Spotlight On: Focal Pointe

Proudly serving the Midwest, Focal Pointe is a people-first landscaping organization that prides itself on honesty, integrity and service to its partners. Founded in 1997 and now more than 500 employees strong, the company’s innovations and collaborations across Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma have earned it Champion Level status in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

Community partnerships were a highlight of Focal Pointe’s Challenge year. Through the Broken Bat program with the St. Louis Cardinals, the company planted 35 trees at local parks and schools, one for every bat broken by a batter during the 2025 season. Focal Pointe also teamed up with Operation Food Search and Liberty Apple Orchard to glean a record 2,726 pounds of apples for local food pantries. Gleaning gathers produce after the general harvest, minimizing waste so more of it can be shared.

“I think the Green Business Challenge reflects my philosophy on sustainable success, which makes it hard to measure and shine a bright light on,” said John E. Munie, President of Focal Pointe. “Success, and green initiatives, aren’t one-off shiny events to highlight for a moment. Rather, any sustainable, lasting progress is the result of repetitive, incremental improvements. For that reason, I’m very proud of the Focal Pointe team for humbly staying the course, not because of the recognition; because of the Purpose we have built within Focal Pointe. Our team aspires to help the world celebrate the harmony between people and nature, and I couldn’t be more proud!”

The team also showed up for neighbors after the May 16, 2025 tornado. Along with helping with aid and cleanup directly after the disaster, they raised money to purchase more than 9,000 items for shelters in the impacted area. The items included canned meat, beans, veggies, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, protein bars, applesauce, bottled water, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and disinfecting wipes.

On the ground, Focal Pointe installed more than 28,00 plants in 2025, half of them native, representing 150 different native species. The company also installed green infrastructure that supports healthier ecosystems and smarter water use, including 81,838 ft² of bioretention, 2,400 ft² of rain gardens, 4,600 ft² of nature play, 2,155 ft² of green roof, 2,200 ft² of permeable pavers and 5,280 ft² of educational gardens.

Focal Pointe furthered its accomplishments by continuing to steward more than 30 acres of reclaimed urban land into reconstructed prairie. It also converted 113 irrigation clocks to Weathermatic smart controllers, with an estimated 20% water savings for local businesses.

In recognition of these partnerships, Focal Pointe was named co-winner, alongside the St. Louis Cardinals, of the 2025 Green Jean Ponzi Collaborative Impact Award. The award honors businesses that join forces on collaborative initiatives that go beyond normal green operations.

Learn more about Focal Pointe and the St. Louis Green Business Challenge by subscribing to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn how sustainability connects to air quality, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Spotlight On: ESCO Technologies

Innovation is at the core of everything ESCO Technologies does. From supporting the aerospace, defense, utility, healthcare and renewable energy industries to developing advanced engineering and technology solutions, the St. Louis-based company is focused on solving complex challenges and driving meaningful progress. In 2025, that same innovative mindset helped ESCO Technologies earn Champion-level recognition and the St. Louis Green Business Challenge Champion Action Focus Award for its efforts to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency through a major paper reduction initiative.

Headquartered in St. Louis, ESCO Technologies is a global provider of highly engineered products and solutions serving customers through its Aerospace & Defense, Utility Solutions Group, and RF Test & Measurement segments. As a technology-driven organization, ESCO is continually looking for opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

One of the company’s most impactful sustainability efforts during the 2025 Challenge was its “Path Towards Paperless” Champion Innovation Project, which focused on reducing paper consumption, increasing digital accessibility and making better use of existing resources.

As part of the project, ESCO Technologies shredded and recycled approximately 85,000 pounds of paper documents while digitizing 134,266 pages of historical records into more than 10 gigabytes of searchable PDF files. The transition allowed the company to eliminate 1,341 square feet of leased storage space previously dedicated to paper document retention, creating opportunities to use that space more efficiently.

The shift to digital recordkeeping has delivered environmental and operational benefits. Historical documents are now easier to access and search electronically, improving efficiency and reducing the need to maintain paper archives. The company also reduced the number of personal printers across its facilities and configured network printers to default to double-sided printing, helping decrease paper, toner and energy consumption.

