Category: Blog

The Cortex Innovation District stands as a global hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, empowering diverse communities with the resources to shape the future. Home to startups, R&D teams, manufacturers, nonprofits and creators of all kinds, Cortex is where technology, art and enterprise converge to grow and connect. What truly sets Cortex apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability, a core element of its identity as a leader in innovation. By championing eco-friendly practices in the St. Louis region and beyond, Cortex ensures its impact reaches far beyond the boundaries of the District.

Cortex’s vision for sustainability is bold: to integrate eco-friendly practices into every facet of its community. From green building designs to sustainable operations, the District serves as a living laboratory for environmental stewardship. This dedication earned Cortex recognition as a Champion Level participant in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

“The Green Team at Cortex is an example of the district’s power to convene, allowing sustainability advocates from entities large and small within the district to weigh in on sustainable initiatives and fostering collaboration for collective change,” said Ben Daugherty, Operations and Sustainability Project Manager for Cortex Innovation District.

During the 2024 Challenge, Cortex launched a district-wide Green Team, a dynamic group committed to advancing sustainability through creativity and collaboration. Their efforts included a tech recycling event that collected 9,000 pounds of material and a similar event that diverted 20,000 pounds of office furniture from landfills through donations. Cortex also approved a policy to fully reimburse restaurants for their Green Dining Alliance certification fee and secured a Gateway Regional Environmental Fund (GREF) grant to help major energy users switch to certified renewable sources.

Furthermore, the District hosted a native seed propagation workshop, launched a community composting drop-off site with New Earth Farms and partnered with Resla to promote electric vehicle use through Tesla rentals that operated out of the North Silo Parking Lot. Advancing the Living Laboratories section of the Sustainability Action Plan, labs in 13 Cortex buildings also began using a dashboard developed by CannonDesign to track energy usage and carbon emissions. Last but not least, through the work of a Wash U Gephart Fellowship intern, four Cortex labs began leveraging the International Sustainable Labs toolkit, Labs2Zero, integrated with data benchmarked in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager — further reinforcing Cortex’s role as a leader in sustainable innovation.

For more information about Cortex Innovation District 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.

Founded in 1975 as a small, family-owned paving company, Keeley Construction has grown into a regional leader with a strong commitment to sustainability. Today, their efforts go far beyond building projects — they’re fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among employees and the community.

Keeley’s core values of responsibility, adaptability, innovation, stewardship and environmental care are brought to life through initiatives that engage team members directly. From planting trees to exploring emerging green trends, Keeley turns sustainability from a concept into a shared mission. A major driver of this progress is Keeley’s Green Team, which was created to spark conversation and action around energy efficiency and waste reduction. As a participant in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge at the Leader Level, the company hosted four sustainability-focused learning sessions for employees, including Geeking Out on Trees with Forest ReLEAF, Bringing High-Performance Building Envelopes Home led by Keeley VP Matt Muller and Director of Design Derek Maschek, Intro to the WELL Building Standard presented by Keeley staff, and Minding the Gaps: A Tech Review of High-Performance Building Envelopes with GRW Engineering.

Beyond attending sustainability sessions in the workplace, Keeley employees extended their commitment to the community by planting trees at North Springs Head Start Center, an effort that underscored the company’s zero-carbon goal and helped contribute to cleaner air quality in the region.

“In 2024, the Green Business Challenge has provided Keeley Construction with valuable insights into adopting a more sustainable approach to operations and project execution,” said Casey Delaney, Director of Business Development for Keeley Construction. “Keeley is excited to continue making progress toward reducing waste and energy consumption in 2025 and beyond.”

The 2024 challenge year also marked the official launch of Keeley Green as the seventh cultural pillar of Keeley Companies. This initiative equipped employees with tools and resources to grow personally and professionally while advancing sustainability. Keeley’s progress was also made evident on its website, having highlighted energy-efficient commercial buildings, renewable energy facilities and transmission systems powering the clean energy grid. Photos showcase how Keeley blended passion and productivity to create a cleaner planet — living proof of their values in action.

