How can you collaborate with other departments to implement energy management strategies in a facility?

1 Identify common goals

The first step to collaborate with other departments is to identify the common goals and benefits of energy management for the facility and the organization. For example, you can show how energy management can support the strategic objectives, such as increasing productivity, reducing environmental impact, or improving customer satisfaction. You can also quantify the potential savings, returns, and risks of energy management initiatives. By aligning the goals and benefits, you can create a shared vision and a sense of urgency for energy management.

3 Define roles and responsibilities

The third step to collaborate with other departments is to define the roles and responsibilities of each department and individual involved in energy management. You need to clarify who is accountable, responsible, consulted, and informed for each energy management activity, such as setting targets, collecting data, analyzing performance, or implementing actions. You can use tools, such as RACI matrices or Gantt charts, to assign and track roles and responsibilities. By defining roles and responsibilities, you can ensure accountability and coordination for energy management.

5 Recognize and reward achievements

The fifth step to collaborate with other departments is to recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of each department and individual to energy management. You need to monitor and measure the energy management outcomes and impacts and share them with the relevant stakeholders. You can also acknowledge and celebrate the successes and best practices of other departments and individuals and provide feedback and recognition. By recognizing and rewarding achievements, you can foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation for energy management.

6 Seek external support

The sixth step to collaborate with other departments is to seek external support when needed. You may encounter challenges or barriers that require external expertise, advice, or assistance. You can seek external support from sources, such as consultants, vendors, utilities, or associations, that can provide valuable insights, solutions, or resources for energy management. You can also leverage external support to benchmark, network, or learn from other facilities or organizations that have implemented energy management successfully. By seeking external support, you can overcome challenges and enhance opportunities for energy management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?