While these changes may seem simple, they demonstrate how thoughtful operational improvements can create meaningful environmental results. Reducing paper use conserves natural resources, while decreasing printer usage lowers energy consumption and waste generation. Together, these efforts support broader sustainability goals and contribute to a healthier environment.

“ESCO Technologies draws ongoing inspiration from the Green Business Challenge to drive impactful projects that improve performance and reduce our environmental impact,” said Justin Prien, Director of Environmental, Health and Safety at ESCO Technologies.

The company’s success highlights an important aspect of sustainability: innovation doesn’t always require large-scale infrastructure projects. Sometimes, meaningful change comes from rethinking everyday processes and finding smarter, more efficient ways to operate.

By embracing digital transformation and reducing unnecessary resource consumption, ESCO Technologies has demonstrated how businesses can simultaneously improve efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen environmental performance. These efforts help support regional sustainability goals while contributing to cleaner air through reduced energy use and responsible resource management.

For more information about ESCO Technologies 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.

Have a Hauntingly Sustainable Halloween

Halloween is a fun time to celebrate with family, friends and neighbors, but it can also generate a surprising amount of waste. From single-use decorations and costumes to excess candy packaging, small choices can add up quickly. The good news? With a little planning, you can enjoy a festive Halloween while helping to protect the environment and support cleaner air.

Give Costumes a Second Life

Before purchasing a brand-new costume, consider shopping your closet, visiting a thrift store or organizing a costume swap with friends and neighbors. Reusing or repurposing costumes helps reduce waste and gives old items a new purpose. If your family has outgrown costumes from previous years, consider donating them so someone else can enjoy them.

Choose Reusable Decorations

Many Halloween decorations are designed for a single season and end up in the trash. Instead, invest in durable decorations you can use year after year, or create your own from materials you already have at home. Natural decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and leaves can add seasonal charm without creating unnecessary plastic waste.

Make Pumpkins Count

Pumpkin carving is a popular Halloween tradition, but don’t let those pumpkins go to waste after the holiday. Roast the seeds for a healthy snack, compost pumpkin scraps when possible and consider adding leftover pumpkins to backyard compost bins after Halloween. Keeping organic material out of landfills helps reduce methane emissions and supports healthier soils.

Walk, Roll or Bike to Halloween Activities

Whether you’re heading to a trunk-or-treat event, neighborhood gathering or a friend’s house, consider walking, biking or carpooling when possible. Fewer vehicle trips can help reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions while giving families an opportunity to enjoy time together outdoors.

Cut Down on Candy Waste

When handing out treats, look for options with minimal packaging when available. Consider offering non-food items such as pencils, stickers or small reusable toys as alternatives. If you end up with extra candy after Halloween, save it for future events, share it with others or donate unopened treats to local organizations that accept them.

Swap Batteries for Rechargeables

Many Halloween decorations rely on battery-powered lights and sound effects. Using rechargeable batteries can help reduce waste and save money over time. If you use disposable batteries, be sure to recycle them properly when they reach the end of their life.

Turn Off the Scare When the Night Is Over

Halloween displays add plenty of seasonal spirit, but decorative lighting and inflatables can use a significant amount of energy if left running all night. Consider turning decorations off before bed or using timers to help reduce energy consumption.

Small changes can make a big difference. By reusing costumes, choosing sustainable decorations, reducing waste and exploring cleaner transportation options, you can enjoy a memorable Halloween while helping keep the St. Louis region’s air cleaner for everyone.

Happy Halloween from the Clean Air Partnership! 🎃👻🌎

 

Spotlight On: Bayer

As one of the organizations that has participated in all 16 years of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, Bayer continues to demonstrate that sustainability is most effective when it is embedded into everyday operations. That ongoing commitment earned the company Champion Level recognition in the 2025 Challenge, highlighting the meaningful environmental impact taking place at its Chesterfield and Creve Coeur campuses.

As a global life sciences company focused on health and nutrition, Bayer recognizes the connection between environmental stewardship and the health of communities. Its local sustainability efforts reflect that philosophy, helping employees, visitors and the broader St. Louis region benefit from cleaner, healthier spaces while supporting initiatives that can contribute to improved air quality, reduced waste and responsible resource use.

