Case study – Continuous improvement for the environment in Sun Microsystems Sun Microsystems, a Silicon Valley-based global multinational, is taking a multi-pronged approach to simultaneous improvement in both carbon emissions and productivity. Called ‘Open Works’, the change plan has several parts. First, PCs were dumped in favour of ‘thin clients’ — computers that work by accessing files stored on a central remote server, rather than an in-built disk drive. Second, staff workgroups were formed to improve eco-responsibility, by small improvements such as double-sided printing and turning off unnecessary lights and air-conditioning. Third, floor space was redesigned, moving managers to the core of buildings, offering window seats to other staff, and encouraging staff to work from home. Fourth, video conferencing and computer-mediated communication were used to replace air travel and intra-city driving. Last, power savings were sought by raising operating temperatures 3 to 5 degrees in data centres. The gains are significant.
Thin clients run on 4 watts ofpower rather than 100+ watts. In 2002, a 20 per cent carbon emissions reduction target was set for 2012. This was achieved in 2007. Space redesign now yields a staff– desk ratio of 1 to 1.3. Data-centre temperature increases have cut 6 per cent from the carbon footprint of some operations. Lastly, Sun’s ‘green’ credentials are winning it new clients. Using a creative blend of clever technology, continuous improvement by empowered work teams, a less hierarchical organisation and more flexible work practices, Sun is gaining performance improvements as well as a reputation for sustainability. In 2007, Forbes magazine named Sun one of the ‘greenest’ companies on the planet.
Case Study Questions:1. What principles of ‘best practice’ are demonstrated in the Sun Microsystems case? 2. What gains should Sun Microsystems expect from these changes? 3. Can this example be copied by other organisations? 4. Which change management models could have been applied to improve the situation? 5. What type of management and leadership models could be applied to improve the outcome?
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