You've no doubt heard the expressions, usually with negative connotations, that there are "too many cooks in the kitchen" or "too many chiefs and not enough indians." The idea is that, sometimes, egalitarianism only leads to time wasted because while everyone has an opinion, not every opinion is good...or intelligent...or helpful. However, in these uncertain economic times, if you've been tasked with shaving your budget, doesn't it pay to explore every possible option?
In a recent issue of the Green Building Alert e-mail (click here if you're interested in signing up for this biweekly email), I posited that occupants are sometimes the best sources for cost-savings suggestions. They may notice simple things that just hadn't occurred to you or your staff. Do trash cans really need to be emptied every day? Can something be done about the jerk in Accounting who seems to need his office at meat-locker-temperature, and tries to keep the windows open all winter? How important, really, is that soda machine in the basement that still has Tab from 14 years ago in it?
What's more, when occupants are incentivized to save, you might be amazed at how much savings are produced. Some facility executives have had success holding an energy savings competition between different departments, dorms, etc. with a pizza party or bottle of scotch or restaurant gift certificates or whatever as the prize for the winners. The cost of the prize may pale in comparison to the cost of the energy saved.
Have you got a suggestion from a building occupant that you were able to implement with energy-saving results? Please comment below!