Continuous cooperation with the janitors to prepare optimization plan of energy system and implement the measures for energy savings in buildings.
For optimizing the energy use in buildings different organisational schemes in municipalities are not able to actively involve all stakeholders. Usually there is no time or program to train them individually. But janitors have a lot of useful information as they are living with the building, they know users and their needs,etc. They often have many good ideas for improvement/optimization,which are often overlooked by leaders. Janitors are often left alone with the new energy systems. The conditions are changing from week to week from season to season. They don’t usually have enough knowledge to overcome different problems or are too shy to ask for help,some of them are not familiar with new technologies. Sometimes the cooperation between the leaders and other staff is not well organized in public buildings. ENERGAP has implemented a project where energy experts work individually with the janitors, they visit them regularly, work together on the systems, prepare written information, make videos to empower them. With such individual work they build and give them a confidence that they can work well. This investment in interrelationship building, inspires trust which can prove to be very useful and to contribute a lot towards energy savings. If there is a problem within the heating system, Janitors know that they can always rely on the energy expert for help. Since 2018 many janitors were involved in individual trainings which resulted in lower energy use and costs.
Resources needed
Two persons (energy experts) per year for 150 public buildings. The experts work with janitors on daily basis (site visits, telephone advices, leaflets, …), prepare different tools for support like short info videos. There are small costs related to the info material, many materials are in e-form.
Evidence of success
Energy savings (ca 8 % per year per building (schools and kindergartens), mainly for heating and cooling, part for electricity), good cooperation model (sort of network of janitors), built trust, optimized energy systems in public buildings what lowers maintaining and future investment costs.
Difficulties encountered
For successful energy management of public buildings, the regular active work with janitors is essential. Individual work with janitors build the trust to find and solve the problems. If you visit them repeatedly you give them a confidence for working well so they are able to achieve energy savings.
Potential for learning or transfer
Yes, learning plans, and advice.
