Month: October 2025

Bethesda Health Group is more than a trusted name in senior care — it’s also a recognized leader in sustainability. With deep roots in the St. Louis region, the nonprofit, non-denominational organization earned recognition in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge for its commitment to both residents and the environment.

As a Champion Level participant in the Challenge, Bethesda made major strides in reducing its environmental impact. One key initiative was replacing all HVAC system refrigerants from R-22 — a known greenhouse gas — with more energy-efficient alternatives.

“In 2024, the Bethesda facilities team continued to focus on organization wide energy efficiency equipment upgrades, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Joseph J. Brinker, President and CEO of Bethesda Health Group. “This included installation of over 25 new energy-efficient HVAC units in our Independent Living apartments. All parking lot lights are now equipped with LED bulbs. I continue to be immensely proud that our entire organization has embraced the need for prioritizing energy efficient practices.”

Bethesda’s green efforts go beyond large-scale upgrades. Daily routines include recycling and energy-conscious choices like routine window replacements, including 15 at the organization’s Barclay House facility so far, with more on the way.

At the Dilworth campus Rehab building, a new chiller is expected to cut energy use by 30%, saving an estimated $14,052 annually and reducing electricity consumption by 140,552 kWh. This upgrade also lowers Bethesda’s carbon footprint by 120 metric tons per year, boosts plant efficiency by 42% and reduces noise, boosting operational longevity in a quieter, more sustainable environment.

From new windows and LED lighting to upgraded HVAC systems and chillers, Bethesda Health Group continues to invest in improvements that benefit both its facilities and the greater St. Louis community.

The Clean Air Partnership proudly supports Bethesda’s ongoing achievements across its senior living campuses, where environmental responsibility is part of everyday operations. To learn more about Bethesda or get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Known for its creativity, community spirit and commitment to quality, 4 Hands Brewing Co. extended that same passion to sustainability in 2024 by joining the St. Louis Green Business Challenge. What began as a goal to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste has evolved into a company-wide dedication to environmental responsibility — an effort the Clean Air Partnership is proud to spotlight this month.  

“The Challenge was a great catalyst to organize our sustainability efforts with a 4 Hands Brewing Green Team,” said Tom Sounders, Sustainability Manager for 4 Hands Brewing Co. “Challenge staff guidance gave us direction, purpose and accountability. Our department heads see their role and the teams they lead through a new lens, one where environmental sustainability projects can reduce operational costs and provide ROI. We’re building momentum towards sharing our internal sustainability journey with the market in the future.” 

During the Challenge year, 4 Hands formed a Green Team to integrate sustainability into daily operations across all departments. Their efforts have led to measurable progress in energy savings, waste reduction and greenhouse gas management. 

The brewery tapped into Ameren Missouri’s energy efficiency incentives to install three new rooftop air conditioning units with higher energy ratings, which helped cut power use and improve comfort. A lighting audit with Graybar also identified opportunities to upgrade all fixtures to high-efficiency LEDs, with an expected payback period of just 2.5 years. 

Waste reduction was another key Challenge priority, with 4 Hands introducing single-stream recycling, partnering locally to recycle plastic can carriers, switching to 100% recycled office paper and adopting a no-idling policy for delivery trucks to reduce emissions. 

In addition, the brewery completed a 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory using tools from the World Resources Institute, Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) and New Belgium Brewing, establishing a baseline for future emissions tracking. They also participated in a Sustainability Assessment with Missouri State University to support the development of the Missouri Green Brewers Association. 

By taking part in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, 4 Hands Brewing Co. is showing that great beer and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand. 

To learn more about 4 Hands Brewing Co. or how your organization can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.