Building Energy Programs that Last

In the fast-paced world of energy management, understanding the nuances of building and maintaining effective programs is crucial for success. In the latest episode of Full of Energy, we talked with industry experts Andrew Cooper and Chris Dougherty to share their insights and experiences in energy management.

From the get-go, Andrew emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear vision for your energy management program. He notes that having a well-defined goal not only guides your strategies but also helps in gaining leadership support. Without the backing of top management, any initiative can struggle to find its footing.

Chris adds to this by highlighting the significance of employee engagement. He shares that communication is key—not just upwards to management but also across departments. By fostering an environment where employees feel involved and informed, organizations can overcome resistance to change and cultivate a culture of energy efficiency.

One of the standout discussions revolves around identifying quick wins to demonstrate value to leadership. Both Andrew and Chris stress the importance of showcasing tangible results within a short timeframe, which can help in garnering further support for energy initiatives.

Throughout the episode, they tackle common myths surrounding energy management, debunking the notion that significant capital investment is required to make impactful changes. They illustrate how small operational improvements and behavioral changes can lead to substantial energy savings, proving that every employee has a role to play in the energy management journey.

As the conversation unfolds, the duo shares practical tips for implementing successful energy management programs, emphasizing the need for consistent communication and recognition of employee contributions. They remind listeners that energy management is not just a technical challenge but a human one, requiring the engagement and commitment of all staff members.

In conclusion, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to enhance their energy management efforts. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your existing program, Andrew and Chris offer invaluable advice that can lead to lasting success. Tune in now to explore the full conversation and equip yourself with the knowledge to drive energy efficiency in your organization.

About the Speakers:

andres cooper is a Senior Consultant with SYNERGISE, which helps organizations achieve their sustainability goals by improving energy efficiency, reducing GHG emissions and engaging employees in the process. 

He believes people are the key to the success of an energy management system. Through employee engagement practices, he helps develop a culture of energy awareness, with the goal of energy management becoming part of what everyone does on a day-to-day basis. 

Andrew’s experience includes initiating and building an ISO 50001 energy management system at a mine in North America, which helped the mine realize energy savings equivalent to more than 15% of the annual energy use. The mine received several national and international awards for the implementation, including a Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Energy Management Award of Excellence. 

Andrew is a past AEE International Energy Manager of the Year award winner and the 2023 AEE International Energy Innovator of the Year. In addition to being a CEM, 50001 CP, CIEP and CMVP, he is an AEE Fellow in recognition of his significant contributions to the energy management. 

Chris Dougherty is a Professional Engineer with a genuine passion for energy management and sustainability. With a decade of experience in British Columbia’s industrial sector, Chris combines technical expertise with a hands-on, results-driven approach.

At Sleeman Breweries, he integrated Strategic Energy Management into daily workflows, unlocking significant utility savings, securing third-party incentives, and earning a prestigious Clean Energy Champion award from BC Hydro. What truly drives Chris is empowering teams to see energy efficiency not as an extra chore, but as a natural part of their everyday work — creating lasting impact through culture and innovation.

More Episodes to Explore:

Engaging Employees in Energy Management
Sistemas de gestión de energía
Power Shift: The Rise of Microgrids
Embracing Monitor-Based Commissioning

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