Saving energy is a team sport that’s as much about profitability as food and labor costs. Financial giant Deloitte conducted a recent survey and found that 60 percent of company CFOs questioned saw sustainability as a key driver of financial results. Just think about it—if you could cut energy use by 10 percent, what would that do to your profits?
But there’s more. It’s also about competitive advantage. Research firm Technomic recently found that a full 52 percent of consumers polled said they would visit sustainable restaurants more often than those who weren’t committed to the cause. Now that’s a loyalty program that won’t cost you a cent.
There’s no doubt that conserving energy requires thought, a clear action plan and quantifiable goals, but you’re not alone in the effort. Your employees can be your most valuable players in this game and it can’t be done without their buy-in. So how do you get that?
1. Define sustainability and its value to your organization. Sustainability is a great buzzword, but what does it really mean? Definitions range from the highly philosophical to the highly practical. One that particularly resonates is the concept of resiliency and how companies can weather the challenges over time. It speaks to the business case and its importance to the financial health and longevity of the organization.
2. Gather your team. Profitability requires everyone to pull together, and so does energy conservation. Put your own commitment behind it to brainstorm and collaborate with employees on specific ways each member can contribute based on job function. Develop the plan together. Contribution builds buy-in.
3. Set goals. Just as you regularly set sales projections and financial goals, include energy conservation in the mix, setting quantifiable and achievable goals. While employees can’t affect the cost of electricity, they can reduce the amount used within their work area.
4. Share the rewards. Energy conservation requires daily attention in order to keep everyone enthusiastically onboard, so make it part of your weekly meetings. Ask for new energy-saving ideas, share your progress and celebrate a job well done.
5. Keep it fun. Your program will be infinitely more successful if you keep it positive. Applaud results, but don’t make it a performance measurement. Instead, brainstorm with your team about the kind of incentives that are most meaningful to them. We’re not talking raises and bonuses, at least not at this point. Is it two tickets to the movies? A gift card? Tickets to a local amusement park? This one’s all carrot and no stick!
6. Sing it proud. Customers care about sustainability, so leverage your energy-saving program to your competitive advantage. Consider how you can get your energy-saving message to them. Whether you use social media, your website, store signage or something else, make sure your message reaches your customers so they know you’re doing your part.
Tracking those numbers can be difficult. Most energy bills don’t tell you where the energy is used or when. So if you need a little help, a simple, cost-effective energy management program could be your answer. For more information, visit Powerhouse Dynamics.
Jay Fiske is vice president of business development for Powerhouse Dynamics,developers of the eMonitor energy, asset, and water management platform for homes and small commercial facilities. Jay is responsible for leading the company’s overall sales and marketing strategy, developing and growing market channels, and establishing strategic partnerships.
