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Occupant Training Toolkit
Program Portfolio
rw and EnergyVibe™
Save energy with the EnergyVibe Occupant Training Program
Your organization knows that saving energy can save money. But when it comes to getting energy projects off the ground, it may be hard to find funding for major building improvements.
With the EnergyVibe Occupant Training Toolkit, we help you work with your building occupants to implement simple no- to low-cost energy-saving actions. Reducing energy use through behavior does not require a large upfront investment, so you can start accumulating savings almost immediately.
Studies by the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR confirm that behavioral change can reduce energy costs by 3-10%.
Our approach
The EnergyVibe Occupant Training Program is an awareness program designed to create a culture of energy efficiency within your organization. The program is structured around the belief that energy awareness is not a one-time event; outreach efforts must be reinforced to achieve sustained energy savings.
EnergyVibe is brought to you by 2rw Consultants, Inc. an energy and engineering firm dedicated to providing environmentally-focused services in all disciplines. After twenty years of designing green buildings, we launched EnergyVibe in 2006 to bridge sustainable design with efficient behavior for the most complete approach to energy conservation.
2rw’s approach emphasizes program elements that are fun and creative to build enthusiasm and maintain program momentum. The EnergyVibe Toolkit provides you with a program website, curriculum, and materials so you can focus on reaching out to your organization – while still having the flexibility to add your own twist.
Planning and Support
Expert guidance from start to finish
The 12-month EnergyVibe Occupant Training Program is organized into three phases: planning, implementation, and evaluation. 2rw will provide you with supporting resources during each program phase. Your Green Team can then adapt the program based on your organization’s internal culture and protocols.
Each successful program starts with a solid foundation. In the planning phase 2rw will provide you with guides to help you set up your program. They include:
• Handbook for Program Managers • Implementation Strategy Worksheet • Kick-Off Event Planning Guide
2rw will support your EnergyVibe program with:
Phase I: Strategy Development 2 months Phase II: Program Implementation 9 months Phase III: Program Evaluation 1 month • Assistance with electricity baseline calculations • Instruction on how to implement a successful program • Guidance on defining program goals • Direction for developing a strategic plan • On-site visits • One-on-one consultation calls • Accessibility throughemail and phone • Recommendations for outreach events • Assistance with calculating energy savings • Evaluation of best practices
• Guidance for long-term energy planning
What is a Green Team?
A Green Team is a group of employee volunteers who serve as an organizing body to communicate and implement your green initiatives. Members of the Green Team serve as the ambassadors for the EnergyVibe program.Throughout the implementation and evaluation phases, 2rw will continue to provide you with personalized support and consultation. A dedicated staff member from 2rw will work with you throughout the year to help you maximize your energy savings.
Green Team Workshops
2rw will offer workshops to all Program Managers and Green Team members participating in the EnergyVibe™ Occupant Training Program. Examples of workshop topics include:
• Messaging: What Works and What Doesn’t • Strategies for Increasing Participation • Quantifying Program Results
Advance your expertise at workshops and trainings
Certified Technical Trainings
2rw will also hold presentations on technical topics such as: • Commissioning
• Connecting Waste, Water, and Energy for Maximum Savings • Ground Source Heat Pumps
Technical trainings will be geared towards building operators, energy managers, and facilities personnel. Most courses offered will be pre-approved for LEED and AIA continuing education hours.
Engage your occupants with outreach events
Outreach events are the best way to energize your energy awareness program. There is no substitute for in-person interaction to create real change in energy behaviors. Each month 2rw will provide ideas for outreach activities or events you can implement in your organization. Event recommendations will range from quick, fun activities that build enthusiasm to more involved initiatives that directly reduce energy use.
These events will aim to reach a wide audience of your building occupants and will be an excellent opportunity to both share and listen. Event examples include:
• Sustainability Pledge Event • Computer Shut-Down Day • Green Leader Competition • Energy Scavenger Hunt (Audit)
Interactive Website
Learn, laugh, and connect with the EnergyVibe website
The EnergyVibe website serves as the resource center for all building occupants. It is a platform for information about the program and houses resources for improving energy efficiency at work. 2rw will update the website each month with new tips, resource articles, comics and news posts related to each monthly theme.
The Sustainability Pledge is an important component of the website. By asking building occupants to sign the pledge you generate accountability to implement those actions, driving results.
The website integrates social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to draw in those audiences that do not have regular access to computers at work.
A toolkit you will want to use
The EnergyVibe program is organized into monthly themes that identify a focus for each month’s website updates, program materials, and outreach activities. At the beginning of each month, Green Teams will be able to log in to the web-based Green Team Toolkit and access all materials for the upcoming month’s theme.
Resources in the Green Team Toolkit are designed to be as complete as possible while still allowing the flexibility to personalize them to your organization. No two businesses are the same, and no one knows your people better than your Green Team. The Green Team Toolkit provides you with guidance and pre-developed materials, but ultimately you choose how to implement the program elements so they will be most effective.
Monthly Green Themes
Temperature Control
Healthy Green Habits
Electronics and
Outlets
Energy and Water
Usage
Waste and Energy
Reduction
Lighting
Alternative Energy
Sustainable Practices
Appliances
reen Team Toolkit
Posters
Electronic poster files for download and distribution.
The Green Team Toolkit includes:
Meeting Worksheet with Suggested Activities
A discussion guide for identifying new energy-saving opportunities and establishing action items for the upcoming month. Includes suggestions for fun, low-cost outreach activities.
E-Newsletter Template
A template for electronic newsletters with program announcements, energy tips, and featured successes.
Flyer Template
Each flyer comes prepared with a featured article related to the monthly theme, a list of “Top 5” actions, and a custom comic. Additional space is available for you to add announcements about upcoming events or to congratulate a group on their success.
Media Kit
Logo files, sample press releases, and graphics templates to help you publicize your organization’s sustainability accomplishments.
Value
Everything you need for an unbeatable deal
Imagine adding a(n)…
• energy engineer • software programmer • graphic designer • dedicated researcher • certified trainer
• and energy consultant
…to your staff to create a robust energy awareness program, without adding payroll. 2rw has done the background research and development for you to accelerate your energy education and outreach initiatives. The EnergyVibe Occupant Training Program is built based on years of experience and researched best practices. 2rw’s artists, writers, and energy experts have compiled a library of multi-media educational materials into an easy-to-use, flexible curriculum.
The EnergyVibe Toolkit provides with you a strong framework to reduce utility costs in your organization by 3-10% within the first program year. The benefits of your behavior-based energy awareness program will extend beyond your utility bills. You’ll also build teamwork, foster a healthy workplace, and demonstrate a commitment to the planet.
http://info.energyvibe.com
Emmanuel Hales
Meghan Magennis
emmanuelh@energyvibe.com meghanm@2rw.com
