While energy efforts previously focused on completing projects and involved people in
procurement, engineering, maintenance, manufacturing, and technology, it was recognized
that additional engagement and awareness could yield benefits. Resources were
available to assist in this effort. ENERGY STAR is an excellent resource for employee
awareness campaigns. Posters, brochures for energy efficiency at home and at work,
children’s activity books, and displays are available for the asking for ENERGY STAR
partners. ENERGY STAR has the benefit of being a well-recognized and positively
perceived brand that instantly garners favorable attention when used in company
awareness campaigns.
Eastman learned that other companies held employee energy fairs to promote energy
awareness at home. After visiting another company’s fair, the value became apparent and
the first annual energy fair was held in 2011 at the company’s largest manufacturing site,
colocated with the corporate headquarters. The fair used ENERGY STAR resources with
booths manned by local utilities and retail stores showcasing home energy-efficiency
products. This has truly been a win–win with utilities and local companies now readily
participating as they also receive value from opportunities to proactively provide
information to their customers.
Eastman also learned that other companies have Green Teams geared toward sharing
information with employees who have personal interests in preserving the environment.
ENERGY STAR provides a Green Team Checklist [6] that provides a framework for
development of these teams. At Eastman, anyone who is interested can join a Green
Team. Monthly newsletters, which are appropriate to share on company bulletin boards,
are developed at the site level. These are e-mailed to Green Teammembers who are asked
to share the information with their coworkers and post them within their work areas.
Topics typically include energy efficiency ideas, local opportunities for recycling or
other activities, and suggestions for family activities. Out of consideration for workload,
communications to Green Team members are limited to twice per month and are
typically sent only once per month. The site newsletters are shared among the developers
at all sites. While some of the newsletter topics promote local activities, others are
applicable to everyone, regardless of location.
Eastman utilized the ENERGY STAR Pledge [7] to raise awareness. This pledge is
designed for individuals to pledge to save energy at home. It includes installing more