Energy Costs

Three-quarters of American business leaders believe energy prices are going to continue climbing, according to a study by Johnson Controls. The survey found that economic and environmental concerns are pushing businesses to adopt energy efficiency in a big way.

Energy-efficient lighting, light-control sensors and taking greater control over heating and cooling needs ranked as the most common energy-efficient initiatives. Among the more ambitious programs adopted by survey respondents were energy-saving window glass (28% of respondents), white roofs (13%) and recycling waste energy (11%).

Sixty-four percent said their maximum payback period is between two and five years.