Energy Gemba Walks or Energy Treasure Hunts are collaborative activities where employees learn and work together to walk around their facility to uncover opportunities to save energy.
These events are different than energy audits, as they don’t require as many experts, while engaging employees in learning about electricity usage in the building, and helping them identify low cost opportunities to reduce usage and save money.
Teams representing different departments from the facility are invited to the team. Over a series of meetings that can span hours to a few days, they receive training and walk around the facility looking for quick ways to save energy.
Hundreds of organizations have used Energy Treasure Hunts to reduce their facilities’ energy use by up to 15 percent.
Energy Star has many details about how to conduct Treasure Hunts. You can also find some training slides for team leaders at the Better Buildings website from DOE.
Check out some helpful videos below…
Here is an Energy Treasure Hunt conducted at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, with the help from GE employees
This nonprofit hospital identified over $200,000 in energy savings opportunities, and typically 50% of those opportunities are implemented.
A Treasure Hunt was conducted at a TV station in Hawaii
Here is a 4-part series of videos to learn more about Energy Treasure Hunts
You can learn more about Energy Treasure Hunts at the Energy Star website
