Top 5 Ways to Make Energy Training Stick

Written by Joe Wright

A managing consultant who is an expert in energy management and reduction strategies. His experience ranges from project managment, facilities management, construction and energy consultancy so he's uniquely qualified to advise on energy reduction and compliance for a wide range of building types and sectors

You’ve invested time and resources into energy training, but if your staff forget everything the next day, it’s a wasted effort. The real challenge isn’t just delivering training; it’s making sure it sticks.

Here’s how you can ensure that energy training leads to lasting change in your organisation.

1. Make It Relevant to Their Roles

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make with training is delivering generic energy training. If employees don’t see how it applies to their daily tasks, they won’t engage, and they certainly won’t retain it.

Tailor training to different departments. Your facilities team needs to know about equipment efficiency, while office staff should focus on practical energy saving habits. When people see how energy efficiency impacts their work and the company’s bottom line, they’ll likely to be more invested.

2. Use Interactive and Practical Learning

Think about the last time you sat through a dull, slide heavy presentation. Now imagine trying to retain that information weeks later. it’s not going happening. People remember what they do far more than what they hear.

Instead of relying on PowerPoint alone, incorporate practical activities like energy audits, real time data analysis examples, and even gamification. Interactive sessions not only improve engagement but also ensure the information is applied in real world situations.

3. Reinforce with Regular Reminders

Training can’t be a one time fix. If you want long term results, reinforcement is key.

Use energy dashboards to display real time energy usage so staff members see the impact of their actions. Place reminders in strategic areas, posters by equipment, quick tips in company newsletters etc.

Regular progress updates also help employees track their contributions and stay motivated.

4. Lead by Example from the Top

Your staff will take cues from leadership. If managers and executives don’t actively support energy saving practices, staff won’t either.

Make energy efficiency a clear priority at every level.

Leaders should model good practices, participate in training, and communicate the importance of energy management. When employees see that sustainability is a company wide effort, they’re more likely to get on board.

5. Measure and Reward Progress

People are motivated by different things some by results, others by recognition, and some by financial incentives. Use that to your advantage.

Set measurable energy saving goals and track progress. Offer incentives like public recognition, bonuses, or friendly competition between departments or sites. When employees see tangible results from their efforts, they’ll be more committed to maintaining energy conscious behaviours.

Embedding Energy Efficiency into Your Culture

By making training relevant, interactive, and continuously reinforced, you can transform energy efficiency from a one time initiative into an integral part of your company culture.

Want to find out how well your organisation is managing energy? Take our free Energy Management Scorecard Quiz. In just 3 minutes, you’ll get a score along with tailored recommendations for improvement.

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