Author: Julie Hauser

Ameren is a regional energy company dedicated to delivering reliable energy while helping meet the evolving needs of customers and communities. Through innovation, collaboration and long-term sustainability planning, Ameren continues to advance cleaner energy solutions across Missouri and Illinois, earning Champion Level status in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

As part of the 2025 Challenge, Ameren highlighted its Champion Innovation Project, Powering Growth. The project showcased a variety of initiatives designed to strengthen energy reliability, support economic growth and advance sustainability goals throughout the region, all rooted in collaboration.

“Together, we are more powerful than each of us can be on our own,” said Gwen Mizell, Senior Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer for Ameren. “It is through collaboration that we build trust. It is through collaboration that we create and execute meaningful, sustainable programs that help deliver stability to all our community members. And it’s through collaboration that we share our knowledge about what’s working, what’s not, why not, and where we go from here.”

That collaborative approach helped drive significant results. Through Ameren Missouri’s BizSavers® program, more than 230 Missouri businesses saved over $2.9 million and nearly 30 million kilowatt-hours of energy by upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems since July 2024. In addition, an initiative to repurpose retiring wood utility poles prevented more than 5,500 tons of wood waste from entering landfills over the past three years.

Ameren also continued investing in technologies that improve energy reliability. During major storm events from January through June 2025, the company’s smart switch technology prevented more than 150,000 customer outages by automatically rerouting power when disruptions occurred.

The company made notable progress in expanding renewable energy resources as well. New solar generation brought online in 2024 produced enough energy to power approximately 93,000 homes annually. Ameren also began constructing or planning four additional solar projects capable of powering more than 117,000 homes each year and announced plans for its first large-scale lithium-ion battery installation to support customer reliability.

Beyond infrastructure investments, Ameren demonstrated its commitment to the communities it serves. Following the May 16, 2025 tornado, the company donated $1 million in relief funding for survivors and made an additional $4 million available for customer bill payment assistance. Ameren also partnered with hundreds of agencies to help provide more than $75 million in available energy assistance to customers in need.

Ameren’s commitment to collaboration was further recognized through the 2025 Green Jean Ponzi Collaborative Action Award, which honors organizations that work together on initiatives extending beyond traditional sustainability practices.

Through investments in cleaner energy, innovative technologies and strong community partnerships, Ameren continues to demonstrate how sustainability and reliability can work hand in hand to power the future of the St. Louis region.

To learn more about Ameren 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 supports better air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

TERRA Environmental, a startup in the St. Louis region, is committed to engineering greener fuel by processing commercial and industrial nonrecyclable and nonhazardous materials into biogenic materials that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As TERRA Environmental continues to make its mark in the greater St. Louis region, the Clean Air Partnership is proud to spotlight the company for its environmental efforts and sustainability achievements. In recognition of its work, TERRA Environmental participated in the 2025 Green Business Challenge at the Leader Level.

“The Terra Environmental team was honored to participate in this year’s Green Business Challenge,” said Tony Smith, Managing Member of Terra Environmental. “The Challenge provided a platform for our team to network and collaborate with industry professionals sharing similar sustainability goals, while also promoting the unique solution Terra offers its customers. We highly recommend the Challenge for organizations and professionals who are serious about sustainability solutions in their everyday operations.”

In 2025, TERRA Environmental implemented the strategic use of energy-efficient motors, lighting and HVAC systems in its facility design and operations, resulting in significant energy savings. The company also hosted a facility tour showcasing TERRA’s sustainable solutions for fellow Challenge participants.

One of TERRA Environmental’s greatest accomplishments was its Earth Day 2025 cleanup of illegal dumping and litter along South 1^st Street in collaboration with neighboring industrial businesses. Following the success of that effort, the company began hosting monthly cleanups of South 1^st Street, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community improvement.

Participation in the Challenge also provided valuable opportunities to network and collaborate with industry professionals. Through these efforts, TERRA Environmental expanded awareness of its sustainable service offerings while learning about additional sustainability solutions from fellow participants. Those connections have since led to tangible new business opportunities and partnerships, creating mutual value for TERRA and other organizations involved in the Challenge.

Throughout the Challenge, TERRA Environmental exemplified an environment-first approach by generating no internal company waste, ensuring all discarded materials were either reused or recycled.

