improvement measures.
Encon guides you through the process, from gap analysis and roadmap to implementation and certification.
More than just compliance: derive value from your energy obligations
Many companies view energy audits as a mere formality. In practice, however, they provide a solid foundation for cutting costs and improving your energy policy.
By carrying out the right analyses and setting the right priorities, you can:
- systematically reduce energy consumption
- better justify investments
- achieve a quick return on investment
- be prepared for future regulations
Encon helps you make that transition, from obligation to opportunity.
Encon’s role
Energy obligations require not only technical knowledge, but also an understanding of legislation, processes and financial implications.
Encon combines this expertise in a single integrated approach:
- end-to-end support (analysis, reporting, submission)
- accredited energy experts with experience in VEKA processes
- a strong focus on cost-effective and feasible measures
- a single point of contact for all energy compliance matters
This ensures that your application is in order and that you get the maximum value from it.
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Ready to tackle your energy obligations?
Do you want to be sure you’re complying with all energy obligations in Flanders?
We’ll work with you to identify which audits apply to your organisation and guide you every step of the way, from start to finish, until your application is approved.
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