Energy efficiency has never been more important, according to new research commissioned by Johnson Controls. The Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey, a research report targeting professionals responsible for energy management, revealed barriers to investing in energy efficiency include: limited funding, uncertainty about future energy prices, government incentives, and energy and climate legislation.

“These findings highlight the fact that business leaders across the U.S. are increasingly aware of the need for energy efficiency and its potential to reduce operating costs while cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” said C. David Myers, president of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency division. “Economic and regulatory uncertainty, however, are inhibiting organizations from investing in proactive measures,” added Myers.

According to the third annual Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey results:

• 71 percent of business leaders are paying more attention to energy efficiency than they were one year ago
  
  
• 58 percent responded that energy management was extremely or very important.
  
  
• Of the organizations making public carbon commitments, 45 percent identified energy efficiency in buildings as their top carbon reduction strategy.
  
  
• Sustainability continues as a focus for new construction projects as 38 percent are seeking green building certification, while 45 percent plan to incorporate green elements, but not certify their facilities.

Johnson Controls partnered with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) to commission the survey of more than 1,400 North American executives who are responsible for managing, reviewing or monitoring energy use within their organizations. The majority of respondents were chief executive officers, vice presidents, general managers or facility directors.

More information about the survey can be found at www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Source: Johnson Controls