This report, commissioned by the 4E TCP, explores opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of systems using modelling and monitoring in regulations.

The research methodology involved literature searches of potential example system regulations in areas such as building codes, safety monitoring, vehicle emissions, and voluntary certification schemes. When modelling or monitoring aspects were identified, the technical requirements and implementation methods were documented. The learnings found were applied to a case study system: compressed air systems.

Realising the large yet largely untapped potential for energy savings in systems will require innovative policy approaches. The current work finds that while modelling and monitoring are not yet independently robust enough to regulate efficiency in compressed air systems, a smart combination of prescriptive requirements, certified models, acceptance testing, and continuous monitoring has strong potential. Foundational elements like test methods, accurate models, databases of parts performance, reporting standards, and a policy framework to enable the approach will need to be developed through further research, stakeholder engagement and policy design. By strategically advancing these building blocks, policymakers and energy efficiency proponents can expand the horizons of product policy and drive major reductions in energy use and emissions from these critical end-use systems.