Five Key Takeaways from our Webinar, “Unlock Energy Savings: How Employee Engagement Drives Success.”
Sustainability and energy efficiency are no longer just buzzwords; they’re vital to successful business operations. Companies prioritizing these initiatives see significant improvements in their bottom line thanks to reduced operational costs and enhanced employee engagement.
In our recent webinar, “Unlock Energy Savings: How Top Companies Benefit from Employee Engagement,” industry experts Clay Hoover from TVA EnergyRight®, Jim Reese from Ashland Inc., and Kelley Whalen from Adtran shared their insights.
Here’s a preview of the five key takeaways you need to know.
1. With Strategic Energy Management, we’re all in.
2. When it comes to employee engagement, a little recognition goes a long way.
3. Boost your triple bottom line. People. Planet. Profit.
4. Community counts.
5. Together, we can do great things.
1. With Strategic Energy Management, we’re all in.
Strategic Energy Management engages everyone — from your senior leaders to your new hires—in the good work of saving energy, meeting sustainability goals and investing in people. Plus, our team is with you all the way.
Strategic Energy Management is a free two-year program designed to help industrial businesses cut energy costs and meet sustainability goals. Strategic Energy Managment is more than just a set of energy-saving tips—it’s a comprehensive, organization-wide strategy that embeds energy efficiency into the company’s culture.
Strategic Energy Management gives businesses the tools and expertise to create a tailored, long-term energy management strategy. It’s a win-win-win with innovative solutions that drive employee engagement, environmental stewardship and profitability.
By continuously improving energy performance, companies can reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industry. Kelley Whalen, Energy Manager at Adtran, says, “Joining Strategic Energy Management had the most significant impact on our sustained energy savings because it involved all employees. This combination has been a game-changer for us.”
Takeaway: With 24 months of free strategic coaching valued at $100k, no capital investments and a 15% savings on energy costs — Strategic Energy Management will help you transform your business.
2. When it comes to employee engagement, a little recognition goes a long way.
When employees are actively involved in energy-saving programs, companies not only experience better outcomes and save more, but they also boost morale and foster a stronger sense of purpose within the workplace. Energy efficiency is not only good for your bottom line; it’s great for your brand reputation. Sustainability initiatives build trust and authenticity with customers and employees.
Jim Reese, Senior Operations Manager, Ashland, Inc., says, “You have to ask yourself what’s in it for your employees? Then you’ll have the buy-in you need for a successful program.”
Reese recommends involving employees in energy-saving initiatives through recognition programs, incentives and active participation in energy teams.
“You can foster a culture of responsibility and innovation by involving employees as valuable contributors to your company’s sustainability goals,” adds Reese.
Companies like Ashland Inc. have seen successful by turning even the most reluctant employees into advocates for energy efficiency. This approach connects employees to a bigger purpose and also drives long-term savings. Plus, companies that invest in employee engagement are more likely to attract and retain top-notch talent.
Takeaway: A little recognition can make a difference. Building a culture of engagement is not necessarily about big incentives; it’s about consistent recognition and empowering employees to contribute ideas.
3. Boost your triple bottom line. People. Planet. Profit.
Strategic Energy Management is designed for industrial businesses. It gives you the tools to manage energy in a coordinated and strategic way across your organization. Enjoy increased profitability and create a competitive advantage, while reducing environmental
impact and supporting your community.
“Balancing the triple bottom line — people, planet and profit — when implementing energy-saving strategies is the key to success,” says Whalen. “This approach has led to significant energy savings at Adtran.”
Takeaway: Successful energy management requires aligning the interests of employees (people), environmental responsibility (planet), and financial performance (profit). By doing so, companies can create a sustainable and profitable business model. 
4. Community counts.
TVA EnergyRight for Business & Industry partners with local power companies, contractors and businesses to strengthen the communities we serve. We do that by ensuring that companies and industries in our communities have access to the energy information and resources they need to thrive.
To help support the places we live, we offer incentives for energy upgrades, revitalization programs and more. That’s why Strategic Energy Management participants can choose to “save it forward” by making an optional tax-deductible donation with a portion of their verified energy savings.
Reese explains,“ It’s not just about saving energy; it’s about making a long-term impact on the community.”
TVA EnergyRight’s Small Business Uplift initiative assists small businesses in underserved communities with energy-related upgrades and resources. Our School Uplift supports public schools in the region by offering energy efficiency training and grants that reduce energy costs and improve the quality of the learning environment.
Takeaway: For more inspiring stories from the communities we serve, visit The Current, where you can see firsthand how energy efficiency makes a real difference in the lives of people in our communities.
5. Together, we can do great things.
Here are some other resources available to help businesses cut costs and save more energy.
Compressed Air Training
Air compressors are energy-intensive and costly. Our free online training sessions can help companies lower costs by 15-25% annually.
Incentives
In partnership with your local power company, we offer financial incentives on qualifying technologies to help businesses reach their energy goals.
Demand Response
Qualified Business & Industry customers can earn credits or incentives while making sure the Valley has the power it needs.
Takeaway: Your business could enjoy incentives for qualifying energy projects of up to $3 million per TVA fiscal year. Learn how at EnergyRight.com/incentives.
These insights remind us just how important employee engagement can be for a company’s bottom line. With an energy efficiency program, businesses can unlock significant energy savings, enhance employee satisfaction and contribute positively to the environment and community.
Ready to transform your business?
Explore how TVA EnergyRight® can help you achieve your energy goals. Contact us today.
