Managing your energy use

After writing your energy policy, carrying out an energy survey, setting energy saving objectives and targets and identifying what measures to take, the next step is to develop an action plan for implementing the measures.

Creating your energy saving action plan

Your action plan should set out in detail how all the energy saving measures will be carried out in order of priority.

Actions can be ordered into short, medium and long term projects as well as no cost and low cost measures and measures that need capital investment. Starting with short term and low cost measures can be effective because they make an immediate impact and help to get people interested in the campaign.

The action plan should cover:

• target dates, costs and resources needed for each measure
• key roles and who will carry out the measures
• investment in energy saving equipment if necessary
• the availability of financial assistance

Communicating your energy saving actions

Effective energy management depends on everyone being involved and playing their part. It's very important to make employees and stakeholders aware of the energy saving action plan at every stage.

They need to know:

• why the measures are being taken
• what is being done, ie explain the aims and energy saving targets
• when the measures will be implemented
• how they can be involved

To get the energy strategy off to a good start you could:

• hold a launch event to generate awareness and interest
• provide training for staff to boost motivation and participation
• highlight initial quick win actions and plan regular update meetings
• publicise successes to stakeholders like shareholders and customers