State of the Energy Union

The U.S. consumes approx. 25% of the world’s energy with less than 5% of the total world population. The $400 billion the U.S. will spend on energy in 2010 is trending toward $500 billion in 2020. Almost half of our energy consumption (48% per Fig. 1) is for buildings, which means the private sector can make a major impact without waiting for government programs or macro initiatives.

Between the years 1980–2000, energy expenditures remained relatively flat. However, costs have been rising, and according to DOE forecasts, will continue to rise. Given the current corporate interest in cost containment, new green technologies offer owners and managers the means to save energy and money.

*U.S. Department of Energy Annual Energy Outlook Report #DOE/EIA-0383 (2009)