According to new research by electronic giant Siemens 31% of those responsible for energy management in UK businesses say the issue is not taken seriously.

The figures shows a complete miss-match with the boardroom as it reveals 83% of directors believe their organisation is taking energy management seriously.

The information comes from the new Siemens Green League report, which takes into account the views of 600 businesses.

As a significant area of cost for UK businesses, it was surprising to find that more than a quarter (27%) of board directors did not know what their energy bill was, while one fifth (18%) admitted they did not know what their investment in energy management would be over the next three years.

Almost one in three (30%) board directors blame a lack of perceived return on investment for preventing a commitment to energy efficiency measures, while nearly one in ten (9%) said they cannot afford to invest in energy management projects.

On the positive side, 70% of businesses are planning investment in energy efficiency projects in the next three years.

Siemens Industry Sector managing director, Juergen Maier, said: “These results do give cause for concern.

“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.

“With significant costs attached to energy and indicators suggesting that high energy costs are here to stay, it really is in the interest of all businesses to take energy management seriously and look at the potential savings that can be achieved.”

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe