Mandating the implementation of energy audit recommendations (action plans) for measures with a high Internal Rate of Return (IRR) or a defined payback period (e.g., 1 to 2 years) could drive significant energy savings. Alternatively, requiring the realization of short-term, low-payback measures from the action plan as a prerequisite for accessing investment funding for longer-term initiatives would encourage a balanced approach to achieving both immediate and sustained energy efficiency gains.
The Energy Efficiency Act (and Directive) does not provide for this, partly due to the encroachment on property rights. There is an obligation to justify why measures are not implemented. In addition, there will be an obligation to publish the action plan in future (to be signed by CEOs), which will indirectly create pressure to implement the measures in the action plan.
