Leading the Green Challenge Human Resources, Sustainability and the Green Team Network Erik Foley, MBA Manager of Sustainability Pennsylvania State University

The Three Myths of Behavior Change Behavior change is about turning off the lights Behavior change comes from communicating the right message Behavior change is necessary because not enough people are “on board”

Myth 1: Behavior Change is Turning Out the Lights Usage Purchasing Design Fact: Behavior change is about usage but also purchasing and design power.

Example: Lab Building Shutting sashes $22,000 Usage Buying more efficient hoods $62,000 Purchasing Demanding a more efficient lab building $107,000 Design Compare the estimated annual avoided cost savings in this example.

How do you get to these deeper levels of savings? By addressing Myth 2: Behavior comes from communicating the right message

Consider everything that influences behavior Strategy Management Culture Technology Marketing/ Communications

The Behavioral Ecosystem Strategy Management Culture Technology Marketing/ Communications Take Charge Posters Energy Challenges Road Shows Recycling Challenges Energy Dashboard Building Reports

Myth 2: Behavior change comes from the right message Strategy Management Culture Technology Marketing/ Communications Truth: Enduring behavior change is when it’s your job.

HR & Sustainability Competencies Results for the Institution Leadership Development Training & Professional Development Talent Management Workforce Engagement Collaboration & Teamwork Integration of Sustainability Values Eliciting Senior Management Support Development of Metrics and Systems Alignment Stakeholder Engagement and Holistic Integration Technology

HR & Sustainability Competencies Results for the Institution Leadership Development Training & Professional Development Talent Management Workforce Engagement Collaboration & Teamwork Integration of Sustainability Values Eliciting Senior Management Support Development of Metrics and Systems Alignment Stakeholder Engagement and Holistic Integration Technology

HR & Sustainability Competencies Results for the Institution Leadership Development Training & Professional Development Talent Management Workforce Engagement Collaboration & Teamwork Integration of Sustainability Values Eliciting Senior Management Support Development of Metrics and Systems Alignment Stakeholder Engagement Technology

What skills, knowledge, and values drive the process? Leadership Development Training & Professional Development Talent Management Workforce Engagement Collaboration & Teamwork Integration of Sustainability Values Eliciting Senior Management Support Development of Metrics and Systems Alignment Stakeholder Engagement Competencies Results for the Institution Technology

What skills, knowledge, and values drive the process? Depends on the position. . . Tech service Lab researcher Office worker Chief Administrative Officers and Upper Leadership Middle Managers and Line People, etc. . . . . .but in general. . .

A Starter List of Key Skills, Values and Knowledge Areas Tactical Basic conservation skills Green Purchasing Life Cycle Analysis Collaboration & cross-functional communication skills Strategic Strategic Sustainability Planning Metrics Development Humans connection to the environment The ethic of environmental stewardship Social impacts Global perspective Meaning of Sustainability Energy & material flows on campus Basics of Sustainability Issues Basics of Sustainability Concepts Environmental footprint Resources that exist (on and off campus) Success Stories

A Starter List of Key Skills, Values and Knowledge Areas Tactical Basic conservation skills Green Purchasing Life Cycle Analysis Collaboration & cross-functional communication skills Strategic Strategic Sustainability Planning Metrics Development Humans connection to the environment The ethic of environmental stewardship Social impacts Global perspective Meaning of Sustainability Energy & material flows on campus Basics of Sustainability Issues Basics of Sustainability Concepts Environmental footprint Resources that exist (on and off campus) Success Stories

A Starter List of Key Skills, Values and Knowledge Areas Tactical Basic conservation skills Green Purchasing Life Cycle Analysis Collaboration & cross-functional communication skills Strategic Strategic Sustainability Planning Metrics Development Humans connection to the environment The ethic of environmental stewardship Social impacts Global perspective Meaning of Sustainability Energy & material flows on campus Basics of Sustainability Issues Basics of Sustainability Concepts Environmental footprint Resources Success Stories

HR & Sustainability What Penn State is doing to apply these competencies: March 3, 2010 Goal: 400 attendees Penn State Leading the Green Challenge Conference Technical Knowledge Skill Development On-Going Professional Development Sustainability Leadership Training Series New Employee Orientation Performance Review Staff Review & Development Plan Job Descriptions Leadership Development Training & Professional Development Talent Management Workforce Engagement Collaboration & Teamwork

The focus for these programs is to support existing leaders Green Team Network consists of teams in these areas: College of Education Student Health Center Central IT Methodology Lab Outreach Penn Stater Conference Center Dining Services University Libraries Campuses: Erie, Altoona, Berks, Harrisburg, Mont Alto

The Penn State Green Team Network Campus Sustainability Office Provides Green Teams. . . Best Practices Training Communications and Convening Support Tools & Resources Links to OPP Subject Area Experts Metrics and Tracking Some administrative support Seed grants/revolving fund (in the future)

Status of Penn State Green Teams and Their Share of Two Eco-Indicators annual kwh % of total Annual waste (tons) # of Green Teams 16 # of members 150 1,730,769 0.6% 75 # of employees in members’ unit 5,000 40,615,385 13% 1700 represents $3 mil

Myth 3: Behavior change is necessary because not enough people are “on board” Actually, there are many people on board. Help them understand the opportunities, prioritize, and get to work.

Putting it all Together Usage Purchasing Design G G G G G G G G G = Green team

Three Myths of Behavior Change Behavior change is about turning off the lights Behavior change comes from communicating the right message Behavior change is necessary because not enough people are “on board”

Take Aways: Three Truths of Behavior Change Behavior change is not just about turning off the lights but includes the individuals influence over resource usage as well as purchasing and design decisions. Behavior change comes from making sustainability a part of the job for which you are accountable and receive on-going training Behavior change is already happening and often times we just need to remove obstacles, offer support and get out of the way! Get your HR department involved!