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Engaging Employees in Conservation Leadership

Panel: Human and Social Dimensions of Energy Use: Trends and their Implications

Authors:
Christine Gustafson, BC Hydro Power Smart
Margo Longland, BC Hydro Power Smart

Abstract

The merit of energy savings from behavioral based programs has often been debated and such initiatives have been downplayed in favour of more concrete, established technical measures. In this paper, the authors describe a unique behavioral-based employee engagement initiative for a commercial office building and include a discussion of results and lessons learned. The initiative discussed has since gone on to be a model for change in this jurisdiction.

The initiative is defined by its positive, action-based approach that pairs behavioral change with technical measures. The success is facilitated by strong management support and passionate employee participation and leadership. Initiative leaders and building occupants have done an excellent job in shifting the culture by establishing a link between electricity conservation and the broader environmental context. Everyone is empowered to take action.

Whole building consumption is tracked monthly using building meter data. In addition, baseline and year-end surveys provide comparisons for employee stated behaviors, environmental perceptions, and impacts of sub-initiatives. By the end of the first year, the initiative reduced electricity consumption by over 5%, resulted in measurable changes in behavior, and had engaged the majority of the buildings occupants. To date, the initiative has reduced electricity consumption by over 9%.

This paper argues that behavioral change is not only effective but also creates a culture that facilitates the adoption of technical measures. The discussion will stimulate thought about the nature of behavioral programs, the role of social marketing, and their value within a comprehensive suite of energy efficient initiatives in buildings.

Paper

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