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The implementation of energy efficiency measures in companies is the key to a successful energy transition. To that end, companies should improve their energy efficiency and achieve energy savings. The aim of this paper is to present the current status of energy efficiency in companies based on selected cross-cutting technologies and to empirically investigate the implementation status of these measures. For this purpose, a multiple case study was conducted with 386 companies from different industries. The data basis of the case study was generated by means of questionnaires, interviews, and expert visits, and the data were collected within the framework of the Network of Regional Competence Centers for Energy Efficiency, an EU-funded project. A comparison of the potentials of companies with an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 and companies without such a system was carried out on the basis of 12 cross-cutting technologies. Statistical evaluation methods and hypothesis testing of eleven hypotheses and nine expressions were used. Our case study showed that (1) the level of energy efficiency in companies is highly dependent on the measure considered. (2) Simple measures have lower potentials than more complex, cost-intensive measures. (3) A positive effect of energy management on energy efficiency in general and on individual measures such as lighting technology, energy monitoring, peak load management, and energy purchasing is empirically confirmed. Further studies should investigate the interaction and correlation of individual efficiency measures (e.g., investments and organizational measures in cross-cutting technologies) in companies to make more targeted statements about the companies' needs and to create efficient support programs.

The implementation of climate protection cannot succeed without increasing energy efficiency in companies. Increasing energy efficiency is an important success factor for the energy transition, but unfortunately, the energy saving potentials are only insufficiently exploited. The aim of this study is, therefore, to highlight the current state of research on energy efficiency potentials in companies at the technology level. For this purpose, an extensive literature search was conducted with more than 30 keywords. After screening and cleaning, 101 articles were selected and reviewed in detail. The literature search was performed using eight evaluation criteria: origin and year of publication, type of company, type of industry, type of data, survey method, number of participants, data collection method, and analysis method. In order to evaluate the statements and results of the considered works, a SWOT analysis was used. Our analysis revealed that: 1) studies explicitly addressing energy efficiency measures and potentials at the technology level are scarce. Even fewer studies address the relationships and interactions (positive or negative) between individual measures; 2) most studies focus on large and manufacturing companies, most of which are energy intensive. SMEs in the non-manufacturing sector, such as trade, commerce, and services, are far less represented; and 3) the chosen research focus and content are often barriers, drivers, and theory models for energy efficiency, and secondary data are mostly used. Of the studies that considered primary data, 71% used a questionnaire survey. Research into the interactions between individual measures enables policymakers to target business support programs.

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