commentFacility Operating Costs Increase Despite Drop in Energy Consumption
According to a recent report by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), rising utility costs have led to increased overall operating costs even as energy consumption has dropped. The report, “Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs,” pulls data from over 1,000 survey responses from IFMA members.
Based on what you have seen and read about this project, how would you grade it? Use the stars below to indicate your assessment, five stars being the highest rating.
Operating costs have risen 10% since 2004, according to the report, thanks in part to a 19% increase in utility costs since 2006 but despite a decrease in energy consumption; average electricity consumption dropped from 93 kBtu/ft2 in 2006 to 81 kBtu/ft2 in 2007. Natural gas consumption has remained constant at an average of 35 kBtu/ft2. According to IFMA, increases in energy costs have led to energy efficiency measures, decreasing consumption.
Costs tied to some environmental initiatives have also risen: for example, the cost of recycling doubled from $0.02/ft2 to $0.04/ft2 since 2004. The 2008 report (which does not include 2004–2005 data for comparison) is available for $120 at www.ifma.org/tools/research/benchmarks_v.cfm/.
This article was produced by BuildingGreen, LLC.- www.buildinggreen.com
|
|
Sign in to Comment
To write a comment about this story, please sign in. If this is your first time commenting on this site, you will be required to fill out a brief registration form. Your public username will be the beginning of the email address that you enter into the form (everything before the @ symbol). Other than that, none of the information that you enter will be publically displayed.