Energy Treasure Hunts and Empowering Associates

But there’s no reason that process can’t be fun.

In 2012, HanesBrands learned about energy treasure hunts years ago through its participation in the US EPA ENERGY STAR Industrial Partner network. Held on an ongoing or event basis, energy treasure hunts are designed to engage, develop and train associates to identify no-cost or low-cost energy-savings opportunities.

Ongoing treasure hunts encourage manufacturing facility associates to share their energy-saving ideas with their supervisors informally, at any time. If the idea seems viable, the supervisor elevates it to the site’s energy team for possible implementation. Event-style treasure hunts divide the participants into teams and assign them areas of focus: power, steam, compressed air, water, equipment, etc. Over two or three days, teams brainstorm ideas and fan out across the facility to search for buried “green.”

To date, treasure hunts have spurred HanesBrands associates to identify hundreds of energy-saving projects, slashing energy use, cutting waste, generating millions in savings and encouraging cross-functional collaboration. Most importantly, energy treasure hunts have shifted our associates’ thinking about sustainability, motivating them toward a sense of ownership in both our stewardship strategies and the company’s long-term goals.

Treasure hunts have spurred HanesBrands associates to identify hundreds of energy-saving projects, slashing energy use, cutting waste, generating millions in savings, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration.

To encourage the same spirit of initiative and innovation beyond our company walls, we’ve invited our key direct material suppliers to the treasure hunt too, at their own facilities, and in the process realized savings in our indirect emissions.

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