Establishing an Institutional Energy Policy

A while back, we shared some suggestions on developing an Energy Management Plan (EMP). But sometimes it’s hard to get support for the plan if you don’t have an institutional framework in which to put it. Today’s post provides suggestions for creating (or revising) an Institutional Energy Policy that will provide a solid framework for your future energy management efforts.

Sustainable Initiatives

Energy management actions can immediately reduce energy use and associated costs. However, these reductions become sustainable only through energy management policy development, adherence, and consistent energy awareness training.

An important step in development of a successful organizational-based energy management program is the adoption of an Institutional Energy Policy (IEP) by the governing/administrative body. Ideally, this policy will be developed and approved in consultation and collaboration with energy management personnel.

IEP Components

The policy should be a very short document including:

a statement of purpose such as: “…provide leadership in developing a sustainable energy ethic in the operation of its facilities to improve the working environment …”
a statement of vision: “…success …. Is defined as … “,
a statement of participation: “… and is the joint responsibility of…, and is achieved through their cooperation and collaboration.”
a statement of implementation: “… shall responsible to implement the policy, and will be evaluated …”.

An Example

Here is a sample IEP document:

Institutional Energy Policy for [Institution NAME HERE]

Purpose

[Institution NAME HERE] is committed to the efficient use of its
energy resources and shall provide leadership in developing a
responsible energy use ethic, increasing awareness of facilities
energy needs and costs, and conserving energy while maintaining
a comfortable working environment.

Vision

[Institution NAME HERE] shall strive to develop a culture of energy stewardship
that will contribute to increased energy efficiency
and sustainable energy use, and discourage wasteful consumption
and thoughtless use of energy resources.

Participation

Every member of the organization
shall be encouraged to contribute to energy efficiency and to be
an “energy saver.”

Implementation

Implementation of this policy shall be the joint responsibility of the
[President/CEO/Superintendent], the [chief governing body], and all
members of the community. Its success will be dependent
on cooperation at all levels.

An energy manager, at the appropriate level, shall be designated
and held accountable for energy management at each facility.
Judicious use of the various energy systems at each site shall be
the joint responsibility of the administrative/supervisory staff for
each facility, the custodial staff, the maintenance department,
the general workforce, and the energy manager.

The energy manager shall implement, direct, evaluate, and report
on energy conservation and efficiency programs, shall maintain
transparent, accessible, and accurate historical records of energy
consumption and associated costs, and shall periodically provide
information to the [President/CEO/Superintendent] and the
[chief governing body] on the goals and progress
of the energy management program.

A Spring Break Assignment

If your organization is taking a spring holiday this month, perhaps you could use a little of that down time to explore the institutional policy framework for your energy management program, and find ways to energize your next initiative!