Prenova, Inc., the energy services firm managing over $2 billion in energy spend for dozens of national retailers, announces the results of the second-annual Energy Management & Sustainability Strategy survey. Findings indicate national retailers are increasingly concerned about energy efficiency and are refocusing efforts to promote cost-saving, sustainable business practices. Conducted in partnership with Chain Store Age, a leading industry trade publication, survey results are based on responses from nearly 200 retailers.

Key findings from the 2010 survey include:

- 63% of retailers reported that they have a formalized energy management/sustainability program, with 45% indicating that sustainability is a “key component” of their overall business strategy

- Only 5% of retailers admitted their organization doesn’t worry about energy management/sustainability, yet twice as many lack specific programs to address these issues

- 60% of retailers stated that saving money is their primary reason for pursuing sustainable business practices, while approximately 8% were more concerned about enhancing their corporate image

- Common sustainability projects include installing energy efficient lighting (80%), conducting onsite energy audits (50%), and implementing energy management systems (45%)

- While sustainability is clearly important to retailers, so far, only 21% are using renewable sources to meet a portion of their energy needs

“This year’s survey clearly shows that more retailers are focused on energy management, and that they’re working harder to achieve their sustainability goals, but they’re less certain about their achievements,” said D. Scott Beaver, Prenova’s Director of Marketing. “Last year, over 45% of retailers thought their sustainability efforts made them industry leaders. In 2010, less than 25% think so. There seems to be a better understanding of what it takes to truly lead the industry.”