China’s mandatory energy conservation target-setting policy for large energy users, known as the Top-10,000 programme was introduced in 2011, as an expansion of its successful predecessor, the Top 1,000 programme which operated between 2006 and 2010. The Top-10,000 programme now covers two thirds of China's total energy consumption and aims to save 250 million tonne of coal equivalent (tce) by 2015, contributing to 37% of the total national energy saving target in the 12^th Five Year Plan (FYP). In November 2012, China’s government officially mandated provinces to implement energy management programs (EnMPs) targeting companies covered in the Top-10,000 programme.

Under a contract signed with the government, participants in the Top-10,000 Programme are required to meet certain energy saving targets and implement energy management through activities including establishing energy measurement and management systems, submitting regular energy use audits and developing energy conservation plans.

Overall, the response from enterprises is generally positive, with strong commitment to achieving energy saving targets through a process that provides clear measures, guidance and supporting tools.