Table 7 Regulatory frameworks and their benefits in reducing energy consumption and emissions across regions.

EU

Energy Efficiency Directive (EED, 2012/27/EU): Energy Efficiency Obligation Schemes (Article 7) require annual energy savings of 1.5%, while Energy Audits & Energy Management Systems (Article 8) mandate audits every four years or certification of management systems. Industrial waste heat recovery is encouraged through technologies such as cogeneration or district heating networks. Promotion of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) provides incentives for efficient systems⁵⁸ (2019).

Delivered energy savings of 36% via obligation schemes; reduced emissions through the integration of renewable and energy-efficient technologies; and incentivized ISO 50001 adoption for long-term savings. Waste heat recovery and enhanced cost-efficiency via CHP systems are also promoted⁵⁸ (2019).

UK

Clean Growth Strategy (2017): Includes Climate Change Agreements (CCAs), Climate Change Levy (CCL), Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), and the Industrial Heat Recovery Support Program (2018)⁵⁸ (2019).

Reduced industrial energy consumption through efficiency programs, with ESOS audits identifying energy-saving opportunities. Adoption of heat recovery technologies has lowered emissions from industrial processes⁵⁸ (2019).

Italy

National Energy Strategy (SEN, 2017): Features White Certificates and Thermal Account schemes, along with tax deductions and fiscal incentives for energy-efficient technologies⁵⁸ (2019).

White Certificates achieved energy savings of 5.1 Mtoe per year, encouraged SMEs to adopt energy audits and efficiency programs, and reduced fossil fuel reliance via CHP integration⁵⁸ (2019).

Morocco

National Green Hydrogen Roadmap (2021): Focuses on green ammonia and exports.

Law 47-09: Mandates industrial energy audits.

Laws 13-09 & 82-21: Support renewable energy self-production.

Incentives: Include the Energy Development Fund and favorable IPP regulations.

Decree n\(\vphantom{0}^\circ\) 2–17-746 (2019): Requires audits for energy-intensive facilities.

Law 40.19 (2023):Simplifies renewable energy projects^59,60,61,62..

Promotes green hydrogen adoption, enhances operational efficiency, and supports renewable self-consumption to lower costs and emissions. Financial incentives promote technology adoption, and streamlined procedures improve investment conditions and grid stability.

China

Environmental Regulations: These have a U-shaped effect on industrial optimization, fostering cleaner technologies through innovation.

Energy Cap Policy (2014–2020): Imposes an annual energy consumption ceiling.

National Plan on Climate Change (2014–2020): Boosted the share of non-fossil energy.

13th Five-Year Energy Plan (2016–2020): Reduced energy intensity by 15%.

NDRC Regulations (2018): Led to the closure of outdated units.

Made in China 2025: Focuses on advanced technology innovation^63,64,65.

Environmental policies have spurred innovation, reduced energy consumption by 17.3% in secondary industries (2013–2016), and supported cleaner energy technologies such as electric vehicles and efficient power plants^63,64,65.

Germany

Energiewende: Focuses on renewable integration and energy efficiency, involving the industrial sector through incentives^65,66.

Achieves substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions through Industry 4.0 initiatives, supported by industrial collaboration and technological advances^65,66.