Though 83% of board directors believe that their organisation is, in fact, serious about energy management.

One in three of those responsible for energy management in UK businesses say that the issue is not being taken seriously by their organisation, according to a new report published by Siemens AG (NYSE:SI).

The 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 in energy management than those operating at the ‘coal face’. 83% of board directors believe that their organisation is, in fact, serious about energy management.

Lack of knowledge

Though a significant area of cost for UK businesses, more than a quarter of board directors did not know what their energy bill was, while one fifth admitted they did not know what their investment in energy management would be over the next three years.

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

Lack of focus

The lack of focus on energy management at board level was highlighted further by an absence of dedicated resource both in terms of people and investment. Nearly half of energy managers admitted to only spending up to 10% of their time on energy management, with other duties such as health and safety and facilities management taking up the bulk of their time.

Juergen Maier, MD of Siemens Industry Sector in the UK and Ireland, commented: "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."

Planning for the future

On the positive side, 70% of businesses are planning investment in energy efficiency projects in the next three years. Food and automotive manufacturing organisations demonstrated the strongest commitment to energy management in terms of their knowledge and attitudes, current behaviours and investment plans.