by Shane Henson — October 9, 2013—The best strategies to increase energy efficiency in the United States may be open to debate among federal agency decision makers, but the need for them is not. A new Zogby International survey sponsored by the Alliance to Save Energy and Schneider Electric found that 74% of federal agency decision makers polled agree that energy efficiency is among the most powerful means of meeting increasing energy needs, achieving cost savings, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The independent survey of 204 government leaders asked participants a variety of questions relating to energy efficiency within their agencies, including the importance of energy efficiency and progress toward goals, main drivers for improving energy efficiency, and challenges and obstacles. Specific findings from the survey include:
Importance and progress:
- A vast majority (87%) say energy is important to fulfilling their agency’s core mission.
- 56% of respondents say their current culture encourages energy efficiency.
- 29% consider energy efficiency among the agency’s top five priorities, with 36% listing it as a second-tier priority.
- The majority of respondents grade their progress on meeting energy efficiency mandates at a B (38%) or C (31%) level, with only 6% grading their agency’s efforts at the A level.
Main drivers:
- Cost savings (45%)
- Environmental benefits (17%)
- Federal law and policy (12%)
Challenges and obstacles:
- 70% of those surveyed believe the current economic environment and potential tightening of their agency’s budget affects their ability to pursue energy efficiency projects.
- The top obstacles to meeting energy efficiency goals include the lack of funding (37%), organizational barriers such as procedures (20%), and a lack of internal enthusiasm to execute projects (18%).
