Building sector linking energy efficiency with financial gainThe buildings sector is becoming increasingly interested in energy efficiency as evidenced by an international Economist Intelligence Unit survey commissioned by the Global Buildings Performance Network. More than seven of 10 real estate and construction executives surveyed globally believe energy-efficiency legislation benefits the building sector, including 75 percent of respondents in the United States. However, a lack of enforcement of existing regulations is blocking energy-efficiency investments. The building industry sees legislation as a way of strengthening the business case for energy investments with 68 percent of respondents estimating that carbon taxes are helpful to drive investments in efficient buildings and limiting carbon emissions would create a level playing field for businesses. Companies in the building sector link energy efficiency with positive financial performance and welcome legislation. This opens up opportunities for policymakers to collaborate and develop tools that can increase building energy efficiency and performance. Further, 63 percent of the respondents say that energy efficiency influences their investment decisions and more than 50 percent find payback periods of five years or more acceptable. For more: |