In 2006, the Walt Disney World Resort established a comprehensive plan to reduce annual energy consumption by five percent property-wide. Called “Strive for Five,” this program focused on reducing energy utilized by electricity, natural gas, and chilled and hot water utilities.

To begin, building tune-ups were conducted throughout the Resort to adjust temperature set points and time schedules for heating and air-conditioning. Additionally, Cast Members were asked to turn lights off in convention spaces, backstage areas, and offices outside of standard operating hours. Audits were also enhanced and new standards for energy use were developed by individual lines of business such as hotels and theme parks. For example, the use of kitchen equipment was monitored more closely during off-peak hours and Cast Members conducted audits at night to identify additional energy-saving opportunities.

Education served as a key component of this program and Cast Members were asked to contribute through individual actions. In response, members of Environmental Circles across property partnered to collect and promote best practices, and Utility Report Cards were issued to consumers monthly so they could monitor actual usage. Internal communications were also disseminated on a regular basis to share results, and recognition programs were established by several resorts to acknowledge successes.

During the first year of “Strive for Five,” energy consumption was reduced by more than three percent across property, a value that equated to more than $1.8 million and 194,000 million British Thermal Units (BTUs). Energy conservation will continue to be a priority in 2007 and plans are in place to ensure sustainability of these new initiatives.