You Can Pray for Lower Energy Costs, or, You Can Make Your Commercial Building More Energy Efficient (Infographic)

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that commercial buildings consume energy differently than in the residential sector.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the typical uses of energy associated with this sector include space heating, water heating, air conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, and running a wide variety of other equipment. Accounting for 36% of all U.S. electricity consumption, commercial buildings cost more than $190 billion in energy every year.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of many facility managers and building owners to manage these end-uses, many others are failing to make their properties more energy-efficient. In fact, a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that an astonishing 30% of the average energy used in commercial buildings is wasted.

The management of energy and improving energy efficiency has long been necessary for industry and commerce, not only to save on cost but also to reduce carbon footprint and promote social responsibility. So, if energy efficiency is a win-win for companies, what is preventing them from making their properties more energy-efficient?