Establishing an Energy Management Program

In order to work up a strategy for more effective energy management, it's essential that people working in different parts of the organization are able to understand each other. It may be tempting to use jargon that is very familiar to you but that may not be easy for the person you are speaking with to understand.

When you are trying to come to an understanding, always keep the other person (the one who is reading or listening to your proposal) in mind. Frame what you are saying in a way that they can grasp what your message is.

For example, if you need to get the attention of upper management or financial people in the organization, focus on how making changes will help the bottom line. Don't just make a statement, show them step-by-step why the organization will save more money by adopting energy efficient Operations and Maintenance practices than by investing in more "hardware." When man-hours in the operations and maintenance department are devoted specifically to improving energy efficiency, they pay for themselves very quickly.

You should also be prepared to point out that when companies attempt to trim the fat by cutting back on staff in Operations and Maintenance, this strategy will backfire. In this scenario, increased utility costs may well exceed savings on wages paid out.

Operations and Maintenance staff take their cue from their supervisors and managers. If someone in one of these positions lets it be known that a certain aspect of the energy management program won't work, then that's exactly what will happen. The staff will make sure that this happens.

The key to putting an effective energy management plan in place is for everyone involved to communicate effectively. This concept is just as true for managers as it is for staff members. If you want to get everyone on board, you need to present the idea from the point of view of WIIFM ("What's In It For Me"). Managers and financial types have their eyes on the bottom line, so make sure they understand the financial advantages to be gained from making changes to the energy program.

Staff members may be concerned about staying employed when the organization is looking at saving money. Once they understand that improved energy efficiency means savings that may mean they are less likely to be laid off, they will be supportive as well.

Matthew Shields

Energy Expert