Rising world energy costs are encouraging businesses across the world to invest in energy efficient technologies to reduce their energy consumption, according to the latest research paper from SFS, the Financial Services unit of Siemens.
The company said: 'In developed economies, tough credit conditions have restricted organisations' ability to invest. Now, however, financing arrangements are becoming available that offset the new equipment investment costs against the energy cost savings, wholly or partly subsidising the investment.

'In some cases - such as industrial motors, combined heating and power, and warehouse lighting - financing arrangements can often be created where cost savings make the situation cash positive from day one. The new SFS paper not only points out that financing in the energy-efficient technologies and solutions is a way out of the rising energy prices, but also highlights key technologies where the greatest energy-efficient gains are to be made, along with typical payback periods.'

David Martin, general manager for Siemens Financial Services in the UK, added: 'The challenge of energy consumption and the costs for business and industry has made the case for investment in 'green' energy-efficient equipment a high priority for most businesses. Finance directors are increasingly latching onto energy-efficiency which, if properly executed, provides obvious financial gains. With economies sluggish around the world, and credit remaining tight, businesses urgently need to reduce operating costs, and this is one easy way of doing so.'

The SFS paper claimed that financing techniques, such as leasing, performance contracting and other specialist financing solutions were now becoming popular 'because they help the business afford their energy efficient equipment upgrades without tying up or 'freezing' scarce capital.'

For more information see: www.siemens.com/finance