Energy Efficiency and Energy Savings: A View from the Building Sector

This report explores how real estate and construction executives approach energy efficiency regulation in their business. For the report, the Economist Intelligence Unit surveyed 423 executives worldwide and interviewed leading decision makers. Main findings of the research include that (1) despite some barriers to investment, energy use is an important consideration for most companies, and it was a major factor in investment decisions for 63% of survey respondents, (2) many companies are replacing inefficient lighting, HVAC systems, and building insulation with more efficient alternatives, (3) companies are becoming more sophisticated in their energy management, (4) many companies remain ill informed about the true costs of their energy consumption, and they often underestimate its financial significance and (5) although 75% of respondents say energy efficiency regulation is beneficial, a lack of enforcement is the main obstacle to implementation.