Why is it important?
The energy sector is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. According to the 6th report of the IPPC, the energy sector was responsible for 34% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. The report also highlighted great disparities between high income and lower income countries. (1) Fossil fuels still represented the vast majority of global energy consumption. (2) Globally, fossil fuel energy prices have risen significantly, making energy savings a priority for organisations of all types, regardless of location.
In the humanitarian sector, emissions from energy consumption contribute 5% of sector-wide emissions. (3) This is largely driven by the sector’s heavy reliance on diesel generators due to unstable energy grids, resulting in highly carbon-intensive energy supply. (4) Additionally, fossil fuel energy in humanitarian settings is costly, with an estimated 5% of humanitarian budgets spent on diesel, petrol, and associated costs such as generator maintenance. (5) Similarly, in the healthcare sector, purchased energy sources—including electricity, heating, steam, and cooling—are a significant contributor, accounting for 12% of the sector’s total emissions. (6)
Along with transitioning to low-carbon energy supply models, a moderate consumption of energy aimed at avoiding wastage is a key lever of action for organisations.
What’s the solution?
Reducing energy consumption as much as possible (energy sufficiency) is key to achieving ambitious climate targets. It can help organisations not only to reduce their carbon footprint, but also to make financial savings.
Energy sufficiency requires individual behaviour change which organisations must also facilitate by investing in energy saving solutions which are installed by default, such as motion sensors in offices or office-wide temperature standards.
Individual actions, such as turning off lights and computers when not in use, are easy to adopt and often incur little to no cost. In order to be effective and accepted broadly, these energy savings actions must be practiced consistently and supported by technological improvements to equipment and buildings. For example, organisations should invest in renewable energy or energy efficient equipment, or upgrades like switching to LED lighting. Staff are otherwise likely to question the effectiveness of their actions – and rightly so.
Quote
“Individual behavioural change is insufficient for climate change mitigation unless embedded in structural and cultural change.”
IPCC 2022, 6th Assessment report (7)
Point of attention
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Point of attention
The priority for organisations should be to implement organisation-wide measures, such as setting temperature standards accepted by all and installing motion sensors. However, raising awareness and encouraging behaviour change at an individual level is equally important, not only to foster acceptance of energy-saving measures across the organisation, but also to positively reinforce these efforts. Moreover, staff may adopt energy-saving practices in their personal lives, contributing to broader global emissions reductions.
Key actions
1. Monitor electricity consumption
Monitor electricity consumption using financial data (ex: electricity bills, purchase of diesel) or by using meters. This is key to understand 1) how much and when energy is used 2) which office/electric appliance have a higher consumption 3) detect any potential issues/overconsumption (ex: unsealed windows). In turn, this data will help organisations learn more about its energy culture, develop a strategy (targets, messaging, approach) to reduce your energy consumption as well as measure the effects of energy behaviour change actions on energy consumption.
2. Identify actions at an organisational level
Collectively identify actions which can be taken in your office/institution to reduce energy consumption without compromising the service delivery or people’s comfort. Examples include: setting a temperature standard/a time when computers can be switched off, adjusting default water boiler settings (ex: temperature and timings so that the boiler does not heat water constantly). If possible, focus on actions which can have a high impact on energy consumption (ex: AC/Dryers).
3. Share knowledge and raise awareness
Raise awareness on the importance of small gestures (ex: leaving the AC at night or lights during the weekend). Distribute general energy literacy materials to staff, provide staff with tips and tools on how to use high-impact energy consuming assets.
Giving meaning to these actions by raising awareness on the importance of energy sobriety. This is key to help people feel concerned and motivated to change their behaviours.
Newsletters, podcast, posters, videos, emails, weekly/monthly awareness raising sessions or discussions on energy sufficiency can help motivate staff and to create a culture of energy savings. It is important to recognise that energy savings might be of low priority for the majority of staff. It is therefore important to develop a communication strategy adapted to the level of understanding of these issues and to the motivation of staff.
For further information on awareness-raising measures, see the Accelerator’s awareness-raising factsheet.
