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Gather support

Bring everyone to the table, early and often.

When you’re considering how to implement energy efficiency in your community, the first step is to bring key stakeholders to the table. Involve them in the planning process from the very beginning. This facilitates stakeholder buy-in and decreases the likelihood of major pushback or changes down the road. 

Consider inviting participants from the following groups to join your working group:

  • Industry leaders
  • Professional and trade associations
  • Local business leaders
  • Major building owners and operators
  • Academia
  • Utilities
  • Regulators and regulatory commission, if applicable

Create dedicated subcommittees on energy and the environment.

It’s important to assign responsibility for your energy and environmental initiatives. By creating a dedicated subcommittee, you empower your team to act and sustain momentum for your efforts. A subcommittee also acts as a standing forum to coordinate your actions, so be sure to include representatives from across your organization.

Plan for success.

By including key stakeholders in your decision-making process from the very beginning, you’ll help ensure success down the road.  

  • The Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government formed a public-private partnership under the Louisville Energy Alliance with local associations and business leaders. It’s providing community-wide momentum to the city's campaign to promote energy efficiency.
  • The Orange County Environmental Protection Division formed the Central Florida Energy Efficiency Alliance (CFEEA), which includes professional and trade organizations, local governments, academia, and utilities. Their common ground is a commitment to research, education, and the implementation of environmentally and socially responsible energy and building management practices.