Be it pandemics, wars or a banking crisis there is always some pressure on practices to control costs from energy or materials. Although a lot can be achieved through equipment and management of costs. The greatest savings come when there is full participation from staff.

Level 1

At level 1 there is little knowledge on how much is spent on energy and materials. Staff are unconcerned with savings. At some practices there may be reluctane to engage with staff saying they have no time for it.

• Create a costs sheet which has the amount spent on utilities and materials both clinical and administrative.
• SGA’s take up themes of energy and material efficiency.
• Quantify the importance of conservation by showing costs in materials and utilities as percentage of total costs.
• Promote conservation using posters and other promotional devices.
• Hold a competition for finding savings or the best slogan about conservation.

Level 2

At level 2, because of the campaign to promote efficiency, there is good level of awareness. SGA’s have begun to discuss efficiencies. They may ask where to start.

• Begin with the obvious. Turning off light, changing bulbs for energy efficient ones etc.
• Study energy use.
• Study, study, study. Knowledge is the key to success.
• Remember small savings add up.
• Rudermentary improvements are made.

Level 3

Simple changes have been made. SGA’ are investigating and implementing efficiency savings.

• Set practice targets for conservational goals. Ensure they are quantifiable.
• Fully use technology to implement goals.

To progress to level 4, a practice must move from a scattered approach to definitive specific goals.

Level 4

At level 4 efficiency savings are not driven by just the SGA’s but from a practice wide strategy.

• The efficiency savings strategy now incorporates management budgetting for larger structural efficiencies. This can include equipment modification.
• Conservation happens in all areas.
• Development of new technology to increase improvements.

Level 5

A level 5 practice will successfully achieve efficiency goals whilst developing technology the further improves the scope for further savings.