NRCan survey offers glimpse of energy efficiency awareness and gaps in industry

Survey findings about the awareness of energy efficiency in industry are now available in the newly published report, Industry and Buildings Energy Efficiency Awareness, Gaps and Brand Recognition. The survey, conducted by Leger in early 2017, presents the results of a quantitative online survey among energy efficiency specialists.

The study was also designed to determine the awareness of brands such as ENERGY STAR for Industry recognition program and the Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC).

Respondents almost unanimously agree energy management best practices reduce energy costs (99 per cent) and improve operational performance (99 per cent). Almost the same number agree that energy management best practices increase competitiveness (98 per cent), reduce emissions to mitigate climate change (98 per cent), increase the value of assets (95 per cent), create and maintain innovative energy-efficient technologies and jobs (95 per cent) and improve occupant comfort (95 per cent). More than nine out of 10 respondents also state they are familiar with energy management best practices (94 per cent) and the benefits linked to these practices (91 per cent).

A majority of respondents say energy efficiency is very important to their organization, 43 per cent spend more than 25 per cent of their time weekly on energy management related issues. Specialists in organizations with more than 200 employees (46 per cent) are more likely to devote more than 50 per cent of their weekly time to energy management issues. Three-quarters (75 per cent) of respondents say they are aware of Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Office of Energy Efficiency.

While only 19 per cent of the surveyed industry specialists said they were aware of the imminent launch of the Canadian ENERGY STAR for Industry recognition program, 83 per cent are interested in participating in the program once available. This is similar to the strong interest in CIPEC (82 per cent) with which respondents identify energy cost reductions, increased profit margins and competitiveness, and industry peer networking as the major benefits.

Industry sector specialists identify CIPEC (31 per cent) and ISO 50001 (21 per cent) as the most used brands, programs and tools within their sector.

The report is available at http://amicus.collectionscanada.ca/porr-rrop-bin/Main/BasicSearch?coll=28&l=0&v=1 by citing report number: POR 068-16.