Energy efficiency has assumed a new importance and business executives would do well to embrace it. It is a sound business strategy, defined as simply the decrease of energy consumption for relatively the same amount of production. Energy efficiency offers tremendous gain for very little pain. This briefing explores how Canadian business can benefit tremendously from energy efficiency, particularly in light of the current rising energy costs. It showcases some companies that are making energy efficiency a priority and it also examines barriers that prevent energy efficiency from receiving the attention it deserves.

This briefing goes beyond business performance issues to explore energy efficiency’s role in energy security, climate change and air quality. It points out that we are wasting chances to commercialize existing technology, and suggests opportunities for action for both on the part of both business and government.