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Greece Law 4342/2015 (Energy Efficiency, Mandatory Energy Audits & Large Enterprise Obligations)

Greece Law 4342/2015 (Energy Efficiency, Mandatory Energy Audits & Large Enterprise Obligations): Greece’s Law 4342/2015: Mandatory Energy Audits for Large Enterprises

Maílis Carrilho
Written by Maílis Carrilho
Updated on December 8th, 2025

Summary

Greece’s Law 4342/2015 requires large enterprises to conduct four-yearly energy audits covering buildings, industrial processes, and transport. Audits must be performed by certified auditors and reported to national authorities, with feasible measures implemented. Companies certified under ISO 50001 may be exempt. Enforcement has increased, and penalties apply for missing or inadequate audits. The law is central to Greece’s energy-efficiency strategy.

Details

Jurisdictions
  • Greece
Exemptions

Binding for all Greek-based large enterprises, regardless of sector.

Obligations include:

Performing full-scope energy audits.

Appointing certified auditors.

Reporting results to the competent national authority.

Implementing feasible efficiency measures.

Maintaining audit documentation for inspections.

Exceptions:

SMEs are exempt unless they voluntarily undertake audits.

Companies certified under ISO 50001 may be exempted from periodic audits.

Specific exemptions exist for firms with very low energy use.

Deep dive

2 min read
Updated Dec 8, 2025

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What’s Required

Law 4342/2015 transposes the EU Energy Efficiency Directive into Greek law. It introduces obligations for large enterprises and energy-intensive companies to improve energy efficiency and undertake periodic energy audits.

Key requirements:

  • Mandatory energy audits every four years for large enterprises.

  • Audits must cover buildings, industrial processes, and transport.

  • Use of certified energy auditors and compliance with national audit standards.

  • Companies must implement cost-effective measures identified in audits or justify why they are not adopted.

  • The State must promote high-efficiency cogeneration, energy services, and national energy-efficiency targets.

Important Deadlines

  • The first audit cycle began in 2015.

  • Recurring audits due every four years: 2019, 2023, 2027, etc.

  • Enterprises must annually assess whether they still meet the “large enterprise” criteria.

Current Status

Law 4342/2015 remains fully in force, with audits increasingly enforced. Authorities have strengthened inspection activities and require proof of compliance during environmental licensing and subsidy applications.

Penalties

  • Administrative fines for failure to conduct audits or comply with auditor qualification rules.

  • Additional penalties during inspections or grant evaluations.

Examples of Known Violations

  • Non-submission of audit reports.

  • Incomplete audits covering only part of the operations.

  • Use of non-certified auditors.

Resources


Maílis Carrilho
Added by:
Maílis Carrilho
Sustainability Research Analyst
Maílis Carrilho is a Sustainability Research Analyst (Intern) at Net Zero Compare, contributing research and analysis on climate tech, carbon policies, and sustainable solutions. She supports the team in developing fact-based content and insights to help companies and readers navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
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Added on Dec 10, 2025 by Maílis Carrilho · Updated on Dec 8, 2025