The Clean Air Partnership proudly recognizes Keeley Construction’s measurable sustainability efforts. More than words on a page, Keeley’s commitment is demonstrated through tangible results. For more information about Keeley Construction 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.

Even though the holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness and cherished traditions, it’s also a time when waste and energy use tend to spike. From gift wrapping to festive meals, the choices we make can have a big impact on the environment. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can keep the season merry while reducing your carbon footprint.

Rethink Gift Giving

Instead of defaulting to store-bought items, consider gifts that are meaningful and sustainable. Experiences like concert tickets, cooking classes or memberships create lasting memories without adding clutter. If you’re buying physical gifts, look for locally made products or those crafted from recycled materials. And don’t forget the wrapping! Opt for reusable gift bags, recycled paper or even fabric wraps to cut down on waste.

Deck the Halls — Responsibly

Holiday decorations bring warmth and cheer, but they don’t have to harm the planet. LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer. If you love the glow of candles, choose soy or beeswax varieties instead of paraffin. For greenery, consider a potted tree that can be replanted or rent a live tree from a local nursery. These choices keep your celebrations festive while reducing environmental impact.

Plan a Low-Waste Feast

While food is at the heart of holiday gatherings, it’s also a major source of waste. Start by planning your menu carefully to avoid overbuying. Support local farmers and choose seasonal produce to minimize transportation emissions. Compost food scraps when possible and send guests home with leftovers to ensure nothing goes to waste. Small steps like these make a big difference in reducing holiday food waste.

Travel Smarter

Visiting loved ones often means hitting the road or taking to the skies. If possible, carpool or use public transportation next week to help cut down on harmful greenhouse gas emissions. For longer trips, consider offsetting your travel footprint by supporting carbon-reduction projects. And if you’re hosting, consider incorporating a virtual gathering for those who can’t make the trip, as technology makes it easy to stay connected without the environmental cost.

Make Sustainability Part of the Tradition

The holidays are about traditions, and creating eco-friendly habits can become part of that legacy. Whether it’s a family pledge to reduce waste, a gift exchange focused on handmade items or a commitment to energy-efficient lighting, these choices add meaning to the season while protecting the planet and our region’s air quality.

This year, let’s celebrate with intention. By embracing sustainable practices, we can enjoy the magic of the holidays while ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all.

To learn more about the link between living greener and our air quality, visit the tips section of the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

2024 was a groundbreaking year for sustainability at Curium. As a proud participant in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, the company showcased its Champion Innovation project, “Composting Used Coffee Grounds,” which earned notable recognition. This month, the Clean Air Partnership proudly highlights Curium’s recent sustainability achievements, which have made a meaningful impact on both the planet and the region’s air quality.

Curium, a global leader in nuclear medicine, develops and distributes radiopharmaceutical products to improve the lives of cancer patients. However, its commitment to care extends beyond healthcare — it also reaches the environment. During the 2024 Challenge, Curium collected 228 pounds of used coffee grounds from four stations at its Maryland Heights facility over a two-month period and transformed them into nutrient-rich compost. This initiative reflected Curium’s dedication to reducing waste and engaging employees in meaningful sustainability practices.

“Each year, we strive to build on our successes,” said Tiffany Carr, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for Curium. “Supported by the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, we are eager to engage with our community to implement better sustainability practices. At Curium, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact for the benefit of both our employees and the communities we serve.”

Beyond composting, Curium fostered a culture of sustainability throughout the Challenge year. The company valued employee engagement and observed a growing sense of community and enthusiasm around environmental initiatives. To further reduce its eco-impact, Curium’s Women’s Network organized a clothing drive that resulted in more than 100 pieces of professional attire being donated to Dress for Success Midwest. Since 2022, Curium has also established an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) department focused on four pillars: minimizing environmental impact, acting responsibly in the workforce and beyond, building trust through ethical business practices, and driving growth, innovation and societal value.

