Building Occupant Education and Training
An environmentally sustainable building is dependent not only on how it is designed and built, but how it is managed and inhabited. Human behavior can greatly affect how a building performs and how building resources are used. Proper education and training of occupants on sustainability principles and operations will benefit green building operations and the environment.
RATIONALE
Cooperation from building occupants to conserve resources is an essential component of maintaining the integrity of a building's sustainable design and/or operation.
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES
- Resource conservation
- Energy conservation
- Improved indoor environmental quality
EFFORT REQUIRED
Occupant education can be time consuming, but it can also be a swift process depending on how you design the education program. If the target audience is not engaged they will not learn very well. It is important to design an education program that is engaging, fun, informative, and brief. If the education program is successful, it will affect how people think and behave. Effective training should not only include a class but should also include policies, protocols, and signage in order to fully educate building occupants on sound environmental principles.
The amount of time and effort required will be determined by two factors: the development of the curriculum and the amount of people being educated. This may vary depending on the size of each facility.
BENEFIT
- Lower operational costs
- Reduced energy Use
- Resource conservation
- Better indoor environmental quality
- Increased occupant health and morale
RISKS
If the education program is not effective, the environmental goals may not be accomplished. The costs associated with the development of a curriculum and the education of occupants may have outweighed the benefits.
ACTION AGENT(S)
- Building owner/operator
- Operation and maintenance staff
- Environmental consultants
- Trainers
- Tenants
- Office Managers
COST
Curriculum development and training costs. Employee hours. The cost will vary depending on the size of the building and staff.
Reduction in, or elimination of, the use of natural and other energy resources. Also includes installations or modifications of equipment or systems intended to reduce energy use and costs.The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
