As warmer temperatures make their way to the region and spring begins to chase what’s left of the winter blues away, the importance of keeping the region’s air clean is at an all-time high. The Clean Air Partnership is thrilled to continue recognizing businesses and institutions of all types and sizes that are driving change in the metro area, and this month, we’re especially excited to highlight one local company that has been utilizing innovative and sustainable approaches to make buildings all over the world perform better.
Trane is a world leader in air conditioning systems, services and solutions that takes pride in providing comfortable and energy-efficient environments for homes and commercial buildings worldwide. As a global company, Trane recognizes that sustainability fuels their mission to perform in a way that creates lasting value for stakeholders and has a positive influence on the world. In recognition of that commitment, the company received the St. Louis Green Business Challenge Award of Merit at the Leader Level – Tenant Category and the Achievement Award in the Circle of Excellence in 2019.
Last April, Trane facilitated a Spring Cleaning Reuse event during Earth Month to encourage employees to donate unused office supplies, and employees were then able to “shop” through their peers’ supplies for their own office needs rather than buy brand new products. To further reduce environmental impact, the company installed water bottle filling stations throughout their offices to educate visitors and employees about the importance of bottle reuse and water conservation.
Since a healthy diet also helps the environment, Trane hosted various educational sessions to encourage employees to make more eco-friendly purchases and opt for natural, healthy food options to help combat environmental pollution.
Other noteworthy green innovations include a 200,000 sq. ft. warehouse consolidation that helped reduce overall energy consumption within the company. This resulted in a reduced number of powered industrial vehicles needed for operation, which helped cut down on harmful emissions that ultimately leads to poor air quality.
While Trane provides unique opportunities for its employees to participate in green initiatives and practice sustainable habits, their efforts are not limited to the office. The company also promoted tree planting by giving saplings to employees who submitted “Green at Home” ideas or an Earth Day Pledge during Earth Month activities this past April. Doing their share for clean air doesn’t stop there, as Trane provided flowers to employees for campus planting and planting at home, too.
Registration for the 2020 St. Louis Green Business Challenge is officially open. For additional information on the sustainable efforts underway by Trane and how your company can get involved in the Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit www.stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @gatewaycleanair.
