STRATEGIES

Management Techniques

In order for any management programme to succeed it must have a strategic approach.  There are many theories on how best to deliver this and in this section a 5-step approach is outlined.

The 5 steps are:

Step 1 – Get Commitment

Support from the very top of the management structure is vital.  A visible commitment from senior managers will underpin a successful programme.  It will kick-start the programme and reassures everyone in the whole organisation that this is a serious issue.  An Energy Policy document signed by the Chairman, Chief Executive or the Board will demonstrate this commitment.

Step 2 – Understanding

This step requires evaluation of what energy is being used and what it costs.  There needs to be an understanding of where that energy is used within the organisation and where the waste is occurring.  From this knowledge realistic targets can be set for savings.  However, it is not just energy information that needs to be understood – management strengths and weaknesses are also part of the picture, as is the anticipation of barriers to improved efficiency.  It may sound strange but in most organisations there will be personnel who fight against any change, even if it is for the better.

Step 3 – Plan and Organise

The targets for energy savings, derived from the ‘Understanding’ step will only be achieved if driven by detailed action plans.  The Energy Policy discussed in step 1 should be reviewed and updated with targets for savings and with time frames.  Each of the areas where waste was identified in step 2 should be addressed by one or more actions, which will reduce or eliminate the losses and these should be linked back to specific policy commitments.

Step 4 – Implement

Launching an energy/environmental campaign is high profile and the work put into Steps 1, 2 and 3 will pay off with a slick, well prepared approach.  Initially the no-cost actions are important to get momentum and show rapid savings demonstrating the benefits to the business.  However, these actions must also run alongside other complimentary management issues such as training and raising awareness.  Raising awareness of all personnel throughout the organisation from Boardroom to Cleaner is essential to get everyone ‘on board’ and playing their part.  Communication is another important issue.  Let everyone know what successes are being achieved and praise the people involved.

Earlier in Step 2, part of the understanding was to anticipate barriers to implementation.  That early planning will now pay dividends as those barriers are overcome allowing a smooth implementation phase.

Step 5 – Control and Monitor

Once the programme is underway it is important that the benefits can be measured and reported.  Monitoring and Targeting is vital to this step.  A comprehensive M&T system will pay dividends many times over.  However M&T on its own will not show the whole picture.  Remember that management issues are involved and re-evaluating strengths and weaknesses are also required.

Information from this step should be used to look back at the Policy statements, the targets and roles and responsibilities.  In other words the 5 steps are cyclical.  Go back and review, modify understanding with the knowledge gained, refine plans where necessary, introduce new targets where further waste has been identified, implement the new actions and monitor again.

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