Bayer’s 2025 Green Business Challenge accomplishments showcase a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The company maintained an overall landfill diversion rate of more than 60%, helping keep valuable materials out of landfills and reducing waste across its operations. Bayer also expanded support for cleaner transportation by installing six additional Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its Chesterfield campus parking garage, bringing the site’s total charging capacity to 27 EVs at one time.

The company’s commitment to biodiversity and habitat conservation also continued to earn national recognition. Both the Creve Coeur and Chesterfield campuses received Gold certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council, reflecting Bayer’s efforts to create and maintain spaces where native plants and wildlife can thrive. Employees also actively participated in the Blue Bird Nestbox monitoring program, which experienced another successful year of engagement and habitat stewardship.

Beyond operational improvements, Bayer places a strong emphasis on employee involvement and community engagement. During the 2025 Challenge year, the company hosted Earth Day events at both St. Louis-area campuses, providing opportunities for employees to learn about sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

Bayer’s Sustainability Team also partnered with Open Space STL to support the 2025 Operation Clean Stream event at George Winter Park in Fenton. The annual volunteer effort helps remove litter and debris from local waterways and surrounding areas, improving the health of regional ecosystems and helping protect water quality.

On campus, Bayer continued to connect employees with nature through activities such as Nature Walks and Biodiversity Blitz events. These programs encourage participants to explore local ecosystems, learn about native species and better understand the important role biodiversity plays in maintaining healthy environments.

“Sustainability is more than just a goal at Bayer, it’s part of our everyday work,” said Mark Wieners, Associate Manager of Environmental Facility & Lab Operations for Bayer. “We provide habitats on our campuses for native species to thrive, while reducing waste and conserving energy and water to protect the resources we all depend on.”

For more information about Bayer 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.

New MetroLink Extension Expands Transportation Choices and Supports Cleaner Air

A major transportation milestone is set to benefit residents, workers, travelers and the environment across the Metro East and greater bi-state St. Louis region.

State, regional and local leaders recently celebrated the completion of the MetroLink Extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Oct. 5, a transformative project designed to improve regional connectivity, expand transportation options and support long-term economic growth throughout the region.

The project includes a 5.2-mile extension of MetroLink from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, along with new roadway connections and an extension of the MetroBikeLink Trail. Together, these improvements create a more connected transportation network for transit riders, cyclists, motorists, airport travelers and employers throughout St. Clair County and beyond.

The new MetroLink station is located directly across from the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport terminal and marks the first full MetroLink expansion in approximately 20 years. Once passenger service begins in the coming months, the extension will become MetroLink’s 39th station and provide a direct rail connection between MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport through Metro’s 43-mile light rail system.

For the St. Louis region, investments in public transit and active transportation infrastructure do more than improve mobility. They also support cleaner air by reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicle trips, helping decrease traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Expanding transportation choices makes it easier for residents to choose transit, biking and walking for work, travel and everyday activities.

The project also strengthens access to major employment centers, including MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and Scott Air Force Base, while creating new opportunities for future development and investment along the corridor.

“This project demonstrates what can happen when a bold vision is backed by strong partnerships and a commitment to follow through,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director of the St. Clair County Transit District. “A tremendous amount of planning, coordination and hard work went into making this extension a reality. Today, we celebrate the completion of a project that improves connectivity, expands transportation choices and creates opportunities that will benefit residents, employers and the entire region for decades to come.”

Construction on the MetroLink extension is complete and testing is underway, with passenger service expected to begin in the coming months. An additional 0.7-mile MetroBikeLink Trail extension to the new station is also planned, further enhancing opportunities for active transportation and multimodal travel throughout the region.

Projects like the MetroLink extension demonstrate how strategic investments in transit, bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure can help communities improve mobility, strengthen local economies and support cleaner air for everyone.

To learn more about the project, visit the St. Clair County Transit District website.

Spotlight On: Ameren

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.

Spotlight On: TERRA Environmental

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 1st Street in collaboration with neighboring industrial businesses. Following the success of that effort, the company began hosting monthly cleanups of South 1st 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.

Summer Air Quality Recap: Looking Ahead to a Cleaner Fall

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.

Spotlight On: Thermo Fisher Scientific

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.

Spotlight On: Jacobs

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.