Post Danmark cuts building energy use by 20% in four weeks
Post Danmark has completed an intensive energy-saving campaign in which its employees succeeded in cutting the company’s electricity and heat consumption by almost 20% in just four weeks. The “Green Behaviour” campaign involved more than 12,000 people, and followed on from a pilot project for 2,000 employees run last autumn.
By switching off lights and turning down the heat in 224 Post Danmark buildings, the campaign cut energy use by 19.2%, saving DKK 1.26m ($222,000 USD) and nearly 300 tons of carbon emissions in the process.
The achievement surpassed the 15% energy saving target set for the campaign.
Thomas Nissen, Post Danmark facility manager, said the company’s employees had achieved a “fantastic result”.
Nissen said the performance showed that staff had wanted to do something positive for the environment, and while the constant measurement of electricity and heat – and the use of 280 local “climate ambassadors” – kept up the momentum, he said the motivation amongst the work force had been “top notch”.
“Data is very important in influencing people’s behaviour – and the same goes for a reward,” Nissen said. “We have had internal competitions running, and when you can see how you’re doing, you usually put in a little more effort.”
The Post Danmark facility manager said now that the Green Behaviour campaign is over, the company is hoping the ideas within it have now taken root among the employees. Nissen said Post Danmark cannot avoid its green responsibility.
The company, part of Scandinavian postal operator PostNord, is currently working towards a target to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 40% by 2020.
