A German study has found that, due to the economic crisis, only 30% of German companies are currently investing in energy efficiency.

Before the crisis the figure had been nearly twice as many. At the same time though, the perceived importance of energy efficiency for businesses has increased.

The findings are the result of a poll of decision makers from industry and commerce carried out by dena, the German energy agency. More than 60% of businesses said they planned to invest in energy efficiency after the crisis.