[2]: 2  The directive introduces legally binding measures to encourage efforts to use energy more efficiently in all stages and sectors of the supply chain.

[3] The following categories are covered by the directive:[3] Individual National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAP) for 2014 and Annual Reports for 2016 are available for download.

[4] Some national action plans have Wikipedia articles as well: A 2014 study finds that, despite the directive being technically complex and lacking binding targets, it is an improvement over earlier European Union policy on energy efficiency.

[9]: 3–4 In June 2014 the UK government directed through a Procurement Policy Note issued to all government departments that they were to comply after 5 June 2014 with the energy efficiency standards of Article 6 and Annex III to the Directive when purchasing goods and services and when renting or purchasing buildings, as long as this is "consistent with achieving value for money, economic feasibility, wider sustainability, technical suitability and ensuring sufficient competition".

[10] Further information issued in January 2015 made clear that "the obligation under Article 6 is a qualified one" and that public bodies "need only buy to the standards set out in Annex III of the Directive where this is cost effective".

The study analyses each national action plan and estimates whether the projected savings are likely to materialise and whether these will be sufficient to meet the article 7 target.