The Nine-Step Approach to Resource Efficiency
STEP 5: Generating Options
Once a more in-depth knowledge of the organisation or facility has been determined, be it as a whole, an area, a process or a specific resource (e.g. water), then it is time to identify options to improve.
Many of these potential actions may have become apparent during the data gathering phases – mostly low or no cost options which will address mainly the 'low hanging fruit'. These are often the first or only actions people consider but you should look further for more benefits.
There are numerous means of generating options. Some of these include:
- Root cause analysis (identify the true cause of wastes and inefficiencies in the system);
- Opportunity identification (brainstorming);
- Preventative improvements – feasibility analysis.
Tip!
By concentrating on the priority cases there is the greatest possibility of a successful project.
Don't just go for the 'low hanging fruit.' Look at options that might take longer and cost more but will have greater benefits.
Tool! Look at this Option Generation Questionnaire created by the Clean Technology Centre for companies to see how it can generate potential actions.
See the many different options outlined in this Galway Guidebook for Businesses, key performance indicators and environmental management checklist
Look at this questionnaire used with SMEs in the Dingle region to generate potential actions in the Corca Dhuibne Glas programme
