Hello all,
I have been charged by my department to work on a project that involves creating public displays or signs which will help "raise awareness" of how much energy each building on our university campus uses. The consumption information will be static (ie, not dynamic feedback). I am hesitant about the end results in regards to influencing positive behaviour change of such a campaign, but it is a decision that the institution has made. Does anyone have any souces, resources or references in terms of the best way to state the kWh electricity consumption of a large institutional building in such a way that it does not a) overwhelm the average building occupant b) thereby leaving them feeling disempowered and, ideally, c) can still promote specific actions regarding reducing the stated consumption. Templates or draft designs would be particularly appreciated, if they are free to share.
Thank you,
Gillian Maurice
Gillian Maurice, B.Sc.(Env.), B.A.
Sustainability Co-ordinator
Physical Resources
University of Guelph,
Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1
[email protected]
tel.(519) 824-4120 x58129
http://www.pr.uoguelph.ca/sustain
Templates for Energy Consumption Signs on Campus Buildings
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Oops (not enough coffee this morning): get the info graphic booklet here: http://www.roughstockstudios.com/RoughstockBlog/2008/02/great-resource-infor mation-design-for.html
Best,
Jess
Gillian,
I am really interested in your project and would love to try it with the different buildings we have (office, garage, storage, etc.). I can tell you my approach would be to try to get the total number, then break it down to an understandable and controlable number, such as kWh per person, kWh per square ft, kWh per cubical or office or classroom. In this way, if the project is successful at getting people to reduce their energy consumption, your data would give them a sense of achomplishment.
Marta Keane,
Recycling Program Specialist
Will County Land Use - Waste Services
58 E. Clinton Street, Suite 500
Joliet, IL 60432
815-774-4343
[email protected]
Hi Gillian et al.,
Designer John Emerson recently put together a really nice booklet on information design for social change called Visualizing Information for Advocacy. As a communications professional, I am struck by how often we focus solely on WHAT information we present when discussing the need for social change, while overlooking HOW that information is presented. I could go on at length about this, and might when I have more time, but Id encourage you to give this booklet a quick read (its rather short and digestible). It may help you given the visual focus of your campaign.
Best,
Jess
Jess Sand
Principal
Roughstock Studios
http://www.roughstockstudios.com
p (415) 643-0121
f (415) 643-4896