The power of good

Delta Electronics is a leading provider of clean power and thermal management solutions. The business wanted to do more than help protect the planet through its products. It also wanted to help shape a 'better tomorrow' by reducing environmental harm throughout its operations.

"Doing good is about more than having a charitable foundation that donates to good causes," said Yancey. "It's about having an energy-efficient mindset ingrained throughout the company's processes, products and solutions."

Delta Electronics knew that operating more efficiently wouldn't just benefit the environment – it would also benefit the business and its customers. But how could it prove it?

"When you talk about the environment and green energy, some think you're just a tree- hugger. A lot of people think sustainability is a waste of money. We needed to prove that saving money means making money. Efficiency is good for consumers because it saves them money. And it's good for the environment because it means using less energy."

The company got to work retrofitting its premises in Taipei, implementing energy-efficiency solutions across its operations. The result? Reduced electricity consumption of 1.2 million kilowatt/ hours, saving the company about US$120,000 dollars every year. Savings of this scale meant Delta Electronics would get a return on its retrofitting investment in just a few years.

To rally support for retrofitting the buildings, the company needed evidence: "It's about creating a change in mentality. To do that, you must prove you're doing good – through measurement. For example, we needed to know where we were consuming the most electricity in our buildings. We installed meters and sensors on every floor and component of our premises." This approach told the company exactly how much energy it was using, and where it should focus its efficiency efforts.

Today, Delta Electronics works with its suppliers to make sure they're operating as sustainably as possible. To work with the company, suppliers need to prove they're following strict measures: "We've implemented standards on sustainability measures, such as energy and water consumption, and waste management."

A strong governance structure is at the heart of Delta Electronics' sustainability. In the past, Bruce C.H. Cheng – the company's founder and current honorary chairman – pushed for cleaner solutions. But now, the company has the processes it needs to stay true to its vision: "The first generation of the family is still involved in the business. But we now have a governance structure and systems in place that will ensure our efforts continue, even when the founder steps down."