'Change the World' offers tools to fight global warming

Any utility that participates in the "Change the World" campaign can download banners and artwork like this to use in newsletter and on Web sites. (Artwork by Energy Star)

Protecting the environment seems like such a tall order that global warming risks becoming, like the weather in Mark Twain's day, the thing about which everyone complains but no one ever does anything. "Change the World, Start with Energy Star" wants to change that, too, by giving individuals practical ways to fight against global warming.

The national campaign builds on the successful "Change a Light, Change the World" pledge drive, which inspired more than a million Americans to save energy and money by replacing a conventional light with a compact fluorescent light (CFL). Energy Star is now asking Americans to protect the environment by pledging to try new actions at home and work, and then share their story to inspire others. Western has joined "Change the World" to encourage employees to reduce energy use in their home, and is also encouraging our hydropower customers to spread the word to their consumers.

"Western customers know that energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective resources," said Energy Services Manager Ron Horstman.  "The 'Change the World' pledge drive is an opportunity to remind individuals that we can all make a difference by taking energy-saving steps at home and in the workplace. Best of all, Energy Star is providing resources utilities can use to communicate that message to customers whether they participate in the campaign or not."

Take the pledge

The cornerstone of "Change the World" is the Energy Star pledge that challenges people to "do more" to help fight global warming by making energy-efficient choices at home and at work. Every product or practice changed is a step in the right direction, from changing a light to setting computers to sleep when not in use. Installing and correctly using a programmable thermostat at home or choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products when making a new purchase are some of the simple, everyday actions that visitors can pledge to take on the form.

Since Energy Star launched the campaign in 2005, almost two million individuals have taken the pledge resulting in a savings of about 2.1 billion kWh and offsetting more than 3.3 billion lbs of greenhouse gases (GHGs). A detailed list of pledge drivers, including other power providers, gives the number of pledges and replaced lights; and energy, cost and GHG savings for each participating organization.

Utilities that want to join the 119 businesses and agencies campaigning to "Change the World" can register online and find answers to frequently-asked questions about the campaign. 

Ready-made support materials

One of the hardest parts of consumer outreach—especially for smaller utilities—is finding the time, money and staff hours to create promotional literature. "Change the World" makes it easy for pledge drivers with a whole library of graphics and messages. Pledge drivers will find print and Web artwork, sample e-mail and Web copy, key messages, a press release and a newsletter story.

The sample Mayoral Proclamation may help municipal utilities to enlist City Hall in community-wide campaigns. The Campaign Creative Guide provides step-by-step guidelines in PowerPoint format for conducting a pledge drive. The Campaign Overview is a comprehensive summary of the products and measures available to individuals who wonder where to start making changes. It also includes a brief explanation about mercury in CFLs.

Utilities can download these resources just to get ideas for their own consumer outreach programs. However, participating in "Change the World" gives consumers a place to record their efforts, to see their organization's progress and to compare it to other groups. A little competition is a great tool to get—and keep—people involved.

Sharing success

Any campaign creates a community of its own, one where people enjoy talking about their related activities and learning what others are doing. Energy Star gives "Change the World" participants a place to tell how they save, and features some of those stories on the Energy Star @ home Web site.

Western is a community, too—of power providers and their consumers—and we share our customers' success stories through Energy Service Bulletin. Let us know if your utility is holding a "Change the World, Start with Energy Star" pledge drive. Contact the editor with your campaign and individual success stories, and we will be happy to tell others in our community about what you are doing to change the world.

Resources

Change the World, Start with Energy Star

Energy Star pledge

2008-2009 Pledge drivers

Pledge driver registration

Frequently-asked questions

Resources (cont.)

Graphics and key messages

Tell us how you save!

Pledge stories

Energy Star @ home Web site

People

Ron Horstman

Energy Services Bulletin editor

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