Home > Buildings & Plants > Guidelines > Partners In Practice > 3M Company > Step 5 - Implement Action Plan
Founded over 100 years ago, 3M is a global, diversified, technology company that prides itself on innovation. 3M makes a wide variety of products ranging from post-it notes to pharmaceuticals. 3M has been an ENERGY STAR partner since 1997 and was named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Industrial Partner Since 1997
Awards & Recognition
Contact Information:
3M Company
3M Center, Building 223-5N-10
St. Paul , MN 55128
651-737-0849
Leveraging Multi-Media Outlets
3M takes a multi-media approach to company-wide messaging about energy management. In addition to a website and newsletters on energy management, 3M regularly features its energy program and energy goals in its internal newspaper. 3M also created Energy Awareness Month activities for all employees and uses 3M TV to regularly broadcast the importance of energy management. Finally, 3M discussed its ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award in the company's annual report to stakeholders. This information is considered important to shareholders because 3M's energy program has freed up $190 million additional dollars in the past 4 years to be spent on product development instead of energy bills.
Simple Recognition Helps Ensure Big Results
Having employee buy-in to an energy management program is crucial, but not without challenges. 3M uses innovative incentives to encourage participation in energy management. A successful example is the Energy Awareness Parking Place Contest. Winners get a coveted parking place as a reward for their exemplary contribution to energy management efforts. 3M also gives annual Gold, Silver, and Bronze level awards to plant energy teams. These programs remind employees of their company's emphasis on energy management, and motivate them to get involved in these efforts. 3M finds that these incentives are extremely worthwhile and credits its employees as the key to 3M's $23 million reduction in energy costs in 2004.