Curium’s sustainability efforts are ongoing and transparent. From monitoring greenhouse gas emissions to educating employees on climate change, the company is setting a high standard for environmental responsibility in the St. Louis region. Whether recycling coffee grounds or launching new initiatives, Curium continues to prove that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Its leadership in the 2024 Green Business Challenge underscores a commitment to both patient care and planetary health.

For more information about Curium 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.

In rain, sleet or snow, public transportation proves to be a safe and reliable way to get where you need to go. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), St. Clair County Transit District and Metro Transit are therefore encouraging area residents to give transit a try before winter’s arrival by offering a FREE Metro Transit Adventure Day Pass (valued at $5) to those who are new to MetroLink and MetroBus. With transportation-related emissions being one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, taking public transportation is also a great way to reduce harmful vehicle emissions to help keep the region’s air quality in healthy ranges. All transit riders can also sign up for CMT’s FREE Guaranteed Ride Home, a program that provides peace of mind by providing subsidized access to more immediate transportation options when unexpected issues arise. To register for a free transit pass and/or the Guaranteed Ride Home program, visit www.cmt-stl.org. 

“Public transit is well known for saving people money on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance, but there are additional benefits during winter months,” commented Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “It eliminates the need to shovel and de-ice personal vehicles and navigate snow-covered streets, while decreasing the number of vehicles on the road in hazardous conditions. Transit riders can sit back and relax as they travel in a warm, stress-free environment.”  

Those new to the transit system can use the FREE Metro Transit Adventure Day Pass (valued at $5) to experience the ease of usability before winter weather strikes. CMT’s Guaranteed Ride Home program is available to current transit riders. If a personal emergency, sickness, unscheduled overtime or winter weather throws one’s usual commute off track, CMT will reimburse 80% of the cost of a ride-hailing service, taxi or rental vehicle. Transit riders can utilize this program up to four times annually. Pre-registration is required.  

Santa will be riding the MetroLink from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. His helpers will be at the 5th & Missouri, Belleville, Brentwood I-64, Central West End, North Hanley and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Centers during the same timeframe. Together they will surprise and delight current riders with sweet holiday treats and customized snow globes with a QR code that makes it easy to quickly register for CMT’s FREE Guaranteed Ride Home program. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org.  

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. 

Tarlton Corporation continues to prove that its commitment to making the St. Louis region a better place to live is more than just a mission statement — it’s a guiding principle that drives sustainable and environmentally conscious innovation across the industry.

Tarlton is a general contracting and construction management firm with a prolific presence in the region. With nearly 80 years of experience, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping iconic St. Louis landmarks, including Busch Stadium, The Muny and the Saint Louis Zoo. In appreciation for Tarlton’s role as a proud participant in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge at the Leader Level, the Clean Air Partnership is delighted to recognize the firm for its outstanding green achievements, which reflect the company’s enduring commitment to making the St. Louis region a better place to live and work through sustainable innovation and environmental leadership.

“In the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, each firm competes with their own best self,” said Tracy Hart, president of Tarlton. “Tarlton has continued to advance sustainability practices, and each year it’s exciting to see the ways we can further improve our efforts.”

During the 2024 Challenge, Tarlton demonstrated leadership through a series of impactful initiatives. When a key Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) service provider ceased operations, Tarlton took swift action by alerting regional recycling leaders and initiating a collaborative effort to address waste conversion challenges. The company also organized a Challenge team site visit and meeting with Eco Recycling, a C&D specialist, to explore solutions for sorting, hauling and documenting diversion efforts to support LEED certifications for client projects.

Tarlton’s sustainability efforts extend beyond external projects. Internally, the company updated its Sustainability-ESG statement to reinforce its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. It also revised its Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Plan to promote healthier work environments and hosted a staff Lunch & Learn session titled “Sustainable Gardens: Native Plants,” further embedding sustainability into its workplace culture.

