(The most impactful investment you’re probably not making)
Sustainability budgets are often the first to be cut during tough times because they are seen as non-essential and have long-term returns rather than immediate financial benefits. However, it is actually possible for sustainability initiatives to drive efficiency, significantly reduce costs and even enhance brand reputation, making it a valuable long-term investment rather than a discretionary expense.
HOW?! Behaviour Change! Stay with us… you won’t regret it.
One of our first large Behaviour Change projects was during 2013-2015 for Rolls-Royce. The project delivered annual energy savings of 8.9%.
The 8.9% savings from behavioural projects matched those from installing new factory LED lighting. However, the behavioural projects cost only 6% of the lighting installation and paid for themselves in about three months. The savings were independently verified using an internationally recognised methodology.
A significant part of this project was training and empowering staff. It’s often hard to quantify the exact benefits of training alone, but in this case, it was known to be in the range of 2.5 -3.5% energy savings, at a time when production was increasing.
This project took place some time ago, and since then, training, technology, and our expertise have advanced significantly. Compared to a decade ago, we can now achieve a much greater impact with fewer resources through automation, digital tools, smarter policies, and expanding industry-wide knowledge, allowing us to scale solutions more efficiently, reach more people and create longer lasting change,
Just recently, we helped one local authority reduce their gas consumption by 15% and their electricity consumption by 14%, with a combined Behaviour Change and ISO 50001 implementation project. Both initiatives are powerful alone, but when combined create strong tangible results. ISO 50001 provides a structured framework for energy management, while Behaviour Change ensures employees actively follow and sustain energy-saving practices. Together, they create a holistic approach that combines technical improvements with a cultural shift, leading to long-term energy efficiency. This project had a payback of only 13 months.
If you’re still not convinced how simple, cost-effective, and incredibly powerful behaviour change programs can be in saving massive amounts of energy for minimal investment, this is some of the feedback we’ve had from our clients:
“We have achieved over 20% energy savings over the last 12 months and no doubt the training was a contributing factor towards this. I am sure that people are much more energy aware than they were before the training and I would recommend anyone who hasn’t done this sort of training to seriously consider it.” Property and Energy Manager, Numatic International
“The programme catered really well for a wide range of energy experience, from dedicated energy project managers to frontline operators. It has helped us find and deliver energy savings and helped hone the skills we need to manage energy well.” Energy Manager, Severn Trent Water.
Failing to implement a Behaviour Change programme will cost you far more than the investment it requires. Take this as just one example — in 2024, we helped a client save £700k on their water bills. With a few process adjustments and some training, they could have achieved these savings by themselves.
You can see these examples, and more, on our case studies page.
But what actually is Behaviour Change? It sounds very vague and non-quantifiable…
A well-designed Behaviour Change programme is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for organisations to drive efficiency, cut costs, and enhance sustainability.
But no programme can succeed without people. People are the key to successful Behaviour Change – technology and policies alone can’t drive lasting energy and sustainability change. The way employees think, act, and engage with energy use determines whether efficiency measures succeed or fail. A thoughtfully crafted Behaviour Change programme empowers people with the knowledge, motivation, and accountability to embed sustainable practices into daily operations, turning small actions into significant, long-term savings
With minimal upfront investment, it delivers fast and often high returns by reducing energy, resource waste, and inefficiencies. Beyond financial benefits, it fosters accountability and embeds long-term 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 about its impact. In reality, with the right strategy, behaviour change is a simple, high-value solution that not only improves financial performance but also strengthens corporate responsibility and operational resilience. AND, as in our examples above, with a holistic Behaviour Change programme, savings can be verified to satisfy the number crunchers of its effectiveness.
Still not with us? It’s a big topic – we know…
It is common for ‘training’ and ‘Behaviour Change’ to be used interchangeably and while training is an important element of a comprehensive Behaviour Change programme, to be truly effective, a programme needs to be holistic and embedded within every part of an organisation.
A comprehensive programme targets attitudes, behaviours, practices, processes and procedures and involves everyone who is in a position to influence energy performance as well as those who have direct hands-on control of equipment and systems.
There are over 140 different types of Behaviour Change interventions that could be made of which training is just one. Organisations will need their own unique combination to deliver change for themselves, but the beauty is that the result will be significant long-term benefits for your organisation.
Ready to talk to someone about a tailored behaviour change programme that’s fit for you and your organisation?
Behaviour Change Consultations – Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 16th April. Limited slots available.
JRP Solutions have been in the energy and sustainability game for over 25 years. We are sustainable by nature. Built to last. Our experts are well placed to assist you with the best solution for you and your organisation.
You can book a no-obligation Behaviour Change consultation with George Richards.
With over 35 years of experience working with industrial and commercial clients across a range of sectors, George is well equipped to advise and support you.
Book your Behaviour Change consultation
Please outline your level of understanding of Behaviour Change so George can best prepare to help you.
This article appeared in the April 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.