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ENERGY STAR
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  2. Industrial Energy Management
  3. Communicate energy efficiency

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      • Communication tools to promote energy efficiency
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Communicate energy efficiency

Industrial Plant Engineer

Good communication raises awareness of energy management and motivates employees to get on board to do their part! It also provides positive news to your company’s stakeholders and can attract senior executive support.

Build an energy program communications plan

Most of us are not trained communicators. But with a little effort, you can create an effective communication strategy. Begin by outlining an annual energy program communication plan. The steps are easy.

TIP: Use your energy team to help carry the load. Make sure you include a member of your corporate communications or marketing department on the team.

Graphic of arrow hitting center of a bullseye.

Step 1: Define your goal

Your plan must have an objective if it’s going to be successful. For example, do you want to raise awareness about a specific energy program initiative or accomplishment?  Or are you trying to influence a specific behavioral change, such as turning off equipment?  ENERGY STAR offers a worksheet that will help you define your goals.

  • Planning a communication strategy (worksheet)
 
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Step 2: Identify your target audience

Determine who you need to reach. Are you targeting internal audiences such as employees or management? Or are you targeting external and public groups, such as customers, shareholders, or the media? For examples of what other companies have done, follow the links below.

  • Communicating internally
  • Communicating publicly
 
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Step 3: Tailor your messages

List the key messages you need to communicate and tailor them to your target audience. If you’re not sure how to best communicate to a specific audience, work with your company’s communication staff. See the links below for examples of how to tailor a message. 

  • Engage upper management
 
Graphic of multi-directional arrows eminating from a human.

Step 4: Select the best way to reach each audience

To communicate effectively, determine the best way to deliver your message. Ask your HR and communications departments what they find to be the most effective methods for communicating to different audiences. With external communications, your organization may also have specific requirements and procedures that you must follow. 

ENERGY STAR offers many materials that you can use.

  • Industrial plant communication tools
  • Share energy goals and progress
 
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Step 5: Schedule each activity

Determine how often you will need to communicate, what resources are needed, and who will be responsible. Lastly, consider how you will measure the impact of your communication efforts. 

 

Resources to help you promote your energy efficiency efforts:

  • Communication tools to promote energy efficiency
  • Partners promoting ENERGY STAR and energy efficiency
ENERGY STAR
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