The secret to reducing energy consumption in the workplace is getting your employees on board. With increasing emphasis on rising energy prices, CO2 legalisation and consumers making ethical purchasing decisions, there are many compelling reason why your business should engage employees in energy saving and sustainability.
Energy saving behaviour is all about making small changes in your employees daily habits at work. Yet often, change can be challenge for some employees. Therefore creating the right strategy is essential. Presenting the change as positive, reminding them that the business will thrive and it will benefit them personally is a great starting point.
Here are some ways to begin saving energy at work by engaging your employees in a subtle way:
1. Share the vision
Before employees can implement green strategies, it helps if they understand how their choices affect company costs and the environment. Do they know the biggest energy-draining habits in the work place? How can their help benefit the company and further?
2. Get staff involved
Involving your employees by asking for their suggestions and making them responsible for specific goals, such as ensuring all unnecessary electronics are switched off before the weekend, will engage them more in the initiative.
3. Create marketing materials
Involve staff in creating an energy policy then follow up with reminders such as posters, displays, stickers on equipment and light switches.
Simple, yet an effective reminder.
4. Upgrade equipment
Not only does new equipment tend to be more energy efficient, but when employees see the business investing in these appliances, they take note. Making moves like this within the company can cause a workplace culture shift in an energy-efficient direction.
5. Be an example
Lead the way for employees by demonstrating energy efficient behaviour. When employees see managers practicing conversation, they are more likely to do it themselves. When everyone in the business works together, energy saving behaviour becomes the norm instead of a burden.
Thinking about taking energy saving further?
Is your business thinking about…
Having a energy efficiency audit?
Replacing inefficient lighting?
Upgrading to more energy efficient equipment?
Installing solar PV?
BEST provides comprehensive services in free energy auditing and grant support. So whether you know what you want to do, or are just curious, get in touch today.