Interactive Tool

Energy Benchmarks
How does your organisation compare?

Compare your specific energy consumption against industry reference values. Enter your figure and instantly see whether you are in the green, amber, or red zone.

Good — better than industry average
Average — room for improvement
Poor — significant savings potential

Sources: DENA Energy Audit Report, VDI 3922, VDI 3988, VDI 2067, DIN EN 50600, EHI Retail Institute. Reference values — individual deviations possible depending on year of construction, climate zone, and process structure.

How to use benchmarks correctly

Benchmarks are reference values, not absolute limits. Comparison is the first step — action is the second.

01

Capture consumption

Determine your specific consumption: total energy divided by reference unit (m², tonnes, units, full-time employees).

02

Compare against benchmark

Enter your value above. Green = already performing well. Amber or red = improvement action identified.

03

Derive measures

Analyse the significant energy users (SEUs). Prioritise measures by savings potential and payback period.

04

Measure progress

Review your EnPIs quarterly. An EnMS to ISO 50001 ensures continuous improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are energy benchmarks? +

Energy benchmarks are sector-specific reference values for specific energy consumption — expressed as energy quantity per production or usage unit (kWh/m², kWh/t, etc.). They show how efficiently an organisation is positioned relative to its industry peers.

Which key figure (EnPI) is right for my organisation? +

Buildings use kWh/m²a (heat and electricity separately), manufacturing operations use kWh/t of product or kWh/unit, logistics use kWh per tonne-kilometre of transport performance, and data centres use the PUE value. The key is that the reference unit is relevant, measurable, and stable. ISO 50006 provides a detailed methodology for this.

My consumption is in the red zone — what now? +

A red benchmark value is a signal, not a verdict. It indicates: there is significant savings potential here. Next steps: install sub-metering, identify significant energy users (SEUs), commission an energy audit to DIN EN 16247. BAFA (the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) funds both the audit and implementation measures.

What is a good COP for a refrigeration system? +

A COP (Coefficient of Performance) above 3.5 is considered very efficient. Values between 2.5 and 3.5 are typical for the industry. Below 2.5 there is urgent need for action — often resolvable by optimising set-point temperatures, cleaning heat exchangers, or replacing the refrigerant.

How can Alligator Analytica help with benchmarking? +

Our software captures energy data automatically, calculates your EnPIs in real time, and compares them against stored sector reference values. Deviations are flagged as alerts so you can act immediately. On request, our consultants support the implementation of an EnPI system to ISO 50006.

Automated Benchmarking with Alligator

Instead of manual calculations: live EnPIs, automatic deviation alerts, BAFA-compliant reporting.

Get started for free → What is an EnPI?