The company also successfully launched its Engineered Fuel Program, achieving an average biogenic content exceeding 40 percent. This innovation supports meaningful reductions in customers’ Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions while helping decrease transportation-related emissions through the local sourcing of sustainable solutions whenever possible.

For more information about TERRA Environmental and how your organization can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

As summer winds down and fall approaches, now is a good time to reflect on the state of air quality in the St. Louis region and remember that protecting clean air remains important year-round.

For much of the 2026 forecasting season, St. Louis experienced predominantly Good (green) and Moderate (yellow) air quality days. However, the region saw several stretches of above-average heat in late August and early September that contributed to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, the area’s most common summertime air pollutant. Those conditions contributed to a couple of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) air quality forecasts during September, reminding us that warm temperatures and strong sunshine can quickly create unhealthy air conditions.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, power plants, gasoline-powered equipment and other sources react in sunlight. Hot, stagnant weather can accelerate that process, increasing health risks for children, older adults, people with asthma and anyone who spends significant time outdoors. Here in St. Louis, we know all too well that ozone pollution remains one of the region’s most persistent air quality challenges.

While the region has made significant progress over the last few decades, there is still work to be done. Earlier this year, the American Lung Association released its 2026 “State of the Air” report which found that the St. Louis metro area ranked among the nation’s top 25 most ozone-polluted metropolitan areas, averaging just over 10 high-ozone days annually during the report period. All eight counties in the bi-state non-attainment area also received failing grades for ozone pollution. As the 2026 forecasting season continues through October, we’ll be interested to see how this year’s results compare.

The good news is that individual actions can make a difference. As temperatures cool, residents can continue supporting cleaner air by combining errands into fewer trips, carpooling, using public transit, avoiding unnecessary engine idling and postponing the use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment when air quality is poor. Conserving energy at home is another simple yet effective way to reduce emissions.

These efforts are especially important for sensitive populations, including children, older adults and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Even as ozone season begins to wind down, clean air should remain a priority. Cleaner air supports healthier communities, improves quality of life and helps protect the region’s most vulnerable residents.

This fall, the Clean Air Partnership encourages everyone to stay informed by continuing to check daily air quality forecasts and to take small steps that can lead to a healthier future for the entire St. Louis region. Together, we can build on the progress we’ve made and keep working toward cleaner air in every season!

To learn more about the connection between air quality and everyday actions, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X at @gatewaycleanair.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, sustainability is more than a goal. It is part of the company’s commitment to making the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Through practical environmental initiatives and employee engagement, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s north St. Louis County location is turning that commitment into action. 

In 2025, the site participated in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, earning recognition at the Leader Level for its sustainability efforts. Through the Challenge, team members took a closer look at their environmental impact and identified opportunities to reduce waste, lower emissions and strengthen their sustainability practices. 

One of the first steps was launching a Green Team dedicated to leading environmental initiatives across the site. As part of the Challenge, the team completed a baseline sustainability assessment, which helped identify areas for improvement and establish a roadmap for future progress. 

“Joining the Green Business Challenge has heightened our awareness of how we impact the environment,” said Shana Lawson, EHS Manager for Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Conducting the baseline score was eye opening. We thought we were greener than we actually are. Now we have a pathway to move our company towards the corporate goals of zero waste to landfill and reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.”  

Armed with those insights, the Green Team began implementing simple yet impactful changes throughout daily operations. Employees received reusable Nalgene water bottles to encourage the use of water bottle filling stations, while Styrofoam cups were replaced with paper coffee cups in all breakrooms. The site also launched a pilot recycling program for lab pipette tips and boxes and transitioned from individual office trash bins to a centralized waste collection area that includes single-stream recycling. 

These efforts are already making a difference. By tracking and sharing results with company leadership, the Green Team has demonstrated the value of sustainability-focused actions and helped build support for continued environmental improvements. 

The site’s commitment to sustainability has also been recognized beyond the Green Business Challenge. During its ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System audit, Thermo Fisher Scientific received positive recognition for maintaining native plantings and participating in Project Clear’s Rainwater Bioretention Program. These initiatives help manage stormwater runoff while supporting a healthier environment and improved regional air quality. 

While many of these efforts are relatively new, they reflect values that have long been central to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s culture: innovation, responsibility and continuous improvement. By integrating sustainable practices into everyday operations, the company is creating lasting benefits for its employees, customers and the communities it serves. 

