Earlier this year, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change released the results of a study entitled, “the Seven Habits of Highly Efficient Companies.”

The report was released during the Pew Center’s Corporate Energy Efficiency Conference, and included a few statistics from companies that have fully embraced efficiency. Some of the results were amazing.

For instance, Dow Chemical, which purchases as much energy in a year as Australia, estimates its efficiency efforts have saved $8.6 billion since 1994 while avoiding about 86 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.  Minneapolis-based electronics retailer Best Buy says its sales of certified ENERGY STAR products in 2008 saved customers more than $90 million in electric bills.

While their methods may not be surprising, what I found interesting was how these highly efficient companies made energy efficiency a part of every day business. Efficiency was embraced as a holistic approach rather than a series of band aids and one-time upgrades, even during these difficult economic conditions.

Like most any business strategy, efficiency should have a place at that table next to marketing, sales, or any other business strategy.

Sounds easy, right? We all want to save energy. Well what if the short-term cost for efficiency upgrades is more than you can afford? What if you’re leasing your space? What if your HVAC equipment is only 4 years old?

Over the next several weeks, we’ll plan to more closely examine each of the seven habits and identify ways companies can make efficiency a regular part of day-to-day business.

We’ll also look at some of the tools that came out of the research for the report, including a 12-step plan for companies looking to get started on energy efficiency programs.

Does your company share the efficiency habits of these companies? Tell us how you make them a part of your day-to-day business.