Create and Implement an Action Plan

Successful SPPs use a detailed action plan to ensure a systematic process to implementing energy performance measures for their customers.

Use ENERGY STAR

• Use the Building Upgrade Manual you have become familiar with to create a step by step energy efficiency plan for customer facilities.
• Integrate ENERGY STAR energy performance contracting best practices (263KB) into your offerings.
• Conduct an Investment Grade Audit for customer facilities to evaluate the actual performance of a facility's systems and equipment against their designed performance level or against best available technology.
  • View ENERGY STAR guidance on assembling an audit team, developing an audit strategy, and creating customer audit reports.
  • Information on industrial plant energy auditing is also available.
• Obtain project financing for proposed energy efficiency projects.
  • View project financing strategies and related case studies.
  • Use the Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator to advise customers on how much new energy efficiency equipment can be purchased from anticipated savings; whether equipment purchases should be financed now or from a future budget; and, if money is being lost by waiting for a lower interest rate.
  • Use the Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs to identify utilities and other entities offering financial assistance to improve energy efficiency for your customers.
• Create an energy oriented Purchasing and Procurement Policy to promote ENERGY STAR qualified products as a means for customers to save energy and lower operating expenses over the lifetime of equipment.
• Build capacity in customer organizations through training and transfer of successful practices.
• Raise awareness among employees in your customers' organization.
  • Order ENERGY STAR posters for the workplace to motivate action among employees.
  • Promote national campaigns such as the ENERGY STAR Challenge, "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR," and the Low Carbon IT Campaign.
  • Bring Your Green to Work with ENERGY STAR. Share energy tips for employees, executives, building managers, and businesses to instill energy awareness in the workplace.
  • Promote energy awareness at work and at home to customers' employees by sharing home energy efficiency tips and using the ENERGY STAR Kids Web site.

ENERGY STAR Resources

• Introduction to Energy Performance Contracting (375KB).
• ENERGY STAR tips on motivating employees offers ideas for incentives and creating interest in energy initiatives.