In a context of energy strain and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, businesses are facing new obligations to reduce their consumption and improve their energy performance. At the heart of this transformation is the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). But what exactly does this directive contain? Who is affected? What are the deadlines? And above all: how can businesses comply with it smoothly?
Powesco offers you a clear and operational analysis, accompanied by our expert advice.
What is the Energy Efficiency Directive?
The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), initially enacted in 2012, is the framework directive that sets energy efficiency targets for Member States across theEuropean Union . This directive has been revised twice, in 2018 and 2023.The latest revision, in response to the Union's more stringent environmental and climate objectives, introduces new targets for each Member State.
Good to know: The DDADUE law (Various Provisions for Adapting European Union Law, Law No. 2025/391) was enacted on April 30, 2025. It aims to transpose certain European directives, including the DDADUE, into French law. Decrees specifying the implementing procedures for the law must then be drafted by the Ministry.
Focus on the Tertiary Eco-Energy Scheme (DEET)
France already had a regulatory framework in place to encourage and monitor energy savings in public tertiary buildings : the Tertiary Eco-Energy Scheme (DEET), also known as the Tertiary Decree. This is one of the most important regulations in France concerning the energy efficiency of buildings.
It sets obligations for reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings, namely:
- In relative terms, with expected decreases of 40% by 2030, 50% by 2040 and 60% by 2050, compared to a reference year between 2010 and 2022;
- In absolute value, with targets set by decrees at the beginning of each decade.
These obligations apply to buildings housing service sector activities with a surface area exceeding 1,000 m². Buildings located on the same land parcel, or between which there is a functional link, and whose total combined surface area exceeds 1,000 m² are also subject to these obligations. In addition to these objectives, the DEET sets requirements for annual reporting of energy consumption on the OPERAT.
Which public bodies are covered by the WEEE?
The DEE strengthens the objectives for public bodies.
The public bodies targeted by the objectives are:
- 1° the State, State operators, local authorities and their groupings;
- 2° Entities, public or private, meeting all of the following criteria:
- a) They were or are created to specifically meet needs of general interest that are not of an industrial or commercial nature;
- b) They are mainly and directly financed by the State or its operators, local authorities or their groups;
- (c) Their administrative, management or supervisory body is composed of members of which more than half are appointed by at least one of the entities mentioned in point 1, excluding State operators.
- In particular: Social landlords are not considered public bodies for the calculation of these objectives, since their cash flows are based on rents collected.
What are the obligations of public bodies?
The new Energy Efficiency Directive ((EU) 2023/1791) sets binding energy efficiency targets for Member States. Entering into force in October 2023, it raises the EU's targets for reducing primary and final energy consumption at EU level by 11.7% by 2030, compared to the 2020 forecast. These targets must be transposed into French law within two years of its adoption, i.e., by October 2025.
To achieve the goal of reducing energy consumption by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the new "revised WEEE" directive requires the public sector to set an example.
To achieve this, public bodies must:
- Reduce their total combined final energy consumption byat least 1.9% per year compared to 2021 (Article 5);
- Renovate at least 3% of the cumulative surface area of their heated/cooled buildings with a floor area of at least 250m2 each year to a high level of energy performance (article 6)
What is the impact of the energy efficiency directive on businesses?
The revised directive profoundly changes the regulatory landscape: henceforth, it is no longer the size or status of the company that determines the obligations, but its final energy consumption. As a result, a much larger number of companies become subject to it.
A broader scope and new obligations
The directive introduces two major thresholds:
- Energy Management System (EMS) mandatory (ISO 50001) for companies whose average annual consumption over the last 3 years exceeds 85 TJ, or 23.6 GWh.
- Mandatory energy audit for those consuming more than 10 TJ , i.e. 2.75 GWh over the last 3 years, unless they already have a certified energy management system.
These obligations have been in effect since October 1, 2025 (via the DDADUE law) and replace the old criterion based on 250 employees.
Companies must also:
- develop a public action plan, based on the audit recommendations;
- justify actions with a return on investment time of less than 5 years that would not have been implemented.
Possible exemptions
Some organizations may be exempt:
- companies engaged in an Energy Performance Contract (EPC), under conditions (decree to come);
- Companies certified to ISO 14001, provided they have an audit that complies with the criteria of the decree of July 10, 2025.
Key deadlines
For newly affected companies:
- Energy audit : to be completed no later than October 11, 2026
- Certified SME : to be implemented no later than October 11, 2027
The audits must then be renewed every 4 years. The EMS must be certified by an accredited bodyrecognized by the European cooperation for Accreditation.
How does Powesco help you with the energy efficiency directive?
Complying with the Energy Efficiency Directive can be challenging for businesses and public bodies, both technically and regulatoryally. Powesco supports its clients at every stage to transform this obligation into an opportunity for performance and cost reduction.
1. Energy audit and comprehensive diagnosis
Our experts carry out a audit , in accordance with the requirements of the directive and the criteria defined by the decree of July 10, 2025. This allows us to precisely identify energy saving opportunities, equipment to be modernized and priority actions.
2. Implementation of the SEME Nexstep platform
Powesco helps sites exceeding the 23.6 GWh per year consumption threshold to manage their energy consumption and optimize their building's energy efficiency through the deployment of the SEME Nexstep platform. We guarantee that your system will be operational before regulatory deadlines.
3. Development and monitoring of a concrete action plan
Based on the audit recommendations, we help you develop a realistic and costed action plan, including investments, financing , and medium-term measures. This plan can then be made public to meet transparency requirements.
4. Project management and technical support
Powesco coordinates energy renovation work, the replacement or optimization of equipment (heating, air conditioning, lighting, building management systems) and the installation of innovative solutions to reduce consumption. Our support guarantees compliance with standards and established objectives.
5. Monitoring, reporting and compliance
We implement energy monitoring and reporting to measure the effectiveness of implemented actions and document compliance for future audits. Performance indicators and dashboards allow us to track savings and continuously adjust strategies.
In summary, Powesco transforms the directive into a real lever for sustainable performance: regulatory compliance, reduction of energy costs, asset enhancement and contribution to the energy transition.
FAQ 2: How to assess energy efficiency and the role of standards in this process?
Q: What tools or methods can be used to assess energy efficiency on a site or project?
A: Theassessment can be based on actual energy consumption data for buildings and appliances, and on the adoption ofefficient appliances and technologies. ISO standards, such as ISO 50001, provide a framework for structuring an energy management system and ensuring continuous monitoring. At the European level, the Climate Package and theParis Agreement set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and guide improvementsin energy efficiency, energy conservation , and the reduction of final energy consumption.
FAQ 3: What role for institutions and public procurement in promoting energy efficiency?
Q: How can the European Parliament, the European Commission and national institutions promote energy efficiency and sustainable development?
A: Institutions play a vital role in setting legislation, publishing regulations, and organizing stakeholder consultations. Public procurement can serve as a concrete tool to promote more efficient buildings and appliances, high-performance heating and cooling solutions, and support projects integrating renewable energy. Through these actions, they contribute to reducing energy bills, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and raising community awareness of more responsible and sustainable behaviors.
