A dramatic increase in utility costs of running a facility...
The study, Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs, shows that utility costs — which include electricity, gasoline, fuel oil, steam water, and sewage — have jumped 19 percent compared to similar data from 2006.
While the increase in utility costs may come as no surprise; it is happening when energy consumption is down. When compared to the association's 2006 benchmarking figures, average electricity consumption — measured in kBTUs per square foot — has dropped from 93 to 81, while gas consumption has remained constant at 35 kBTUs per square foot. This decrease in energy usage could be attributed to companies implementing energy conservation practices, lighting improvements, and equipment upgrades at their facilities.
"In recent years, many organizations have invested in their electrical and mechanical systems to make them more energy efficient," said Shari Epstein, associate director of research. "Performing simple measures such as installing occupancy sensors, adjusting heating and air conditioning controls, and performing preventive maintenance checks to keep equipment running efficiently can make a measurable impact in reducing energy consumption."
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