For more information about Thermo Fisher Scientific or to 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’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

As a global science-based consulting and advisory company, Jacobs is dedicated to delivering resilient, digitally enabled infrastructure solutions that help communities thrive. From its St. Louis-area office in the city’s Cheltenham neighborhood, the company is also committed to making a positive impact locally through employee engagement, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement. In 2025, Jacobs returned to the St. Louis Green Business Challenge as a Leader Level participant after a five-year hiatus, using the Challenge as an opportunity to strengthen sustainability efforts within its office, empower employees to adopt sustainable practices and turn environmental goals into meaningful action both inside and outside the workplace. 

A key accomplishment during the Challenge was the relaunch of the Jacobs Green Team, which is helping foster a culture of sustainability throughout the workplace. The team has focused on identifying opportunities to improve the office environment, engage employees and lay the groundwork for future sustainability initiatives. As part of these efforts, Jacobs launched a Taking Green Home education campaign, encouraging employees to incorporate environmentally conscious practices into their daily lives both at work and at home. 

The organization also took a data-driven approach to sustainability planning by conducting audits of employee commuting habits, office energy use and copy paper consumption. These assessments provided valuable insights into current practices and will help guide future strategies aimed at reducing environmental impacts and increasing operational efficiency. 

Beyond internal initiatives, Jacobs demonstrated its commitment to community engagement and collaboration through innovative programs and partnerships. One standout effort was the establishment of a recurring Tasty Tuesday Food Truck event, which serves employees, neighboring businesses and the surrounding community while highlighting local Green Dining Alliance partners. 

Jacobs also excelled in biodiversity-focused activities. Through seasonal Floral Frolics events, employees have been encouraged to connect with nature and learn about the importance of supporting local ecosystems. Building on this success, the company plans to collaborate with property management to increase the use of native plant species around the facility, helping create healthier habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. 

Another significant initiative was the development of a new recycling program designed to be expanded throughout the building. By creating a scalable approach to waste diversion, Jacobs is helping lay the foundation for broader sustainability efforts that can benefit all building occupants. 

These local efforts reflect Jacobs’ overall commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovation, collaboration and long-term thinking. As CEO Bob Pragada explains, “Our focus is on our future as a science-based consulting and advisory company delivering resilient, digitally enabled, infrastructure solutions.” 

To learn more about Jacobs 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 supports better air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair. 

As students head back to the classroom and St. Louis area families settle into new routines, late summer is the perfect time to refocus on healthy habits, including paying attention to the air we breathe. While school supply lists, sports schedules and after-school activities may be top of mind, air quality remains an important consideration for protecting children’s health and helping everyone enjoy a strong start to the school year. 

Children are among those most vulnerable to air pollution because their lungs are still developing, and they tend to spend more time being active outdoors. That’s why the Clean Air Partnership encourages families and schools to prioritize lung health, especially for children with asthma or other respiratory conditions. 

Fortunately, there are several simple steps families can take to help protect their health while also doing their share for cleaner air across the St. Louis region. 

Check the Daily Air Quality Forecast 

One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by checking the daily air quality forecast. The Clean Air Partnership provides color-coded forecasts based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), helping residents understand current air quality conditions and whether extra precautions may be needed. When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, children, older adults and those with existing lung conditions may need to reduce prolonged outdoor activity. 

Individuals can also sign up for EnviroFlash alerts through the Clean Air Partnership website to receive timely air quality notifications via email or text. 

Build Cleaner Commutes Into Your School Routine 

Returning to school often means more cars on the road and increased traffic around pick-up and drop-off times. Since transportation remains one of the largest contributors to ozone-forming emissions, small transportation choices can make a meaningful difference. Consider: 

• Carpooling with neighbors or classmates 
• Walking or biking when possible
• Using public transportation 
• Combining errands into a single trip 
• Avoiding unnecessary vehicle idling in school zones 

These simple actions help reduce emissions while supporting cleaner air for everyone. 

Support Healthy Lungs at Home 

As schedules become busier, maintaining healthy habits is crucial. Encourage children to stay hydrated, especially during warm late-summer days, and be mindful of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or unusual shortness of breath during outdoor activities. Families with children who have asthma should ensure medications and action plans are readily available as the school year begins. 

For additional tips on protecting lung health and managing asthma symptoms, visit the American Lung Association’s website at Lung.org. 

