Last weekend I was on a DIY trip and noticed this rather fancy wind turbine aloft a well known store. In this really contributing to reducing the energy consumption of this site?  Is this a business that has taken energy waste by the scruff of the neck and squeezed? Within the store were staff noticeably behaving in ways to reduce energy wastage? Or has the council just forced this DIY store it put it up to get planning permission?

There’s nothing wrong with what this store is doing. Every bit of renewable energy we can create contributes to saving carbon yet at the same time we have to things more seriously. Staff behaviour alone influencing excessive lighting or heating will outweigh the renewable generation many times over. The only difference is that staff behaviour cannot be placed aloft on the top a building.

GAIA May 2010

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Over the last week a storm of sense in the Climate Change debate has been spoke by none other than Boris Johnson our celebrated London Mayor.

On questioning about the cost of Climate Change on the City Of London the Mayor replied that it was not only environmentally responsible but also financially prudent to be green. Absolutely Boris, being green is a cost saving activity not a cost creating process.

The debate of Climate Change it too occupied by large global talks Kyoto, Copenhagen which makes the whole debate look scary and very very costly.

Whereas for individuals or businesses cutting carbon by cutting energy waste for example, is good financial sense which can bring rewards for many years to come.

GAIA (article by Haydn)

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One of the great challenges for any Business is communicating to Staff about energy consumption.

The good news is that both staff are likely to be receptive to the topic of Energy Saving or Climate Change  (see Blog Employees Keen to Support) and willing to make a difference  – the problem is making it clear to them how they are to get involved.

All you need is everyone to take a small action. Follow these tips below to get yourself on your way.

Step 1: Initially all organisations need to develop a compelling message. A compelling message is not a plan to simply save x% or £x – a number created by an isolated Finance Director or Senior figure. These are not motivational to your staff or managers. A compelling message is a uplifting aspiration, that is asking all members of the business to endorse and become inclusive.  The message is Business specific and fits your culture and/or ethics. See our Tips part of the website for more information on this.

Step 2: Next you need to communicate frequently some simple actions for all to take.  e.g.  ‘This week we in ‘x’ business will make sure all idle Computer monitors are switched off’ . This communication should be repeated weekly with a new energy saving task.  GAIA offers a FREE Booklet ‘44 Tips to Save Energy in the Workplace’. Simply copy the Tips relevant to your situation.  You can request a FREE PDF copy here.

Lastly: You need to communicate what is happening in terms energy consumption saving to maintain the momentum and ensure success. To do this talk in kilowatts not carbon or £’s. The translate savings to a tangible business related measure e.g the business has saved ‘x’  Kilowatts which can equate to saving equivalent to  ‘X units being made for free’.

Remember imagery is everything.

Show you staff the data, let them challenge the graphs and help you find the savings. Once they are on board you can secure saving for the longer term.

GAIA (article by George)

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UK Energy companies are becoming increasingly frustrated by the successes of local campaign groups to defeat wind farm or other renewable projects being built.

Despite the UKs urgent need to find alternative energy resources the strength of public feeling against renewable projects is preventing or delaying progress to the extent that they become economically non viable. This issue  has been highlighted recently by the final closure of the UKs only Wind Turbines manufacturer who have moved production to the USA.

So why are we in such a mess, and why do we resist each project at every turn?

A new study, Beyond Nimbyism, shifts the blame for the delays back on to the energy developers. The study commissioned by 5 UK Universities looked at Public Engagement with renewable projects and noticed the key problem was lack of information and trust between the energy company and residents. Too many residents only find out about a project when planning applications are in place annoying locals and encouraging resistance.

Lead author Professor Patrick Devine-Wright of Exeter University said: “The vast majority of people are in consent for renewable energy technologies.

“Developers need to think about the fact that in the main they don’t trust them. They don’t trust them at all.”

GAIA Comment

Living within an area that seems constantly under threat from Wind Turbines I see weekly comments in the local paper on the reasons why they (turbines) cannot be used. But underneath these debates is a feeling of being under siege and naturally the local population are resistant.

I agree with the Study that there has to be more open dialogue with residents but I also feel Central Government need to be more honest. Central Government need to clarify for all the UKs Energy Policy and our urgent need to find alternative resources. The UK has an energy crisis and the Government need to take the lead and not rely on Energy Companies to do their work for them.

For more on the study click here: Beyond Nimbyism Study Link

GAIA (article by Haydn)

Read related article: Alternative Energy Resources – What are we to do?

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With 2009 proving to be a challenging year for Hoteliers, cost management is now top of the agenda in most board rooms. Staff cuts and squeezing the supply chain have been inevitable actions for many Hotels keen to save money; but have your cost saving actions successfully extended into energy usage?

They have for Intercontinental Hotels.  By monitoring energy consumption they anticipate saving of up to £200 million across their Hotel Group.
(See attached article link from the Times on Wednesday 8th August 2009).

Energy is the third greatest cost for many Hotels yet its usage is often unmanaged. Focus is often misdirected to buying cheaper energy, without reducing the underlying energy demand the hotel consumes.
Unchecked energy waste multiplied each day across many sites can result in huge expense – but this waste can be quickly and simply turned around.

If you don’t have a system for live data monitoring then you should find out more today. GAIA is a ground-breaking way of saving energy using live data to influence human behaviour change. Would like to know more call us on 024 7623 6446 and let us empower you to save money and energy across your group.

GAIA

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