Strategic Steps for a Sustainable Future

Daivat Dholakia, Judy Ho, Kim Wong, Teo Tertel

Introduction

• Oceanic Worldwide– Scuba Diving Gear Manufacturer

• Located in San Leandro, CA– 125 Employees

• 300 Employees Globally• Departments: Manufacturing, Assembly,

Customer Service, Shipping, Administration

Assessment: Compliance

• Decision Factor: Financial Constraints• Few Example Of Practices:– Installed skylights– Digitalized catalogs and reports– Recycle cardboard, metal, oil– Decreased packaging practices– Upgraded motion sensor light switches– Buy Back Program for consumers and dealers

Installed Sky Lights

Reminders: “These Come From Trees”

AirSpeed Bags For Packaging

Recycle Cardboard, Metal Shavings, Oil

Employee Garden

Benchmarking

• Two competitors showed signs of green team• – “Eco Mission” initiative’s goal : be smarter,

greener & cleaner– Partnered with non-profits like Reef Check, etc.

• – First diving company to receive ISO 14001– Reduced costs; minimized waste, energy use and

environmental risks

Evaluation Process

• Conduct site visit and employee interviews• Collect information and assess data• Identify decision makers• Tailor recommendations to client perceptions

Force FieldForces For Forces Against

Cost savings No time! Too many projects already and low morale

Enhanced reputation and company image

Traditional way of doing things “old school”

More convenience with digital processes in various departments Limited capital

New sources of revenues Deviates attention from core business

Preparing for future standards (ISO 14001)

Not a business requirement

Implementation Plan for Green Team

1) Business Case to Oceanic’s President– Sustainability Steering Committee to identify

environmental impacts/improvement areas– Cost reductions, Improved business efficiency

and productivity, Streamlining work activities

Product Catalogs

Paperless Processes

Implementation Plan for Green Team

2) Select members for NWST– 3 to 5 cross-disciplined members– Sustainability presentations to explain mission– “We are looking for solutions, not obstacles”

3) SSC as platform for NWST launch– Review list of sustainability projects being

planned, underway, or finalized – Green team should have resources for success

Implementation: 3 Pillars of Success• Awareness – NWST emphasizes the existing practices &

associated cost savings & added productivity– Top management explains the commitment

• Education– Discuss Plastiki Exp., Shark Water Documentary– Use bulletin boards to share information

• Action– First pick the low-hanging fruit– Set goals->Implement->measure->Feedback

Implementation: Monitoring & Reporting

• Timely updates to be provided to the President• Meetings with departments to be scheduled at

regular intervals to document current progress• Conduct performance reviews & reward the

employees who meet their goals