The impact of best practice on energy efficiency in industrial decarbonization policy

Energy efficiency is essential for addressing the economic, energy, and environmental challenges faced by industrial sectors and government bodies. While traditional efforts have focused on technological improvements, the literature shows that adopting management-based best practices can contribute to industrial sustainability. This study examines the role of best practice on energy intensity and efficiency in the UK's industrial sector. To validate the model, existing energy decomposition models were used to benchmark the analysis against established standards and best practices, to ensure the model's reliability and practical application. The data reveals that organisations adopting best practices achieve more than double the industrial average energy intensity efficiency standard. The results underscore the pivotal role of best practices in bolstering industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Best practices have largely gone unrecognized in industrial policy, despite the potential to generate substantial efficiency gains and to mitigate the risks associated with industrial decarbonization and reliance on technologies. • Best practice efficiency gains have gone unrecognized. • Best practice companies are twice as efficient as the industrial average. • Best practices adoption can reduce energy intensity by an additional 20 % by 2030. • Best practice adoption can be accelerated through industrial policy.