Graphic of the Institutional Change Continuous Improvement Process gear. The steps begin with Determine Goals and move to Assess Institutional Rules, Roles and Tools then to Develop Action Plan then to Implement Plan then finally to Measure and Evaluate. The process begins again with Determine Goals. Determine Goals Develop Action Plan Implement Plan Measure and Evaluate Assess Institutional Rules, Roles and Tools

The first step in the institutional change process for continuous change is defining your goals. That is, decide what outcomes are desired (or required) over what period of time. Behavioral, organizational, and institutional changes typically are means to achieve desired energy, resource, or greenhouse gas emission outcomes. They are not ends in and of themselves.

Agencies may derive goals from multiple sources, such as:

  • Formal executive orders or other requirements
  • Facility-specific assessments of major sources of energy use and causes of energy loss.

Next Step

The second step in the institutional change process for continuous change is to identify the rules, roles, and tools constituting context in your organization. Rules, roles, and tools define the current situation, shape the action plan, and affect an organization's ability to effect and maintain desired changes.