Small Actions Add Up 

The good news is that cleaner air is something we can all help support. Whether it’s choosing a cleaner commute, conserving energy at home, avoiding excessive vehicle idling or simply staying informed about local air quality conditions, every action contributes to a healthier community. 

As summer gives way to fall, make air quality awareness part of your family’s back-to-school routine. By staying informed and taking a few simple steps, we can help protect children’s health, support cleaner air and ensure everyone has an opportunity to breathe a little easier this school year. 

To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.  

 

Commerce Bank is a regional super-community bank, committed to understanding customers’ needs, listening closely and providing tailored solutions. Its tagline — “Ask. Listen. Solve.” — reflects not only its approach to customer service, but also its leadership as a Leader Level participant in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

Sustainability is a key part of Commerce Bank’s approach to environmental stewardship, and the company achieved several meaningful accomplishments in 2025. In May, Commerce Bank hosted an e-recycling event at its Olive Boulevard location, collecting 1,780 pounds of electronics. Earlier in the year, the Green Team partnered with St. Louis Green Business Challenge resource advisor Jean Ponzi to host a webinar on ecological landscaping and Homegrown National Park, followed by a Green Team-led Eco-Expert Trivia event in July to engage employees in sustainability topics.

During the 2025 Challenge, Commerce Bank was also recognized for several innovative facility improvements. At its Clayton building, the bank reduced surface area in its parking garage, decreasing water runoff by 40% while increasing green space by 371%. The Facilities Team also identified and replaced 142 failed microinverters in its solar array, restoring full energy production capacity. Across its St. Louis and Kansas City footprint, Commerce Bank maintains solar panels on 19 buildings, generating more than 741,000 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy in 2024.

In addition, renovations to the fifth and sixth floors of the bank’s 8000 Forsyth building are nearing completion and will feature a biophilic design. Incorporating elements such as wood panels, plants and expansive interior glass, the space is designed to bring natural elements indoors and enhance the workplace environment.

“The Green Business Challenge has provided us with valuable opportunities to learn each year from the programs offered to members, where companies and organizations working across the St. Louis area share their sustainability initiatives and perspectives,” said Ron Daugherty, AVP Senior Manager, Regional Facilities for Commerce Bank. “These insights and resources inspire ideas that help Commerce Bank develop events to educate our employees about environmental stewardship. Additionally, the information gained through the Challenge supports our decision-making process, ensuring that we carefully consider environmental impacts as we operate our facilities.”

Commerce Bank’s efforts extend beyond recognition in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge. Through facility upgrades, renewable energy investments and employee engagement, the company is helping reduce environmental impact and support improved air quality across the region—demonstrating how sustainable business practices can benefit both communities and the environment.

For more information about Commerce Bank or to 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 supports better air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Representatives of the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) recently joined local officials, stakeholders and nearly 100 cyclists to celebrate the grand opening of a new $6 million, 4.5-mile extension of the MetroBikeLink Trail. This milestone marks the completion of the first of three parts of the MetroLink Expansion Project to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, with associated roadway improvements opening soon and the MetroLink extension anticipated to begin service in late summer.

For the St. Louis region, projects like this do more than expand transportation options—they also support cleaner air and healthier communities. By making it easier for residents to bike instead of drive, trails like MetroBikeLink help reduce vehicle emissions, a leading contributor to poor air quality, especially during the hot summer months.

The new trail segment runs parallel to the MetroLink alignment from the existing bike path at Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to near MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. It features scenic views, rolling inclines, three bridges, no stops and passes through Silver Creek Wetlands, home to native wildlife. The trail is ideal for cyclists looking to build speed and endurance.

Biking on trails like this is also an easy way to reduce emissions. Choosing to bike—even for part of a commute or recreational trip—helps cut down on ozone-forming pollution, which contributes to unhealthy air quality days in the region.

During the grand opening ceremony, attendees heard remarks from project partners and local leaders about the continued growth of the MetroBikeLink System and its role in enhancing connectivity and quality of life. Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to take part in an inaugural bike ride and explore the new trail segment.

Access to safe biking infrastructure not only improves mobility—it encourages more people to choose active transportation. Biking and walking produce zero emissions, making them effective ways to help improve air quality while supporting personal health.

