The Czech legal framework has been expanded through an amendment to the Energy Management Act to include a new key principle
in the field of energy policy – “energy efficiency first.” The requirement to implement this principle stems from the
European Energy Efficiency Directive and represents an important step toward the more systematic application of energy savings
in the Czech Republic.
The amendments to the Act also build on legislative proposals prepared within the project “Preparation of Tools and Models
for the Implementation of the Energy Efficiency First Principle into National Regulation.” The project was carried out by
the University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings of the Czech Technical University in Prague in cooperation with partners
Šance pro budovy, AK PORTOS, and CEVRO.The amendment to Act No. 406/2000 Coll., on Energy Management, now explicitly incorporates
the energy efficiency first principle. This means that when making decisions in areas with a significant impact on energy
consumption—such as buildings, the energy sector, industry, or transport—priority should be given to cost-effective measures
that lead to reduced energy consumption. The principle is reflected, for example, in energy strategies and plans, energy performance
certificates for buildings, energy audits, and energy assessments.
The legislative changes were adopted under Act No. 330/2025 Coll. Additional legislative proposals prepared within the project
have not yet been incorporated into Czech legislation. We continue to monitor their development and will inform you about
any future changes.