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18JUN2009

Enthusiasm for energy efficiency projects waning?

Posted by Tim Wirtz

Yes, with a capital Y. A recent report from Johnson Controls in which more than 1,400 CEO’s, GM’s and VP’s were surveyed suggests a trend in energy efficiency that only a downturn in the economy could drive. The 2009 Energy Efficiency Indicator Report reveals a clear line between interest in green and action being taken.

The reason for the distinction? Capital, or lack thereof. Of those surveyed in 2009, 46 percent indicated they expected to make efficiency improvements financed with capital expenditures. Admittedly, this is a nice number—until you compare it to last year’s 56 percent who said they would make the improvements. In addition, the number one barrier (42 percent of respondents) to energy efficiency measures being implemented is limited capital availability. The 10 percent drop, coupled with the fact the report even had to introduce the barrier statistic (it wasn’t in 2008’s) shows just how much the economic situation has worked against the push toward environmental responsibility and stewardship.

There is no doubt that business leaders need to do what they can to keep people employed. The fact that green initiatives are taking a back seat is totally understandable, but they should not be cast aside for good. Corporate America seems to agree–according to the study, 45 percent of those surveyed still see building efficiency projects as their top carbon reduction strategy. So we know the want for getting these measures in place is there. The hope of course is that the economy turns around and the number of projects implemented increases with it.

So what side of this issue are you on? It’s a question you should be asking yourself and one that we would like to help you answer and eventually communicate to your audiences. Questions on what your next steps are in navigating this issue? Let us know, it’s why we’re here.

Categories: Environmental Communications, Green, Green Communications, Green Social Marketing, Marketing, Tim Wirtz, environmental marketing, green advertising, green at work, green marketing, green messaging, workplace energy efficiency

Comments

Dave Hanford
 

I was thinking about something my 5th grade science teacher told me. “Energy is neither created or destroyed.” Got me thinking more about alternative energy. The one that I never hear about is KINETIC energy. There’s wind, solar, electric and bio fuels just to name a few.

I googled kinetic and was astonished by how many viable ways there are to capture kinetic energy. Found this site that uses already existing revolving doors to power things up. http://www.igreenspot.com/people-powered-fluxxlab-revolution-door/

Searching the intranet I found this scientist that is working on a way to power a work environment that uses its employees everyday actions to power up. Yeah crazy talk right. He had invented gadgets that capture the energy from turning a office door to sitting down in your chair.

My take away from all this is that we do have a choice. Each choice we make will effect how are future generations deal with a long term need to power up.

Dave Hanford

nlahl
 

Dave, that’s so cool! I remember once at a cocktail parting talking about the idea of a gym that’s powered by members’ workouts. The more energy you contribute, the lower your membership dues. It could be like a co-op.

It may sound like crazy talk to some, but I think inventive ways of creating sustainable power are going to be gaining momentum sooner than we realize.

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