HOUSTON — An international survey of more than 1,500 professionals shows that while most companies see the cost benefits of energy efficiency measures, the majority lack a clear strategy, concrete targets, and a systematic approach to energy efficiency throughout the organization.
These findings come from a survey conducted by DNV GL - Business Assurance, a leading certification body, and the research institute GFK Eurisko, of business professionals in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
“Across the board we see commitment to energy efficiency driven by cost control, and most organizations are only scratching the surface, not tapping into their full potential,” said Faith Beaty, president of DNV GL - Business Assurance, North America.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT
Energy efficiency is a key topic: not only at a personal (77 percent) and societal (81 percent) level but from a business perspective too (69 percent). Fifty-seven percent of the companies surveyed have an energy efficiency strategy and 55 percent set measurable goals, with percentages around 10 points higher for businesses belonging to the energy intensive sectors.
However, energy efficiency is still a generic ambition, with goals mainly set at company level (37 percent). Very few set concrete targets on activities, even among energy intensive firms.
COSTS DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY
Sixty-seven percent of the companies have invested in energy efficiency initiatives during the last three years. Costs are driving sustainability: 46 percent stated that they invested in energy efficiency measures in order to obtain more efficient tools, or to reduce energy consumption and costs. Companies are making concrete efforts in order to optimize their energy management, but without a long-term view. Only 26 percent have an energy management plan. More sophisticated initiatives such as staff training (21 percent), having energy managers (20 percent), or performing audits and assessments (20 percent), play a minor role.
A clear strategy and a systematic approach are lacking: less than half of the companies that have undertaken efficiency activities are able to quantify the energy savings obtained.
MAIN OBSTACLES AND BENEFITS
Management awareness is not a problem; it was mentioned by only 18 percent of the companies. Economic constraints are the main obstacles preventing companies from making more progress: other priorities (36 percent), expensive implementation (33 percent), lack of returns (25 percent), and focus on short-term results (24 percent) top the list.
A systematic approach would help firms make the right decisions and get a proper return on their investments. However, the benefits are already perceived as exceeding the costs (59 percent), especially in terms of savings (54 percent).
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Looking ahead, companies are expected to increase their commitment to energy efficiency by taking a more mature approach. Activities related to cost and consumption reduction will remain the most common actions, but there will also be significant increases in more strategic actions like staff training (+13 percent compared with the present time), identification of energy savings potentials (+8 percent), and preparation of energy management plans (+7 percent).
Luca Crisciotti, CEO of DNV GL - Business Assurance, said, “The majority of companies are unfortunately not taking a holistic approach. We see that energy efficiency is not being applied at all organizational levels in businesses. Organizations are also mainly focusing on reducing costs and consumption — which is good of course — but they lack a well-rounded approach that would enable them to tap the full potential of energy management.”
For more information, visit www.dnvba.com/us/.
Publication date: 7/13/2015
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