4. Support behaviour change through automated solutions
People are more likely going to change their behaviour if changes are easy to implement and if there is no inconvenience created by the change. For example, setting ‘switch off’ timers on electric appliances and installing energy saving features on computers by default or installing light sensors.
5. Identify champions
Champions could involve people that are motivated or facility management staff, which can encourage others and lead the roll out of actions – These should receive mandatory in-depth training on energy literacy. It is also beneficial to have leadership staff be part of the group of champions and lead by example.
6. Ask staff to sign an energy efficiency pledge
Ask people to sign a pledge with a list of individual commitments they can take to reduce their energy consumption. Renew this pledge every year.
7. Share results on energy savings on a regular basis
Sharing data on energy consumption which provides evidence of the success of energy reduction actions can be motivating and encouraging.
Changing behaviour to reduce energy use: examples of individual actions
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Changing behaviour to reduce energy use: examples of individual actions
- Turn off all lights and appliances (AC, printers, computers, Wi-Fi router) when not in use (at night, during weekends, etc.) – avoid standby modes which are very energy intensive. (13)
- Lower thermostat settings in cold climates and increase settings in warm climates, when not done centrally.
- Close windows and doors when AC/heaters are in use to keep the temperature constant.
- Put laptops and printers in sleep mode when not in use.
- Fully load washing machines and dishwashers.
- Bake and cook efficiently – cover pots to reduce cooking time and use ovens efficiently (e.g., turn off early to make use of residual heat).
- Close refrigerator doors properly.
- Unplug devices like phone chargers and other appliances that draw power when not in use.
To consider
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Potential co-benefits
- Financial savings: Reducing energy consumption can lead to significant cost savings for the organisation.
- Team building and employee engagement: Involving staff in energy-saving initiatives fosters a sense of teamwork and demonstrates that their contributions are valued.
- Well-being: Energy-saving measures can enhance workplace comfort and improve the overall well-being of employees.
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Pre-requisites and specificities
- Organisational commitment: The organisation must invest in energy-efficient equipment, modernise infrastructure, and undertake structural upgrades (e.g., IT systems, energy supply, and building improvements). Behaviour change must be supported through tangible organisational actions, rather than relying solely on individual efforts.
- Contextual considerations: Tailor the programme to the organisation’s specific environment, culture, and workforce dynamics, ensuring alignment with its unique characteristics and operational constraints.
- Sustainability over time: Behaviour change is a prolonged process, and awareness-raising actions may need to be carried out over several months to ensure that the changes are sustainable. It cannot be assumed that providing access to information will automatically result in behaviour change.
- Long-term planning: Given the high staff turnover in many organisations (e.g., humanitarian sector), behaviour change programmes must be designed to maintain continuity and success beyond individual participation.
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Success conditions
- Inclusive engagement: Involving people from the beginning fosters collective ownership, builds trust, and keeps staff engaged by sharing results, highlighting achievements, and acknowledging contributions. Ongoing communication helps maintain motivation.
- Leadership by example: Leaders must model the desired behaviours, demonstrating commitment to energy-saving goals, thus setting the tone for the rest of the organisation.
- Positive and creative approaches: Use methods such as humour, games, and rewards to inspire behaviour change, emphasising encouragement and pride. This helps avoid feelings of guilt, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for behaviour change.
- Communicating co-benefits: Changing behaviour regarding energy use is challenging as it often requires shifting personal habits and perceptions of ‘comfort’. It is important to communicate co-benefits of reducing energy consumption.
- Tailoring approaches: Behaviour change activities must be tailored to the diverse profiles of employees, including their level of motivation, cultural habits, and their individual responsibilities related to facility management. For example, while cost savings may motivate management, they might not resonate as strongly with all staff. Understanding the reasons behind why certain behaviours persist is critical, as this insight helps to adjust communication strategies and messaging accordingly.
- Feedback mechanisms: Establish systems to gather input from staff, identify barriers, and understand willingness to change, allowing for programme adjustments to improve effectiveness.
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Potential risks
- Rebound effect: Initial successes in energy savings may lead to unintended increases in energy consumption. For example, over-reliance on renewable energy might reduce perceived need to reduce energy consumption. Short-term initiatives might achieve temporary reductions, only for energy use to rise once the programme ends.
