New Study: Smart Technologies and Real-Time Data Could Help Agencies Meet Their Energy Goals

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Better data provided by smart building technologies might be just what agencies need to help them reach the Obama Administration's ambitious energy efficiency goals, according to a new report released by Government Business Council (GBC) and Siemens.

In the September survey of senior federal officials, 74 percent of respondents say greater access to data could help federal employees more effectively manage the way they use energy at work. Respondents also indicate that adopting smart technologies -- integrated systems used to monitor and automate key building functions -- should be a top energy priority for federal agencies.

"Agencies are constantly looking for ways to improve energy efficiency and cut costs. The challenge we're seeing today is in translating high-level, government-wide objectives into strategies that motivate change at the individual level," said Zoe Grotophorst, Manager of Research & Strategic Insights with Government Business Council. "Putting energy performance data in the hands of the federal workforce in real-time could be a solution, allowing employees to set and track personal goals for energy efficiency. But first, agencies will need the ability to collect, integrate, and share that data."

"The US Government has made great strides in modernizing its infrastructure, as well as integrating and managing the latest technology, to meet its energy efficiency targets," said Barbara Humpton, senior vice president, Business Development, Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. "Access to better data and the ability to integrate that data into this new infrastructure and technology will be essential for federal agencies to build on their progress and meet their energy efficiency and energy security missions."

Key findings of the study include:

●       Only roughly three in ten respondents are confident that their agency will fulfill its mandate of reducing energy intensity by 30 percent by FY 2015 under the 2007 Energy Independence & Security Act.

●       Only 9 percent of respondents report that their agency encourages them to set personal performance goals when it comes to improving energy efficiency, while only 7 percent say that their agency displays its energy data on a department- or agency-wide dashboard.

●       69 percent of respondents believe that smart technologies can help their agencies improve energy efficiency, while 61 percent believe they can assist in reducing operations and maintenance costs. However, many see high-up front costs as a barrier and only 18 percent believe they will work within a federal smart building within the next decade.

The GBC report, "Raising Your Agency's Energy I.Q. with Smart Technologies" assesses the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of senior-level managers operating within 28 federal and defense agencies. The study is based on survey data collected from 321 individuals, serving at the GS/GM grade levels 11 through 15 and the Senior Executive Service.

To view the complete report, visit http://www.govexec.com/gbc/reports/raising-your-agencys-energy-iq-smart-technologies/97502/.

About Government Business Council
Government Business Council (GBC), the research arm of Government Executive Media Group, is dedicated to advancing the business of government through analysis and insight. GBC partners with industry to share best practices with top government decision-makers, understanding the deep value inherent in industry's experience engaging and supporting federal agencies.

About Siemens Government Technologies
Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. is a federally-compliant U.S. organization structured to provide answers for some of the nation's most challenging issues within the federal market in infrastructure, energy, industrial automation, and healthcare. The company is leading integrator for Siemens' innovative products, technologies, and services to meet the needs of federal customers.

About Siemens in the U.S. 
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years.  With 362,000 employees in more than 200 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of approximately $100 billion in fiscal 2013. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $24.3 billion, including $5.9 billion in exports, and employs approximately 52,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Government Business Council