Develop A Plan With Staff

Affordability

Keep energy team meetings focused and share out tasks or build them into job descriptions to keep staff engaged and not overworked. Altering workplace behaviour is not always easy, these changes take time. Bring staff into the process from the beginning and use the strategies below to help 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 can take these practices home with them, saving even more energy.

What you need to know

Use these steps to guide your energy efficiency planning and staff engagement:

1. Develop a vision for energy savings. Set a goal and a timeline. From there you can develop a budget to implement changes.
2. Create an internal energy efficiency team led by a team manager. The manager will build and coordinate your energy efficiency team, oversee development of the energy efficiency plan, obtain approval to proceed from all applicable parties (business owner, building manager or landlord, other building tenants, etc.) and manage plan implementation. It is also essential to include your janitorial staff and night security in this process to ensure you have efficient night lighting as well. Behaviour changes and effectiveness depend on staff cooperation.
3. Work with the energy team manager to determine the people your energy awareness campaign needs 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.
4. Communicate your message. The first step in educating your employees and other building occupants about energy savings is to communicate your message. How you communicate with your employees will directly affect your success. It must motivate your staff to change their habits.
5. Follow up with specific ideas on how to save energy as you implement your plan.
   • Keep the activities and training on-going, so staff will maintain their enthusiasm and stay up to date.
   • Monitor the program and its effects, adjusting your plan as necessary.
   • Continue to train appropriate staff on the use and maintenance of new equipment. Appoint an equipment maintenance trainer.
6. 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 and don't forget to recognize and reward everyone who helps contribute to the goals.

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.