When it comes to energy efficiency, businesses are willing to put their money where their mouth is.Johnson Controls Inc. conducted a survey of more than 1,400 executives in North America about current energy costs, energy-efficiency spending trends and mitigation plans.
The findings? According to a recent article, energy efficiency is the top priority. In fact, spending on energy efficiency will lead to lower carbon-emissions. But that's not the only reason businesses are dishing out the cash. Higher energy costs are projected for the future. There are government and utility incentives galore, as well greenhouse gas and energy efficiency regulations.
Clay Nesler, the Vice President of Global Energy and Sustainability at Johnson Controls, talks about the pressures from different sources "We often tend to think of energy and climate policy as being either national or international, but actually a lot of commitments are being made by cities and universities. Companies are also reporting to initiatives like the Carbon Disclosure Project," he says.
Businesses are ready to invest. Vice president at Dow Chemical Co., Peter Molinaro, says the company has seen a payback through its commitment, launched in 1994, to reduce its energy intensity by 20 percent by 2005. The new plan will boost the company's investment in energy-efficiency by an extra 25 percent by 2015. The company has invested $1 billion but has seen a $9 billion payback, he said.
Where is the money going? According to a Fast Company article, the money will go into a variety of places. Energy efficient lighting at 72 percent, occupancy or daylight sensors at 40 percent, trained facilities staff at 63 percent and upgraded business controls at 33 percent.
