The implementation of monitoring tools and energy management systems (EnMSs) supports companies in their long-term energy efficiency strategies, and they are essential to analyse the effectiveness of energy performance improvement actions (EPIAs). The first fundamental step towards increasing energy efficiency is the development of energy audits (EAs). EAs provide comprehensive information about the energy usage in a specific facility, identifying and quantifying cost-effective EPIAs. The crucial role of these tools in clean energy transition is remarked by the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), which promotes the implementation of EAs and EnMS programmes. The purpose of this work is to better understand the link between EnMSs (specifically ISO 50001) and EAs in the EED Article 8 implementation in two industrial and two tertiary sectors in Italy. Moreover, the impact of company size, energy monitoring systems, and EnMSs on planned and/or implemented EPIAs is analysed. Our findings show that, albeit the complexity of the variables involved in energy efficiency gap, the “energy savings/company” and “EPIA/site” ratios are higher in enterprises with an EnMS and monitoring system. Thus, a correct energy audit must always be accompanied by a specific monitoring plan if it is to be effective and useful to the company decision maker.

The importance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from economic, social, and environmental point of views and the crucial role of energy efficiency are widely recognized. However, the development of effective policies and their analysis are still challenging topics, for which research is relatively scarce. The main reasons for this are the high heterogeneity of SMEs, their low energy impact compared with energy-intensive enterprises, the lack of quantitative in-formation on the energy consumption of SMEs, and the low awareness of SMEs on energy topics. The structural paradigm change in the energy markets has underlined the importance of EE in SMEs. Several studies have been devoted to analyzing EE policies, using different methods and targets, not necessarily with a focus on SMEs or quantitative figures. This study presents a scoping review aimed at mapping the scientific literature on this topic, assessing its volume, nature, characteristics, type of evidence available, key concepts, and possible gaps. The existing contributions were systematized on three assessment levels regarding the EE policies for SMEs: general framework for their classification; comprehensive analysis of contributions providing qualitative information; in-depth analysis of evaluation studies including quantitative information. This study highlights the need for a good balance between economic and supportive mechanisms and the crucial role of energy audits. The analyzed contributions show that despite SMEs’ efforts to develop EE policies, there are still important barriers to be addressed. Moreover, there is an important lack of quantitative analyses, which are necessary for the development a harmonized policy evaluation approach. Based on a synthesis of the review findings, key learnings for the better design, implementation, and evaluation of EE policies for SMEs are provided.

Data collection and analysis on the implementation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) under Article 8 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) vary widely across European countries. This paper focuses on the management and enforcement of Energy Audits (EAs) obligation, and the associated EEMs information, in Portugal and Italy, two countries with distinct approaches. Specifically, the study delves into the Portuguese SGCIE ( Sistema de Gestão dos Consumos Intensivos de Energia ), and the implementation of the Italian Legislative Decree 102/2014 along with Ministerial Decree 256/2024 ( Decreto Energivori) . In Portugal, SGCIE plays a pivotal role in monitoring energy-intensive installations, mainly from the industrial sector, fostering the adoption of EEMs through a mandatory framework. This paper investigates how SGCIE collects data from EAs, enforces the implementation of EEMs, and tracks energy savings, contributing to national and EU energy efficiency goals. Similarly, the study delves into the Italian framework, analysing EAs obligations governance and EEMs data managing, particularly for energy-intensive industries. Emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of these mechanisms in gathering and utilizing information on EEMs. This analysis highlights the strengths of each system, underscoring key differences in how Portugal and Italy have transposed Art. 8 EED obligations into national law. The findings show that both countries have developed robust digital systems to collect and analyse EEMs data, offering valuable insights into energy consumption trends and policy impacts. These approaches improve data quality, support company-level energy management, and provide a foundation to meet the more stringent requirements of the revised EED (EU/2023/1791).

Energy audits (EAs) and Energy Management Systems (EnMS) are crucial instruments for companies to identify and implement energy efficiency measures (EEMs), thereby contributing to the EU’s climate and energy objectives. The updated Energy Efficiency Directive (EU/2023/1791) strengthens the role of these tools and introduces new provisions under Art. 11. Among these, the directive establishes specific consumption thresholds, requiring the adoption of EnMS for businesses with high energy usage and mandating EAs for other energy-intensive entities. Companies subject to EAs must develop annual implementation plans to systematically adopt the EEMs identified. This paper investigates how EEMs have been implemented under Art. 8 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU) in ten European countries and explores how existing practices can inform the upcoming obligations introduced by Art. 11 of the revised Directive (EU/2023/1791). The primary aim is to assess the effectiveness of national data collection systems, evaluation methods, and policy tools in supporting the adoption of EEMs by companies. To this end, in 2024, national experts from ten EU member states responded to a targeted questionnaire focused on methodologies and practices related to the implementation of EEMs under the obligations of Art. 8. The study identifies current data availability and transparency practices, evaluates existing indicators and the role of EA guidelines, implementation plans, and facilitating factors. Good practices in the 10 European countries under analysis are also identified and described. Findings show significant variation in how countries collect and publish data, with some demonstrating advanced practices such as centralised databases or audit follow-up requirements. The paper identifies a set of good practices and emphasises the value of stronger coordination and more standardised approaches, particularly in view of the new obligations under Art. 11. By providing insights into current framework, the paper aims to support policymakers and energy agencies in enhancing the effectiveness of EAs and EnMS in driving the implementation of EEMs, thereby contributing to improved energy policy outcomes across Europe.