Creating cultures of energy reduction

Chris Grinsted, Group Environment Manager at Go-Ahead Group, shares his experience of working with Adam Woodhall:

Understanding requirements

We have 12 bus and train operating companies, all who operate relatively independently.  The progress made on embedding a culture of energy reduction varied across the Group.  Therefore we recognised that there was a need for fresh thinking and a new approach to maintain the momentum on energy reduction.

I presented a small section of a workshop that Adam Woodhall delivered to one of our operating companies 3 years ago, and we were all impressed with his work.  When we subsequently met with Adam to discuss our needs around culture change, he seemed to understand our requirements and we agreed straight away to a programme.

Excellent engagement

Adam’s understanding of how to create behaviour and culture change is very clear, and he applied his expertise well to our situation. The structure that Adam used fitted ideally with our needs and supported the operating companies to take further action in this area.

Considering the wide variety of operating companies that we have, Adam did an excellent job of engaging them. He understood that each one needed a different approach, and worked with the companies to provide a tailored solution.
Adam recognised immediately that rapid action was required, and within two weeks of the original sales meeting he had interviewed a number of our internal stakeholders and prepared and designed an interactive and engaging workshop session for our Energy Forum.

Focused on energy reduction

The direct benefits to the business have meant that overall our operating companies are more focused on creating a culture of energy reduction.  Before the work at Go-Ahead group was completed, Adam had already successfully started working with two of the operating companies, this showed the confidence he had built up within the organisation.

My colleagues and I at Group level have a deeper understanding of the needs and situation of all our operating companies, and we now know how to support them going forward.  I would definitely recommend Adam to others, and I’m very happy with the work Adam has delivered.