| "I've come to the conclusion that energy policy is like | | | | around the world, recommends the following advice to |
| the weather: Everyone has an opinion on it but | | | | get businesses headed in the right direction: |
| expects someone else to do something about it," said | | | | 1. Appoint an "Energy Czar." Someone must be |
| the United States Secretary of Energy, Samuel W. | | | | responsible for driving efforts. |
| Bodman, at the 18th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum. | | | | 2. Conduct an energy audit; it's the basis for |
| Harsh words, perhaps. But it had to be said. | | | | determining current energy usage. Be sure to set |
| He wasn't talking about average homeowners | | | | future savings goals. |
| changing light bulbs and air filters. He was talking about | | | | 3. Install a building-management system. They can |
| major energy users-corporate America. | | | | save millions. |
| The single largest consumers of energy in the country | | | | 4. Consider "performance contracting." This allows you |
| are large commercial and nonresidential buildings. That | | | | to make upgrades now but pay for them later with |
| includes office buildings, schools, government agencies, | | | | funds generated from energy savings. |
| healthcare facilities, retail centers and military | | | | 5. Include renewable energy. Pairing it with efficiency |
| complexes. According to the International Energy | | | | measures yields greater savings. |
| Agency, these structures are responsible for nearly 40 | | | | 6. Make employees aware of energy usage. Even |
| percent of all energy consumed. | | | | turning out unnecessary lights and reducing water |
| Obviously, it will take a great deal more than changing | | | | usage will go a very long way. |
| old incandescent bulbs and cleaning filters in order for | | | | For any energy-efficiency plan to be effective, |
| these buildings to make a difference. Johnson Controls, | | | | everyone in the company will have to be aware of |
| Inc., a building efficiency solutions-provider to companies | | | | and responsible for executing these best practices. |