HOUSTON, Texas — Although energy costs related to operating buildings have gone up in recent years, buildings are using less energy, according to a survey of facility managers.

The International Facility Management Association's "Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs" report looks at different costs associated with buildings: energy, recycling, leasing, maintenance, security, waste disposal and more.

The survey of 1,032 facility professionals found that all utility costs have gone up 19 percent since 2006, and it costs 10 percent more to operate a facility today than four years ago. Environmental programs, too, cost more, going up from an average of two cents per square foot in 2004 to four cents per square foot.

Energy use, though, is down compared to 2006 figures, a fact the report attributes to energy efficiency measures, equipment upgrades and lighting improvements.

“In recent years, many organizations have invested in their electrical and mechanical systems to make them more energy efficient,” said IFMA associate director of research Shari Epstein. “Performing simple measures such as installing occupancy sensors, adjusting heating and air conditioning controls and performing preventive maintenance checks to keep equipment running efficiently can make a measurable impact in reducing energy consumption.”

The report is available from the International Facility Management Association for $120.