- Staff turnover: High turnover rates, especially in humanitarian organisations, can disrupt the continuity of behaviour change programmes. Long-term planning is crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure lasting impacts.
Tools and good practices
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Planning handbook on raising staff awareness
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland published this comprehensive handbook to help plan and implement a staff awareness campaign to reduce energy use.
Read here -
Campaign planning checklist
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland published this checklist to help plan and implement a staff awareness campaign to reduce energy use.
Explore here -
Communication material for an awareness-raising campaign
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland put together a wealth of communication material, including e-mail templates, posters, and checklists to support an energy use reduction campaign.
Discover here -
ADEME, Energy saving gestures (in French)
A set of easy-to-understand pictures, without text, that can be used to raise awareness or be printed as posters in the office.
Read here -
MSF, Energy tool
This tool comprises three sections (General Energy Questions, Energy Card, and Energy self-assessment), and characterises the energy context of the facilities (sources, total consumption, level of maintenance, quality, etc.).
Explore here -
ADEME, 10 tips for saving energy this winter (in French)
10 essential energy-saving tips to help reduce energy consumption at home and lower costs during the winter months.
Read here -
Sample Energy Pledge for staff
Thompson Rivers University, Canada, published a list of potential elements to include in an energy saving pledge.
Discover here -
Awareness raising video, Energy: Let’s save it!
A classic animated cartoon featuring only images and music. The cartoon highlights both the negative and positive behaviours in energy consumption, offering valuable energy-saving tips along the way.
Watch here
To go further
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International Energy Agency, Empowering people to act: How awareness and behaviour campaigns can enable citizens to save energy, 2022
The resource provides further information about how the choice of message, the tone, how the campaign is designed and the transmission channels, can significantly affect the resulting impact on behaviour of an energy reduction campaign.
Read here -
ADEME, Reducing energy use of air conditioning, 2021 (in French)
This resource examines the increasing use of air conditioning in homes and businesses, highlighting its environmental impact and exploring strategies for more sustainable usage to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."
Explore here -
MSF, ICRC, Energy behaviour change project report
The project report provides an overview of key learnings and achievements of an energy behaviour change project conducted jointly by ICRC and MSF OCG.
Read here
Featured
Energy consumption of buildings
Energy and buildings
Solar thermal energy
Staff awareness
Green office – Organisational level
Green office – Individual level
Sources
(1) IPCC, ‘Chapter 2: Emissions trends and drivers’, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2022, Available here, (accessed 1 December 2024).
(2) Ministère de la transformation énergétique et de la cohésion des territoires, ‘Chiffres clés de l’énergie ‘, 2024, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(3) Climate Action Accelerator, ‘ Towards halving Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Humanitarian Sector: a Sectoral Roadmap’, 2024, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(4) Global Platform for Action, ‘Decarbonising Humanitarian Energy’, 2023, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(5) O.Grafham and G.Lahn, ‘The Cost of Fueling Humanitarian Aid’, Moving Energy Initiative, 2018, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(6) Health Care Without Harm, ‘Health Care’s Climate Footprint’, 2019, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(7) Creutzig, F et al.,’ Demand, services and social aspects of mitigation’, in IPCC, 2022: Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2022, Available here, (accessed 1 December 2024).
(8) Ministère de la transformation énergétique et de la cohésion des territoires, ‘Chiffres clés de l’énergie ‘, 2024, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(9) Agence de la Transition Énergétique (ADEME), ‘Panel usages électrodomestiques’, 2021, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(10) Agence de la Transition Énergétique (ADEME), ‘Sobriété énergétique : des leviers d’action pour les collectivités’, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(11) Agence de la Transition Énergétique (ADEME), ‘Sobriété énergétique : des leviers d’action pour les collectivités’, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(12) Global Platform for Action, ‘Decarbonising Humanitarian Energy’, 2023, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
(13) Agence de la Transition Énergétique (ADEME), ‘Panel usages électrodomestiques’, 2021, Available here, (accessed 3 December 2024).
Credits
Cover photo: Enrico Mantegazza/Unsplash