USA. A recent survey commissioned by Johnson Controls reveals that the interest in energy efficiency is not yet manifested in effective measures to achieve it. However, the survey concludes that companies are convinced of the need to focus on investments to increase such efficiency, mainly due to rising energy costs and environmental responsibility. The survey of 1,150 North American executives in March of this year shows that 72% of organizations pay more attention to the issue compared to the previous year, but still investment plans remain constant. Measures taken include replacing inefficient equipment (41% over 13% in 2007), and switching to saving lighting (78% over 11% the previous year). Environmental conservation is as strong a motivator as energy efficiency, with 53% of respondents overlapping or matching environmental interest with economic interest, versus 5% of similar responses the previous year. Similarly, climate change is an important motivator, with 28% and 31% considering it very important and in some ways significant, respectively.
The trend towards the inclusion of green projects is reflected in 40% who believe that in the next two years energy efficiency and emission reductions will be imposed by law, and 31% who say that green buildings will greatly influence the attraction and conservation of their employees. On the other hand, the interest in energy management was felt more in executives in charge of large facilities. Among them, 84% plan to invest in measures to make energy consumption more efficient and are willing to tolerate longer return on investment periods.