Construction on the trail began in 2023 and was completed in June 2026. The project was designed through a combined effort between engineering firms WSP, TWM and EFK Moen, with elements constructed under four different contracts. SCCTD funded $5.5 million of the project, with an additional $500,000 in grants from the Metro East Park and Recreation District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The MetroBikeLink Trail is the spine of a 40-mile system of interconnecting trails throughout St. Clair County. It runs adjacent to the MetroLink alignment for more than 18 miles and connects to seven Metro Transit Centers in five communities, offering seamless integration with MetroLink, MetroBus and microtransit options like the SCCTD Flyer.

“The MetroBikeLink System seamlessly links residents to our world-class transit system and expands opportunities for multimodal travel across St. Clair County,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director of SCCTD. “This momentum will only continue as we look ahead to the 5-mile MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport opening in the coming months.”

To learn more about SCCTD’s MetroBikeLink System, visit SCCTD.org/MetroBikeLink.

In recognition of National Dump the Pump Day, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) offered free monthly transit passes in partnership with Metro Transit and the St. Clair County Transit District – valued at $78 – during a 24-hour registration period. The response was overwhelming. Nearly 1,000 St. Louisans signed up to give transit a try with 250 monthly passes quickly claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Recognizing the incredible demand and opportunity to introduce more people to transit, CMT expanded the effort to ensure no eligible registrant was left out by distributing one-day passes to all others.  

This initiative is giving hundreds upon hundreds of new transit riders the opportunity to experience firsthand how convenient, reliable and cost-effective public transportation can be. Whether commuting to work, running errands or exploring the region, MetroLink and MetroBus helps riders save money on gas and parking, avoid traffic and reduce vehicle wear and tear. By encouraging more people to shift away from single-occupancy vehicles, the effort also plays an important role in improving air quality across the bi-state region by reducing emissions and taking cars off area roads.  

“The overwhelming response reinforces a simple truth: when people are given the chance to try transit, they embrace it,” stated Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “We are creating new riders, building momentum and showcasing how accessible transit can be for everyday trips across the St. Louis region—all while helping reduce the number of vehicles on the road and contributing to cleaner, healthier air for our communities.”  

To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org. 

Anders CPA is a St. Louis-based firm offering advisory, audit and assurance, and tax services to businesses of all sizes, helping clients stay focused on what they do best while navigating complex financial and operational challenges. 

Rooted in its mission to help others achieve their highest potential and its commitment to giving back, Anders brings that same mindset to sustainability. The firm’s participation in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge reflects its focus on making a meaningful impact, both within its organization and across the region. Their guiding philosophy, “Delivering the Power to Dream Big,” extends beyond business goals to include building a stronger, healthier community. 

As a first-time Challenge participant, Anders quickly made an impact through efforts that combined education, collaboration and action. The firm’s sustainability initiatives have helped raise awareness, encourage responsible practices and strengthen partnerships with organizations committed to environmental progress across the St. Louis area. 

In 2025, Anders reached several key milestones in advancing its sustainability efforts. The firm launched its inaugural Green Team to lead initiatives and serve as ambassadors across various departments, helping embed environmentally conscious practices throughout the organization. Team members were invited to get involved through the Green Business Challenge, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and engagement. 

Anders also implemented practical changes to reduce its environmental footprint, including upgrading water filling stations and providing every employee with a reusable tumbler to reduce single-use bottles and cups. Furthermore, the firm reviewed office supply purchasing to identify and transition to more sustainable alternatives, reinforcing its commitment to thoughtful resource management. 

Additional efforts during the Challenge included partnering with building management to conduct a sustainability audit, identifying opportunities for continued improvement and minimizing waste by donating or recycling outdated materials. Notably, Anders recycled old books in bulk through a local full-service single stream recycling service, Always Green Recycling, ensuring items were diverted from landfills while supporting responsible disposal practices across the region. 

“In our first year in the Green Business Challenge, we’re taking our first steps: learning, experimenting and discovering where we can make the most impact,” said Ellen Moro, marketing specialist for Anders CPA. “It’s been an inspiring start, and we’re committed to continuing this momentum as we grow our sustainability efforts.” 

Anders’s growing list of sustainability initiatives reflects a deeper commitment to community impact. From launching its Green Team to implementing everyday changes that reduce waste, the firm is demonstrating how businesses can play an active role in protecting both people and the environment. 

For more information about Anders CPA or to 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.