What results from a program designed to facilitate the reduction of the environmental footprint of the employees of an oil and gas company in Calgary, Alberta?

Abstract

Employees at Statoil Canada participated in an action research, cooperative inquiry-based program that was designed to facilitate the reduction of their office environmental footprint. The program was designed using a combination of techniques that have been shown in previous studies to produce pro-environmental change. Almost 90% of participants that were offered the program opted to take part. During a 4-month period, participants set up individualized programs to reduce their environmental footprint in a manner of their own choosing. Results were collected both formally, through self-report data from a web-based Action Tracker, through 1 on 1 interviews and through a facilitated discussion and informally, through impromptu conversations, emails and observation. The data suggests that the program was effective in reducing environmental footprint, although it remains to be seen if the changes will be long lasting.