Gaining Support from Administration and Staff
Resident enthusiasm is essential, and leadership support is equally important. Most high-impact steps, such as infrastructure upgrades and operational changes, require administrative approval and staff participation.
Identify Allies
Look for people who already care about efficiency and reliability, or who face energy-related challenges. Typical allies include facilities leaders, executive staff, finance leaders, board members, dining directors, and grounds supervisors. Begin by listening. Ask about pain points, budget timing, and planned replacements. Frame climate action as a shared goal that can improve reliability, reduce risk, and protect the community over time.
Coordinate Outreach
Use both formal and informal connections. A formal liaison role or joint committee improves coordination. Casual conversations can open doors. To avoid mixed messages, designate a single resident point of contact who summarizes questions and shares updates with the larger group.
Joint Administration–Resident Committees
Joint committees strengthen trust and speed decisions. Consider a simple charter, a regular meeting schedule, and a standing agenda such as:
- Data and metrics update.
- Project pipeline and timing.
- Funding and incentives status.
- Communications to residents.
- Decisions and next steps.
Staff bring operational knowledge and budget planning. Residents bring time, advocacy, and ideas. Together, the group can translate goals into a practical sequence of actions.
