FasCast Inc is a ductile and gray iron foundry based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have chosen to begin their Sustainability journey by conducting a CurrentState Sustainability diagnostic.
THE CLIENT’S CHALLENGE
FasCast Inc operates a ductile and gray iron foundry. They are like many other companies – they have the desire to become more sustainable, but they are not sure where to begin. FasCast Inc is one of the most modern and automated foundries in the entire midwest. FasCast Inc serves a wide variety of markets which include the water, irrigation, oil field, and compressor industries.
Prior to conducting the CurrentState diagnostic, FasCast Inc had not started any green initiatives or conducted any in-depth sustainability analysis. The most important green drivers for FasCast Inc are achieving cost reductions and creating competitive advantages. The foundry industry is highly competitive and employs many energy and material intensive processes. While they may not be able to significantly change many of these core processes, CurrentState did identify several other areas where sustainability performance could be dramatically improved.
DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS
FasCast Inc completed the Small Business version of CurrentState and chose to complete all three modules – Green IT, Business and Facilities. The CurrentState Findings Report identified over 100 specific Quick Win opportunities as well as dozens of longer-term recommendations. The Quick Wins and recommendations cover all areas of operations.
Click here for a sample CurrentState Findings Report.
“Until we conducted the CurrentState diagnostic, management had no idea sustainability touched so many different areas of the business.” Tim Gilbreath, Plant Manager.
Green IT
CurrentState identified the introduction of IT policies and procedures, better tracking of IT assets and reducing printing volumes as the areas that would provide the most significant improvements in Green IT sustainability performance. 19 Quick Win opportunities were identified.
“FasCast’s performance in Green IT was exactly what you would expect for a company beginning their sustainability journey. However, we did find that they were making especially good use of information systems to rid their organization of excess paper usage.” Chris Price, Caelus Sustainability Consultant.
Facilities
CurrentState identified several categories that had not been previously considered by FasCast Inc. These categories were landscaping, furnishings and kitchen & food.
“One of the most important benefits of CurrentState is the comprehensive view of sustainability that forms the basis of the diagnostic. When you have completed the surveys and received your Findings Report, you can feel confident that all ‘green’ bases have been covered.” Chris Price, Caelus Sustainability Consultant.
Quick Wins were also identified which would make significant improvements to their air quality, water consumption and their energy usage for lighting.
Business
The Business module focuses on the operational functions and practices that need to be in place in order to run a successful sustainability program. The Findings Report provided FasCast with a comprehensive ‘blueprint’ of exactly what steps they need to take in order to put these in place.
The greatest opportunities for immediate improvement were identified in their carbon and energy management functions. Given the energy intensive nature of their business, adjustments in these areas can make a significant in overall sustainability. Over 30 Quick Win opportunities were identified.
NEXT STEPS
The first step that FasCast Inc plans to take is to communicate the findings of the diagnostic to all relevant employees and get their input and feedback. While employee input and participation are critical for many aspects of operations, they are especially important for sustainability programs. The second step will be to begin the planning process. They have a goal of having a plan in place by the end of the quarter.
BUSINESS RESULTS
FasCast has the gaol of realizing measurable reductions in operating costs within the first 6 months of implementation. In order to achieve this goal, they are planning to put the highest priority on implementing both the Quick Wins and recommendations in the areas of Energy Management and Heating & Cooling.
Click here for the FASCAST CASE STUDY
Click here for more information about the CurrentState Sustainability Diagnostic for Business.
