More than half of the facility management executives in a multi-national survey said that they will increase energy efficiency investments next year.
The 2017 Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey of more than 1,500 facility and management executives in the United States, Canada and 10 other countries found that 58% of respondents expect to spend more on efficiency in 2018. Cost reduction remained the key driver for investments globally, with 77% rating it as a very or extremely significant factor.
In the U.S. and Canada, greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy security were the most significant drivers at 92% and 91%, respectively. As in previous surveys, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment was the most popular improvement made last year, reported by 75% of respondents.
Onsite renewable energy is the top planned investment with 57% of respondents saying they will invest in this area over the coming year. Energy storage is gaining momentum, too, with 48% of organizations planning to make such investments in the next year.
Related Stories
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2016
Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update
The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2016
Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool updated to factor in waste management
The costs and benefits of managing 29 types of waste are now included.
Wood | Sep 6, 2016
Atlanta suburb prohibits wood-framed construction for high rises
The new building code prevents any structure with more than three stories from being built from a CLT frame.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016
Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity
A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.
Regulations | Aug 31, 2016
FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds
The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Green | Aug 29, 2016
Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030
No net GHG emissions will be allowed.
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2016
Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects
The Multifamily Green Advantage targets existing buildings.
