Sustainabilitylive! 2012 Seminar Programme - End-user metrics that sizzle - energising everyday champions

Large organisations can easily struggle with the behavioural change part of their carbon management strategies. Most are exploiting energy saving and monitoring technologies but what's not so easy is bridging the gap between people and technology. Setting metrics that sizzle not only helps create the green sparks, to energise people and staff in support of energy and environmental goals, but also ensures best value from investments in assets and technology over the longer-term. This joint paper shares experiences and lessons from The Discovery Mill and our monitoring partners Global Sense and focuses on energising 'Everyday Champions' and 'Smart Savers'. It looks at improvement strategies; who needs to be involved (and the 'what's in it for them'); how to set metrics (depending on where you are); the opportunity for real-time and low cost performance monitoring; and the cost of not getting it right. Quite often metrics are so focused on dates and figures (i.e. medium-term reduction targets) that they don't fully engage with the people involved - they also need to be local, desirable, focused, visual and help drive continuous improvement. The paper will be of interest to facilities, energy and environmental managers, and practitioners who support organisations that own and manage large buildings, estates and facilities.