From job sites to the boardroom, Tarlton embodies its “Let’s Build” motto, continually strengthening its environmental legacy while setting a high standard for sustainable business practices across the region. Through these impressive initiatives and countless others, the company is not only shaping a greener, healthier St. Louis today but also laying the foundation for a more resilient future for generations to come.

For more information about Tarlton 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.

Seed St. Louis has been cultivating environmentally friendly roots in the St. Louis community for decades, and in 2024, the organization took its commitment to sustainability even further. Founded in 1984, the nonprofit supports a thriving network of more than 250 neighborhood gardens, school gardens and urban orchards across the region. Through education, resources and empowerment, Seed St. Louis helps communities grow their own food and foster healthier, greener neighborhoods.

As Seed St. Louis continues its mission to promote both human and ecological well-being, the Clean Air Partnership is proud to spotlight the organization for its outstanding green achievements. These efforts earned Seed St. Louis recognition in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge, where it participated at the Apprentice Level.

“Seed St. Louis is a longtime champion of sustainability in our promotion of local farming and greening of vacant lots,” said Joe Jovanovich, Chief Operating Officer of Seed St. Louis. “The Green Business Challenge has helped us become more eco-friendly in our office by focusing us on simple yet meaningful changes in practice that add up to a big impact.”

During last year’s Challenge, Seed St. Louis implemented a range of operational improvements to reduce its carbon footprint. The organization transitioned to fully digital accounting procedures, eliminating paper invoices and payment records, and replaced most printed checks with electronic transfers. When printing is necessary, the team now uses 30% recycled content paper sourced locally from Office Essentials, reducing reliance on large online retailers like Amazon.

Staff volunteers also embraced creative, grassroots solutions to sustainability challenges. Because the building lacks commercial recycling, employees established a mobile recycling bin system, taking turns bringing recyclables home to ensure proper disposal. This inventive workaround reflects the team’s dedication to environmental responsibility, even in the face of logistical hurdles.

Beyond the office, Seed St. Louis extended its green practices to events by adopting compostable cups, plates and utensils. The organization also partnered with New Earth Farms and Total Organics Recycling to divert food-service waste from landfills. Additionally, plastic bottles were eliminated from company events, with staff encouraged to use refillable water bottles instead.

Through its hands-on gardening programs, internal initiatives and sustainable event practices, Seed St. Louis continues to build on its decades-long commitment to a greener future. By integrating sustainability into every layer of its operations, the organization proves that environmental stewardship truly can grow from the ground up.

For more information about Seed St. Louis 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, the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership and Citizens for Modern Transit’s joint “No Red Day” campaign has officially wrapped with nearly 500 sign-ups for free Metro Adventure Day Passes. The campaign aimed to prevent a “red” air quality day from happening by encouraging area residents to take transit instead of driving, especially during peak ozone season when heat and emissions can combine to create unhealthy levels of ozone air pollution.  

Thanks to strong community engagement and creative outreach efforts, campaign organizers and participants played an important role in helping the region avoid any red air quality days this season. However, the return of warmer weather late last week and into this week has brought with it five additional orange air quality days, a reminder that poor air quality can persist even outside the traditional forecasting window, underscoring transit matters throughout the year.  

Ozone pollution remains a concern for everyone, especially children, seniors and those with respiratory conditions. Even as the campaign concludes, the need to reduce emissions continues. Choosing transit over personal vehicles – even if just occasionally – can make a meaningful impact on air quality. Taking MetroLink or MetroBus to get to school, work, appointments, sports and entertainment venues, and everywhere else you need to go helps keep emissions down and air quality in healthier ranges.  

Planning ahead for high ozone days by checking the daily air quality forecast and encouraging others to make the switch to try transit are simple but powerful steps we can all take. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue doing our part for cleaner air – because every ride counts. 

To learn more about the summerlong campaign efforts, visit NoRedDay.com.