Commercial Industrial Institutional News
CEEA survey shows Canadian businesses miss out on big energy savings

While 61% of Canadian businesses report having seen energy cost increases in the last year, only 27% believe they are doing all they can to save energy and 41% state initial cost as the reason they haven’t done more to boost their organization’s energy efficiency, noted the report.

To increase their participation, 68% would support more stringent energy efficiency codes in building codes, even if it raised the cost of real estate, it added.

“Essentially when you consider this and last year’s survey on Canadian residential consumers, we have clear evidence that Canadians need more information about the incentives that are available to them to embrace energy efficiency,” said Elizabeth McDonald, CEEA president and CEO. “Most interesting is the indication that businesses agree that codes and standards are essential to getting more Canadians on board. CEEA sees a real place for their messaging that being energy efficient is good for the company bottom line.”

In the building sector specifically, 44% reported “cost” was preventing them from doing more; 26% said it was the customers’ preferences or demands that did not allow for energy efficiency improvements; and, 3% said owners or management did not support the move.

Key Findings
Those that have invested in energy savings with upfront costs mostly invested in lighting and improved heating and air. Of the Canadian businesses that invested in energy savings, the report noted:

• 26% replaced or upgraded equipment, appliances or trucks
• 14% engaged in building renovations
• 13% installed vehicle or equipment trackers and usage meters
• Very few have conducted energy efficiency audits, with the exception of the institutional/public sector

CLICK HERE to read the survey results.

Commissioned by CEEA, the survey represents a sample of 661 Canadian businesses, with a margin of error of 3.81% 19 times out of 20.