ONE in three UK energy managers say that energy efficiency issues are not taken seriously by their bosses or organisations, according to a new report published today by Siemens.
According to the research 31 percent of those responsible for energy management and energy efficiency within UK businesses believe the issues are not being taken seriously. These results highlights a discrepancy as 83 percent of directors in the boardroom feel their organisations take the matter seriously.
The findings come from Siemens Green League report, which reflects the views of 600 businesses.
As a significant area of cost for UK businesses, it was surprising to find that more than a quarter (27 percent) of board directors did not know what their energy bill was, while one fifth (18 percent) admitted they did not know what their investment in energy management would be over the next three years.
30 percent, almost a third, of board members blamed a lack of perceived return on investment for hindering energy efficiency commitments, with almost one in ten (9 percent) stating they cannot afford to invest in energy management projects.
This lack of focus on energy management at board level was highlighted further by an absence of dedicated resources, both in terms of people and investment. Nearly half (43 percent) of energy managers revealed spending only up to 10 percent of their time on energy management, with duties such as health and safety and facilities management taking up most of their time.
Despite these views, 70 percent of businesses are planning investment in energy efficiency projects in the next three years.
Siemens Industry Sector managing director, Juergen Maier, said: "These results do give cause for concern.
"Not only is the UK subject to strict legislative carbon reduction targets, but many businesses are neglecting the impact that effective energy management can have on the bottom line.
"With significant costs attached to energy and indicators suggesting that high energy costs are here to stay, it really is in the interest of all businesses to take energy management seriously and look at the potential savings that can be achieved."
“It is, however, great to see manufacturers coming out so positively in this research. As an energy-intensive sector that has been governed by legislation for some time, there will be numerous examples of best practice across our industrial base that other sectors can adapt for their own organisations and reap the benefits.
“It is important to note that the research does highlight evidence of good work being done by companies of all sizes across all sectors, but the overriding message is the need to do so much more. Now is the time for action or businesses risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”
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