Energy managers may not be trained communicators, but they are vital links between decision makers and solutions. Sharing stories and successes of effective energy management in your school encourages innovation in your district and beyond.
Climate change is a complex global issue, but energy and facility managers have an opportunity to showcase energy management and sustainable technologies to inspire students and the local community. Here are some tips from an environmental communications expert to better share your stories.
Barriers to communicating climate change
Cara Pike is the founder and director of Climate Access, and she presented at a Climate Action Communications webinar on March 14 hosted by the BC Climate Action Secretariat. Pike said British Columbians are well educated on climate change, but many barriers still exist.
“People in BC have been very accepting that there is an issue,” said Pike, who has advised the Province of British Columbia, City of Boston and the Obama administration.
“There is relatively high levels of awareness. People do have relatively high levels of concern.”
There is a strong buy-in from British Columbians for solutions including renewable energy and clean energy industries, and there is even relatively strong support for the carbon tax.
Despite the majority acceptance that there is a problem and government has a big role in the solutions, climate change is still difficult to communicate.
Factors that contribute to the challenge include:
- Climate change is relatively distant in time and space.
- It is a technical issue with lots of uncertainty in impacts and solutions.
- Solutions can be distant.
- Competing priorities for solutions with upfront costs and uncertain paybacks.
The answer: Talk about climate change regularly
The best place to start, said Pike, is to begin conversations about climate change. Build stakeholder support by discussing climate change and what it is about.
She recommended asking: “What is this issue even about?”
Follow these tips to explain climate change in a meaningful way:
- Focus on local, relevant and observable impacts.
- Don’t talk about risks without solutions that are working now.
- Promote practical strategies that offer multiple benefits.
- Emphasize the human and financial cost of inaction.
- Connect preparation with efforts to reduce risk by cutting carbon.
Facility managers have a unique opportunity
Continuous opportunities for green solutions
Since buildings require regular maintenance and cycles of upgrades, it is “an opportunity to advance carbon reduction efforts.” These efforts are a solution unto themselves, and they also are a spark for further innovation.
“Green buildings look different. It is a conversation opener and it shows people that these changes are possible now,” she said.
“Take advantage of things that are already going to change”
Success in schools will motivate the students
Students face uncertainty about their future and they take climate change seriously.
“Young people overwhelmingly buy into this issue more and they accept the science. They tend to be more supportive of just getting on with this transition.”
Acting on concrete solutions in schools demonstrates to students that it is normal to make dedicated efforts for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Hubs for the entire community
Energy and facility managers can showcase successes in energy efficiency, conservation and management by engaging with students, teachers, parents and the community. Even highlighting recent projects is enough to start discussions on the value of sustainability. Write an article for the school newsletter, create signage for an upcoming project or give presentations in classrooms. All these small actions will showcase the positive steps your district is making and spark new discussions.
The conversation about climate change is well underway in British Columbia. Pike commends the progress, but adds it is also a reason to have deeper and more honest discussions.
“We have a responsibility to lead because we actually can here.”