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ACEEE examines how energy behaviour programs can build energy-efficient office culture
January 17, 2012 - Energy behaviour programs aimed at reducing energy use through change in employees’ attitudes and behaviours can lead to an energy-efficient office culture, according to a recent report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
January 17, 2012 By Alyssa Dalton
The report looked at several energy behaviour case studies across North America, including “Conservation Action!” at BC Hydro, and the “TLC-Care to Conserve” program at the University Health Network of the University of Toronto.
ACEEE noted that four intervention approaches were shared by the energy behaviour programs:
• Setting the tone with the support of upper management and its public pledge;
• Building a team with a project committee and peer champions on board;
• Utilizing communication tools such as e-mails, prompts, Web sites, public meetings, and posters to reach target audiences; and
• Engaging building occupants by means of feedback, benign peer pressure, and competition, as well as through performance-linked rewards.
These programs also create benefits that extend beyond the workplace, as participants often become more energy conscious at home and in their communities, it concluded.
“Participants in these programs may reduce their home energy use, or actively participate in or even organize energy conservation programs in their communities,” said Dr. Shui Bin. “They may act as agents for change within and outside of the organization, spreading energy-efficient behaviour in other settings, leading to direct and indirect reduction of energy expenditure, energy use, and carbon emissions.”
CLICK HERE for the full report.
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