Changing Behaviour

For BC Hydro, we are changing behaviour. British Columbians are among the highest users of electrical energy in the world, and BC Hydro wants to change that. Redbird has conducted half-day workshops in five universities and colleges, helping faculty, staff, and student representatives craft a campaign to change behaviour and reduce energy consumption on campus. Campaign activities include a pre- and post-campaign survey, personal commitments to change behaviour (for example, turn off lights and unplug unused appliances), strategically placed prompts like post-it notes beside light switches, and incentives like the chance to win a prize when you take part in energy conservation activities. Behaviour change is monitored, along with actual energy use, in the designated buildings on campus, and the results have been remarkable. 

CapU's first building challenge in November had terrific results, with two of the three buildings in the contest far exceeding their goal of a 6% reduction.  With personal attention from on-site energy specialist Colin Dalziel, the film studio reduced energy use by 17%, and the sportsplex reduced consumption by 26%.  Powerful stuff!

Meanwhile, Vancouver Island University's Manager of Environment and Sustainability, Michele Patterson, got a whopping 1080 responses to a pre-campaign survey about energy conservation. The VIU plan included an Ugly Sweater week (with lowered thermostats on campus) that got media attention from CBC Radio and CHEK TV News.