Energy efficiency adoption within UK businesses is being driven by cost saving and carbon footprint reduction objectives and not compliance, an industry survey by RS Components has revealed.
The study questioned facilities and maintenance engineers within 108 UK businesses that are actively implementing energy efficient solutions. It sought to understand the motivations behind energy efficiency adoption, where savings are already being made, and expectations regarding timescale for achieving reductions in energy consumption.
58% of facilities and maintenance engineers stated reducing energy cost was their primary reason for implementing energy efficient solutions, with 29% aiming to reduce carbon footprint as a result. Only 13% of respondents were prompted to become more energy efficient by regulatory compliance.
Return on investment in energy efficient products and services was high on the agenda behind cost saving. 38% of those surveyed expected to see complete return on their investment within three months, and a further 33% within 12 months. All respondents to the RS Components study are already implementing energy efficient solutions within their sites, and these findings suggest these businesses are experiencing fast and significant reductions in energy consumption as a result.
The study also explored which areas within facilities and maintenance are already realising energy efficiency improvements. 58% of businesses focus on lighting, 33% on heating, cooling and ventilation, with 8% engaging with general maintenance and upgrades.
Neil Harrison, market development manager, RS Components, said: “We commissioned this study to understand more about the drivers for, and experiences within, companies implementing an energy efficiency strategy.”
“In combination, the study’s findings suggest that implementing energy efficient lighting solutions delivers significant cost savings through energy reduction, improves carbon footprint, and is able to return the business’s investment, often within a three month timeframe. Hopefully this industry evidence will help energy managers to secure the budget they need to deliver a positive impact on the business.”
