THE COMMENTS

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS / INFO

Research Energy Purchasing

Not everyone has the ability to make the decision to research alternate/clean energy purchasing – but it’s not to say one person in the office can’t help start the discussion. And sometimes when it’s an internal person who is able to give some background research and engage other employees, it can help the idea become a movement.

Choice of Lights

Not everyone can make that decision, but it’s not to say one person can’t help start the discussion.

Building Design

Not everyone can make that decision, but it’s not to say one person can’t help start the discussion.

Peak energy management

Not everyone can make that decision, but it’s not to say one person can’t help start the discussion.

Working with Neighbors

Working from the bottom up in multi-tenant facilities is able to start the discussion / add pressure / motivate others to change.

Turning Lights off

(hardware versus software)

Suggesting that everyone use power strips that they can easily turn off all items in the office creates both engagement and awareness.

On a grander scale, software exists to control lights and other large energy consuming equipment (turning lights/machinery off when it’s not in use) – i.e. GE’s Proficy Software. Yes, this is a “not everyone can make that decision” but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Student engagement

Rusty spoke of the way student engagement helped because there were people in all the building taking note of possible energy efficiencies. However, the same goes for creating and participating in green teams in every office/facility. If a green team already exists in your company but not in your office, there is opportunity to increase engagement and awareness.

Competition

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Find things in the office that can be measured and have some fun!

Increased comfort benefits

When it comes to lighting choice, HVAC issues, etc., there is something to be said for the increased comfort brought about by improving energy efficiency. Don’t forget to include that in the discussion.

Monitors off (versus sleep mode)

Help make people aware of the difference between letting their monitors go to sleep versus turning them off.

Also, keep an eye/ear out for new software that can be installed that turns everyone’s monitor off at a pre-determined time.

Laptop versus Desktop

Not everyone can make that decision, but it’s not to say one person can’t help start the discussion.

And I imagine this will become an increasingly interesting discussion as companies continue to balance space needs, telecommuting and space sharing options (like Cospace!)

Door Report

Not everyone has the ability/technology to run something like a door report – but if you have questions about it, Leo Dielmann brought this up and might be able to help point you in the right direction.

Energy Star Program

This is both a “not everyone can make the decision” as well as “an opportunity to create engagement/awareness”

http://www.energystar.gov/ - and they have a specific page focused on buildings and plants!

Rebate Programs by Austin Energy

This is both a “not everyone can make the decision” as well as “an opportunity to create engagement/awareness”

http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Rebates/index.htm