Energy conservation and efficiency offers the largest, most cost-effective opportunity
for businesses to reduce the enormous financial, health, and environmental impacts
associated with burning fossil fuels. Buildings consume about 40 percent of the
world’s energy. Major electric use in commercial buildings goes to heating, cooling,
and lighting. To get the most savings, prioritize conservation first and efficiency
second, looking for no-cost and low-cost solutions with immediate benefits and short
payback times.