Develop A Plan With Staff

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Affordability

Altering workplace behaviour is not always easy, these changes take time. Having a plan that was developed with staff input ensures staff are included from the beginning and helps make the process easier and faster.

Cost savings

Engaging staff may take time and other resources up front, but the results can bring a fundamental change to your business. Creating a culture of efficiency and sustainability can increase staff retention, morale and productivity, as well as drawing new talent.

Environmental considerations

People who learn energy efficient behaviours at work may take these practices home with them, saving even more energy.

What you need to know

• Based on assessments done with your green team, develop a vision for energy savings and sustainability. Your vision should describe how your company’s core product and services are (or will be) supported by its good environmental and sustainability practices.
• Identify achievable targets for an initial period of time. Don’t try to do too much at once. Develop a budget to implement changes. The Smart Steps Ten Strategies Guidebook to eco-efficient business may help.
• Assign responsibilities within your green team to coordinate your initial projects, obtain approval to proceed from all applicable parties (business owner, building manager or landlord, other building tenants, etc.) and manage plan implementation.
• Work with the energy team manager to determine the people your initial projects need to reach. It may be just one group of employees or a larger group of building users. Consider the size of your target audience, where the people are located and if they are in multiple facilities. These factors will help you determine the most effective communication tools to reach them. Consider whether suppliers and/or customers need to be included too.
• Communicate your message. Electronic / print communications are convenient, but face to face communications (i.e. staff meetings) can be more powerful – use both. Motivate staff to change their habits. Provide specific ideas on how to implement your plan.
• Monitor the program and its effects, adjusting your plan as necessary.
• When you complete individual projects, measure results and communicate success. Launch subsequent projects as possible. Targeted efforts (i.e. night time power down procedures; eliminating disposable cutlery; implementing monthly "slow food" lunches; developing staff ride shares; retrofitting lighting in one area) are easier to tackle than too many wholesale changes at once. Your vision helps keep individual projects aimed at a common goal – but your initiatives can be broken down into components that are actionable and achievable.
• Positive staff attitudes towards the changes will contribute to a healthier work environment and increase the likelihood of success. Make sure that staff members view their participation on the energy team as a benefit and not as a burden. Recognize and reward everyone who helps contribute to the goals; celebrate successes.

FAQ

Where can I get detailed information and help from BC Hydro to put my energy plan together?
BC Hydro's Energy Manager Assessment is a great place to start your efficiency planning. BC Hydro also offers excellent information in our Employee Energy Awareness section, including a six-step guide for commercial customers.

Where can I read about other companies' steps towards sustainability – and cost savings?
Check out these eco-efficiency case studies from Metro Vancouver and read BC Hydro's Power Smart success stories (updated regularly). Managing energy costs by business also offers great ideas targeted by type of business.