All companies that do not qualify as SMEs are required to conduct their first energy audit by 5 December 2015, and to conduct one at least once every four years from the date of the first audit. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) will carry out random samples to check compliance and can award penalties. Companies that have an ISO 50001 certified energy management system or an EMAS environmental management system are exempted from the obligation. This provision was created in order to implement Article 8 of the European Energy Efficiency Directive into domestic law. IEA/IRENA Global Renewable Energy Policies and Measures Database © OECD/IEA and IRENA, [November 2020]