Report: Energy Use Down, Costs Increasing

摘要

Led by a dramatic increase in utility costs, the overall cost of running a facility is 10 percent higher than it was just four years ago, according to results from a recent International Facility Management Association research report. 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.