Q&A talks about sustainability initiatives with Deborah Laviero, vice president of marketing and business development for OFI Inc. The Newington office furniture dealership is installing an electric vehicle charger.
Q: OFI has become one of the first private companies to install a charging station for electric vehicles. Why did OFI decide to take this step now when electric vehicles are far from prevalent?
A: In addition to our commitment to environmental sustainability, helping clients find the right solutions to business challenges is one of OFI’s core values. As a pro-environment company, OFI saw this as an opportunity to help make it easier for our employees and clients to adopt this technology and to show small and medium-sized business’ how easy it is. It’s true there aren’t many electric cars right now, but the need will grow and there aren’t many stations available.
Q: As one of your employees said, OFI is stepping into “new and unknown technology.” What concerns does OFI have about the installation of a charging station? What are the perceived benefits?
A: I don’t think there is a down side. We are supporting forward-thinking technology, which is going to continue to grow and change; this is another way that we can show our commitment to a sustainable future is real. We are a test case as much as anything else. Who knows, a new technology may come along that will make this one obsolete. Having a car-charging station makes it easier for employees to take on new technology. They will at least know where one charging station is other than at their homes.
Q: What type of investment is involved in setting up a charging station? Do you expect any return from investment?
A: The investment is not prohibitive. We are still working out the details of our installation, but we are looking for a seamless process. This is an opportunity to provide an additional service for our clients and employees. The return-on-investment is shown in its positive effect on employee morale and in our growing relationships with clients, colleagues and the community.
Q: This comes from a practical angle. How do you decide who gets to use the charging station? After all, it takes from four to eight hours to charge a vehicle. Has your company written any policies on use of the charger?
A: Initially, we will rely on any best practices GE and other users can provide. This is new territory for everyone involved. Luckily, there aren’t that many cars around so there won’t be lines at the “pump.” It will give us a chance to see what the demand is. My understanding is that you can do partial as well as full charges, which could make a difference. As with anything else, you do your best and often learn as you go.
Q: The installation of the charger is the product of a green group that was created at OFI. What, if any, are the advantages to establishing a green group? Has it produced profitable results for the company? Is green good for the bottom line?
A: The Green Group was started by a group of enthusiastic people who really do care about their impact on the environment. Herman Miller, which is our signature furniture line, has supported environmental stewardship since the 1950s, long before it was popular. We may never be able to directly link a sale to the charging station, but it reflects our values and commitment and that can only help the bottom line. Good business is all about relationships. This is one more way for us to reach out to clients, employees and community.
Q: Your green group got OFI to use earth-friendly resources in its showroom, kitchen and printing areas. What are some examples of what was done?
A: OFI’s Green Group is an outgrowth of the firm’s move two years ago, from its old facility on the Berlin Turnpike, its headquarters for the past 40 years to our new facility on Garfield Street in Newington. As I said earlier, we represent one of the greenest companies in the world, national furniture manufacturer Herman Miller; green is part of our culture. When we moved to our new location, it was important that it be designed and built to green standards. Since then, the Green Group has helped clean up local parks; and has built a garden/greenhouse area at OFI. The company now mandates office equipment be turned off when not in use, pitchers of water are offered at meetings rather than bottled water, and we use regular dishes, glasses and cutlery rather than disposable dishware for daily use. Recycling baskets are at all desks and copy areas… Additionally, we encourage and help our sales people and designers to take the LEED accreditation exam.
