Boardrooms in the dark over energy, says Siemens research 30 January 2012

Nearly one in three (31%) of managers responsible for energy in UK businesses say that it is not being taken seriously by their organisations, according to a new report published today 30 January 2012) by Siemens.

The Siemens Green League report, which reflects the views of 600 businesses, reveals a mismatch between the views of the board and their energy managers – with the boardroom much more confident about its efforts than those at the coal face.

In contrast, 83% of board directors believe that their organisations are serious about energy management. However, more than a quarter (27%) of board directors did not know what their energy bill was, while almost one fifth (18%) admitted that they did not know the scale of their investment in energy management over the next three years.

Meanwhile, 30% of board directors blame a lack of perceived return on investment for preventing a commitment to energy efficiency, and nearly one in ten (9%) said they cannot afford to invest in energy management projects – despite the potential for returns. On the other hand, 70% of businesses are planning investment in energy efficiency projects in the next three years.

Food and automotive manufacturing organisations demonstrate the strongest commitment to energy management, in terms of knowledge, attitudes and investment plans.

"These results do give cause for concern," comments Juergen Maier, managing director of Siemens Industry Sector in the UK and Ireland.

"Not only is the UK subject to strict legislative carbon reduction targets, but many businesses are neglecting the impact that effective energy management can have on the bottom line," he continues.

Maier makes the point that, with significant costs attached to energy and indicators suggesting that high energy costs are here to stay, it is in the interests of all businesses to take energy management seriously and look at the potential savings that can be achieved.

"It is, however, great to see manufacturers coming out so positively in this research," he adds. "As an energy-intensive sector that has been governed by legislation for some time, there will be numerous examples of best practice across our industrial base that other sectors can adapt for their own organisations and reap the benefits."

Brian Tinham

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