Bavarian Industry Association

December 7, 2026

Source: E & M powernews

The Bavarian Industry Association (VBW) has published a new guide on energy efficiency in industry and commerce.

With this new guide on energy efficiency, the VBW is targeting small and medium-sized enterprises. It is intended to help companies identify potential savings and implement appropriate measures.

The publication, prepared by the Research Association for Energy Economics (FfE) in Munich, compiles insights from nearly 1,000 analyzed efficiency measures and outlines specific approaches for lighting, compressed air, heating, and cooling applications, as well as HVAC systems.

According to the VBW, companies can not only lower their energy costs through more efficient energy use but also strengthen their competitiveness.

Bertram Brossardt, CEO of the VBW: “The prudent use of energy is not a one-time project, but a continuous improvement process. Energy efficiency helps companies lower costs, reduce emissions, and secure their competitiveness.”

The guide “Energy Efficiency in Industry and Commerce—Focus: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” describes specific measures in areas such as lighting, compressed air, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation. The technical approaches are supplemented by organizational recommendations and information on funding opportunities.

The assessment is based, among other things, on the FfE’s experience from on-site analyses. Between 2022 and 2024, the guide documented nearly 1,000 efficiency measures at 91 company locations in Germany and Austria. Of the 467 measures evaluated quantitatively, the savings potential typically ranged from 0.5 to 3 percent of a site’s annual final energy consumption. The institute sees particularly high potential in process and space heating.

In addition, there is a self-assessment tool for companies. Using a checklist, businesses can identify where efficiency potential still exists. Questions include, for example, whether LED lighting is already in use or whether systems can be controlled according to demand.

If the answers are negative, the guide refers readers to appropriate measures and detailed fact sheets. Suggested measures for efficiency investments include energy management, training, incentive programs, and improved tracking of consumption data.

For selected measures, the guide includes fact sheets with information on cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and potential energy savings. In some cases, calculation formulas and sample calculations are also provided.

The guide also refers to existing federal and Bavarian state funding programs. These include, among others, federal funding for energy and resource efficiency in the economy, as well as programs for buildings, energy consulting, and industrial climate protection measures.

The guide “Energy Efficiency in Industry and Commerce—Focus: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” is available on the VBW website.

Author: Stefan Sagmeister