For almost ten years, Prism has served as the lead consulting firm for the Energy Wise Network (EWN)—a BC Hydro and FortisBC initiative that helps organizations across British Columbia achieve measurable energy savings through staff engagement and behaviour change.
Since its launch in 2016, the program has supported over 50 organizations and delivered 300+ targeted energy conservation campaigns across sectors including healthcare, education, municipal governments, property management, and retail.
Working closely with BC Hydro and FortisBC, Prism co-designed the program—developing campaign toolkits (Figure 1), delivering hands-on training and networking events, and offering tailored coaching to energy leaders navigating complex change.
Figure 1: Examples of Energy Wise Network campaign toolkits.
Who can join the Energy Wise Network?
Organizations must meet a minimum energy use threshold—2 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of electricity or 30,000 gigajoules (GJ) of natural gas annually across all sites. The program’s next intake is expected to open in early 2026 (around February or March). If your organization is interested in joining a future cycle, now is a great time to learn more and begin preparing!
Why consider participating?
As the urgency of climate action grows, programs like the EWN help organizations meet sustainability goals while cultivating a culture of shared responsibility.
Participants have access to:
- Two annual Energy Wise Network Summits featuring expert-led sessions on campaign design, behaviour change, green team leadership, and performance tracking.
- Three online training and networking events, creating opportunities to share knowledge and build community.
- One-on-one coaching tailored to organizational needs.
- Campaign resources, including planning templates, outreach materials, and best-practice guides.
Customized coaching and incentive funding options help organizations plan and implement their campaigns.
“Newer participants tend to access support identifying the best campaign to work on and using our 7-Step Campaign Planning Framework, while experienced ones often receive more targeted support on one element of a campaign such as graphic design, communications, metrics methods, and technical tools. Those with established campaigns can access help with engagement strategies like leadership buy-in and green team development,” explains Christine Obee, Senior Sustainability Engagement Specialist at Prism.
The two in-person summits combine training and networking for deeper learning.
“Attendees gain practical skills, hear from expert speakers, and benefit from sharing ideas, challenges, and successes with peers. Participants are often grouped by sector for learning activities, though many topics are explored in mixed groups to support broad learning across the network,” adds Christine.
Figure 2: Alexandra Tudose, Senior Sustainability Engagement Specialist, presenting at a summit session (left), and participants’ notes, 2025.
Our methodology
At the core of our approach is Prism’s 7-Step Campaign Planning Framework, developed specifically for the EWN (Figure 3). It guides participants through every stage—from stakeholder engagement and audience research to tailored messaging and impact evaluation.
Grounded in behavioural science and informed by real-world experience, the framework ensures campaigns are practical, measurable, and aligned with organizational context.
“This framework offers a clear, step-by-step approach to campaign design and implementation. It simplifies the complex, people-focused side of this work—especially for those from technical or data-driven backgrounds,” Christine explains.
Figure 3 to the right: The 7-Step Campaign Planning Framework was designed for the EWN program.
Prism: A trusted partner in energy conservation
Our work on the Energy Wise Network builds on an 18-year track record of supporting BC Hydro and FortisBC with demand-side management programs across BC’s commercial and industrial sectors.
“Over the past decade, energy conservation campaigns have shifted from promoting basic behaviour changes, such as turning off lights, to focusing on process, policy or systemic changes that link energy use and GHG emissions” observes Christine.
Our Sustainability Team brings a multidisciplinary approach—with expertise in engagement, facilitation, behaviour change, communications, social marketing, and graphic design. Many team members also have direct experience as energy managers in large public-sector organizations. This blend of strategic insight and practical know-how allows us to deliver real-world coaching that resonates with those leading change from within.
Looking ahead
The Energy Wise Network reflects Prism’s broader mission of Changing Systems for a Better World. That means improving not just buildings and technologies—but also empowering the people who can drive and sustain change from within.
Prism will continue to support BC organizations in embedding energy conservation into their culture, helping energy leaders turn ideas into action and drive lasting impact.
Prism is here to support your organization’s success.
Interested to learn more?
Connect with our team
Read more about our services
Sustainability Engagement
Sustainability Strategy
See project examples
Sustainability Projects
Learn more about Prism’s coaching support
Energy Wise Network Coaching (PDF)
Learn more about BC Hydro and FortisBC’s program
Energy Wise Network