by AF 0603 h3 — June 7, 2010—Despite a global recession, investment levels in energy efficiency have remained strong according to the Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) released today by Johnson Controls, a global leader in delivering products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings.
The survey of more than 2,800 executives and managers responsible for making investments and managing energy in commercial buildings worldwide found that 56 percent of respondents say they have invested the same or more in energy efficiency over the last 12 months. A regional comparison indicates that respondents have invested the same or more in energy efficiency in China (60 percent), followed by the United States (59 percent), Europe (55 percent) and India (45 percent).
Across all regions surveyed, energy management is considered an important priority among commercial decision-makers (92 percent). Notably, respondents from India (85 percent) and China (80 percent) were more likely to consider energy management very or extremely important as compared to those in Europe (55 percent) and North America (53 percent).
The EEI tracks energy management priorities, practices and investment plans among decision-makers responsible for managing commercial buildings and their energy use. Johnson Controls has conducted the EEI survey in North America for the last four years. This year marks the first time a global survey has been conducted across Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.
While motivations differ from region to region, cost savings is consistently the most important factor driving investments, with 97 percent of respondents identifying it as significant. In the survey, 88 percent of respondents believe energy prices will rise in China, compared with 79 percent in India, 68 percent in Europe, and 64 percent in North America.
After cost savings, lowering greenhouse gas emissions (74 percent) is the second most important motivator for energy efficiency in all regions except North America, where boosting public image (63 percent) and taking advantage of government/utility incentives (62 percent) rank higher in importance.
For more information, see the Johnson Controls Web site.
