The commercial sector reduced energy use by 12 percent during the period from 2003 to 2012, according to The Energy Information Administration.
The in-depth Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey is made about every five years. A representative sampling of thousands of commercial buildings is performed. The most recent iteration of the survey show strides in efficiencies energy use for lighting and heating. In addition, heating energy savings grew due to the increase of commercial floor area in the warmer south. It accounted for 39 percent of the floor space in the revenue survey compared to 37 percent in 2003.
The survey also found that energy use for computers and office equipment rose compared to the previous survey.
In March, Navigant consultant Ben Freas posted a commentary at Energy Manager Today suggesting how commercial buildings can be made to be more comfortable and personable.