Facility Operating Costs Increase Despite Drop in Energy Consumption

According to a recent report by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), rising utility costs have led to increased overall operating costs even as energy consumption has dropped. The report, “Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs,” pulls data from over 1,000 survey responses from IFMA members.

Operating costs have risen 10% since 2004, according to the report, thanks in part to a 19% increase in utility costs since 2006 but despite a decrease in energy consumption; average electricity consumption dropped from 93 kBtu/ft² (1,060 MJ/m²) in 2006 to 81 kBtu/ft² (920 MJ/m²) in 2007. Natural gas consumption has remained constant at an average of 35 kBtu/ft² (400 MJ/m²). According to IFMA, increases in energy costs have led to energy efficiency measures, decreasing consumption.

Costs tied to some environmental initiatives have also risen: for example, the cost of recycling doubled from $0.02/ft² to $0.04/ft² ($0.21/m² to $0.43/m²) since 2004. The 2008 report (which does not include 2004–2005 data for comparison) is available for $120 at www.ifma.org/tools/research/benchmarks_v.cfm/.