The fact that buildings use an incredibly large amount of energy is not breaking news for many of us; according to the EPA, US buildings account for a whopping 68% of total electricity consumption and 39% of total energy use, while contributing 38% of carbon dioxide emissions. Recognizing this, a 2009 McKinsey report found that energy efficiency upgrades such as sealing leaky building ducts could potentially save as much as $1.2 trillion in the U.S. over the next 10 years.
In the midst of a still-dwindling economy in which businesses are constantly seeking out ways to reduce costs while adhering to mounting consumer and shareholder pressures to operate responsibly and sustainably, companies are turning to their buildings in order to simultaneously achieve both goals. Local governments are even embedding energy efficiency and reporting requirements for buildings into their regulatory frameworks.
According to a new report by Pike Research, this trend is anticipated to continue to gain momentum in the coming years. By 2017, the global market for energy efficiency services and equipment in buildings is expected to reach $103.5 billion by 2017, representing more than a 50% increase in market value from 2011.
For a first-hand example, check out EBI's recent lighting retrofit, which is expected to save $11,000 and 85,000 kWh per year (source of post EBI)