Behavioural > Training and Awareness Program

Existing Conditions

Physical modification of mechanical and electrical systems is only one part of an effective energy conservation program. Proper equipment operation, responsible habits (for example, turning off lights and computers), and a method of monitoring and tracking energy use are all part of a complete program.

An energy conservation program is not something that is “done to” your organization by an outside entity, but is something undertaken by your organization, possibly with the help of outside specialists. It involves your staff. Their “energy skills”, awareness, and daily activities play a significant role in ensuring success.

UK Good Practice Guide 306 is a British public document describing how organizations can assess their own situation and set priorities for establishing an effective energy conservation program. The following sections are taken from GPG306 to allow you to evaluate your present staff awareness and point to training needs.

Retrofit Conditions

We recommend making a careful assessment of your current situation. The evaluation matrix below assesses the role of energy awareness and training activities, and the use of information to continually improve energy performance. Procedures for reviewing energy performance, reporting performance, and for keeping abreast of market developments are assessed.

- insert Awareness and Information Matrix here -

Score each of the six columns from 0 to 4, and then average them to get an overall organizational score. The scoring is as follows:

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Level 4 is indicative of clear delegation of responsibility for energy consumption throughout the organization. Energy efficiency is regularly promoted both formally and informally. A comprehensive monitoring system is in place, and performance is closely monitored against targets. Plant and equipment will be selected for energy efficiency and its operation will be closely monitored.

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Level 3 is indicates that energy management is treated seriously at a senior level, and is incorporated within formal management structures. Consumption is likely to be assigned to cost centre budgets, and there will be an agreed system for reporting energy consumption, promoting energy efficiency and investing in energy efficiency. Plant and equipment selection will be based on energy efficiency.

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Level 2 suggests that the importance of energy management is recognized at a senior management level, but there is little active support for energy management activities. Energy staff are likely to be based in a technical department, and the effectiveness of energy management is restricted to the interests of a limited number of employees. The majority of plant and equipment will be energy efficient.

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Level 1 generally indicates that, although there is no specific energy policy, some energy management activities are in place, albeit in a rudimentary or informal fashion. Reporting procedures and awareness matters are undertaken on an ad hoc basis. Some plant and equipment will include energy-efficient features.

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Level 0 applies to sites where energy management is virtually non-existent. There is no energy policy, no formal delegation of energy management responsibilities, and there is no program for promoting energy awareness within the organization. Any equipment is unlikely to be energy efficient or to include any energy-efficient features.

Further Benefits