Boost Sustainability on a Budget: Essential Tips Inside!

Welcome, Net Zero News readers! Today, we delve into an essential aspect of sustainability that often gets overlooked, especially during challenging economic times: Behaviour Change. While sustainability budgets are frequently the first to face cuts, seen as non-essential, we must re-evaluate this perception. Sustainability initiatives, when executed correctly, can drive efficiency, significantly reduce costs, and enhance brand reputation. They are not just discretionary expenses; they are invaluable long-term investments. So, how can we achieve this transformation? The answer lies in Behaviour Change! Stay with us… you won’t regret it.

One of the pioneering Behaviour Change projects we undertook was in collaboration with Rolls-Royce between 2013 and 2015. This initiative yielded impressive annual energy savings of 8.9%. Remarkably, these savings from behavioural adjustments matched those achieved through the installation of new LED lighting in factories. However, the behavioural projects cost only 6% of the lighting installation and paid for themselves in approximately three months. These savings were independently verified, adhering to an internationally recognised methodology.

A crucial element of this project was the training and empowerment of staff. While quantifying the exact benefits of training can be challenging, we estimated that it contributed to energy savings in the range of 2.5% to 3.5%, all while production was on the rise.

The landscape has evolved significantly since then; advancements in training, technology, and our expertise have opened up new avenues for impact. Compared to a decade ago, we now harness the power of automation, digital tools, smarter policies, and an expanded industry knowledge base. This evolution allows us to scale solutions more efficiently, reach a wider audience, and create lasting change.

Just recently, we assisted a local authority in achieving a remarkable 15% reduction in gas consumption and a 14% drop in electricity usage. This success stemmed from a combined Behaviour Change and ISO 50001 implementation project. While both initiatives are powerful in their own right, their combination yields robust, tangible results. ISO 50001 provides a structured framework for energy management, while Behaviour Change ensures that employees actively adopt and sustain energy-saving practices. Together, they form a holistic approach, merging technical improvements with a cultural shift that leads to enduring energy efficiency. This project realised a payback period of only 13 months.

If you remain sceptical about the simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and incredible power of Behaviour Change programmes in delivering substantial energy savings, consider this feedback from our clients:

“We have achieved over 20% energy savings over the last 12 months, and there’s no doubt that the training played a vital role in this. I’m certain that our team is now far more energy-aware than before the training, and I would highly recommend this initiative to anyone who hasn’t yet explored such training.” — Property and Energy Manager, Numatic International.

“The programme was tailored exceptionally well to accommodate a wide range of energy experience, from dedicated energy project managers to frontline operators. It has enabled us to identify and deliver energy savings while refining the skills necessary for effective energy management.” — Energy Manager, Severn Trent Water.

Neglecting to implement a Behaviour Change programme could cost you significantly more than the initial investment it requires. For instance, in 2024, we helped a client save £700,000 on their water bills. With a few process adjustments and some training, these savings could have been realised independently.

Curious about more success stories? You can explore our case studies page for further details.

But what exactly is Behaviour Change? The term may sound vague and non-quantifiable, but it is, in fact, one of the simplest and most cost-effective methods for organisations to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and bolster sustainability.

However, no programme can succeed without the involvement of people. They are the cornerstone of successful Behaviour Change; technology and policies alone cannot drive lasting energy and sustainability improvements. The way employees think, act, and engage with energy use ultimately determines the success or failure of efficiency measures. A thoughtfully crafted Behaviour Change programme empowers individuals with the knowledge, motivation, and accountability needed to integrate sustainable practices into everyday operations. This transformation turns small actions into significant, long-term savings.

With minimal upfront investment, Behaviour Change programmes deliver quick and often substantial returns by reducing energy consumption, resource waste, and inefficiencies. Beyond financial benefits, they foster accountability and instil a long-lasting cultural change—transforming sustainability from a top-down directive into an organisation-wide initiative.

Yet, many organisations hesitate due to misconceptions about complexity or scepticism regarding its impact. In reality, with the right strategy, Behaviour Change is a straightforward, high-value solution that not only enhances financial performance but also reinforces corporate responsibility and operational resilience. Moreover, as demonstrated in our previous examples, the savings achieved through a holistic Behaviour Change programme can be verified, satisfying even the most discerning number crunchers.

Still not convinced? We understand that Behaviour Change is a broad topic.

It’s common for ‘training’ and ‘Behaviour Change’ to be used interchangeably. While training is indeed a crucial component of a comprehensive Behaviour Change programme, true effectiveness requires a holistic approach embedded throughout the organisation.

A well-rounded programme targets attitudes, behaviours, practices, processes, and procedures, involving everyone who can influence energy performance, from top management to those directly operating equipment and systems.

There are over 140 different types of Behaviour Change interventions, and training is merely one of these. Each organisation will require its unique combination to drive change effectively, but the beauty of this approach is the significant long-term benefits it generates for your organisation.

Are you ready to discuss a tailored Behaviour Change programme that fits your organisation’s specific needs?

We invite you to our Behaviour Change Consultations on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 16th April. Slots are limited, so be sure to secure your spot!

At JRP Solutions, we have been champions of energy and sustainability for over 25 years. Our commitment to sustainability is inherent in our operations. Our experts are well-equipped to assist you in finding the best solutions for your organisation.

You can book a no-obligation Behaviour Change consultation with George Richards, who brings over 35 years of experience working with industrial and commercial clients across various sectors. He is perfectly positioned to advise and support you in your sustainability journey.

Don’t forget to outline your level of understanding of Behaviour Change so George can tailor his advice to best suit your needs.

This article appeared in the April 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here for more insights!