Getting to Zero Through Transformative Innovation

We also see a path to net-zero emissions systems through on-site renewables and thermal energy storage, and are integrating renewable energy in our building climate solutions that use electrification rather than fossil fuels. With a lofty goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, several well-known New York City customers are already ahead of the curve in this area, and their progress towards net-zero.

Neiman Marcus’ historic Bergdorf Goodman Women’s store, just south of Central Park, is working to replace their large, gas-powered equipment with more efficient and operationally flexible electric centrifugal chillers – along with upgraded building controls systems – as part of a tailored solution designed by our Trane team. These changes will help the famed company shift to city electric grid use, which is becoming greener as it draws increasingly on clean energy sources.

Head about fifteen minutes south and you’ll find yourself at the equally notable Madison Square Park, which commercial landlord SL Green overlooks from their towering 11 Madison Avenue building. Implementing a state-of-the-art thermal storage system with Trane’s help, SL Green is now creating ice when the energy load is low – typically at night – then using that ice to cool the building during the day when the load is high. Through this project, SL Green has lowered tenant energy costs by 10%, reduced annual energy and operating costs by more than $700,000 and decreased carbon emissions by 1.4 million pounds – equivalent to taking 130 cars off the road, or planting 188 acres of trees!

Additionally, a connected, holistic approach to buildings is vital for driving positive environmental outcomes – and leveraging advanced, digital technology is key. Connected solutions are providing real-time data and insights for our customers, helping improve their building performance, optimizing energy use, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing costs, while successfully enabling human productivity and comfort.

A shared responsibility to act

Our industry has indeed contributed to the global climate crisis. But it’s also an industry that has the scale and position to change the world. At Trane Technologies leading with bold sustainability is core to who we are and what we do, yet true impact cannot be achieved by us alone.

We have a shared responsibility to act – and courageous, collaborative leadership from all aspects is needed to accelerate progress. Policy and regulations addressing existing buildings and infrastructure must evolve, and soon. Large scale, ambitious efficiency targets promoting building decarbonization must be actualized. Emissions-reducing technologies must be encouraged and adopted. Just imagine the impact implementing these technological innovations and mindset shifts would have across the built environment.

Technology exists today that will pave the way for a cleaner, brighter, and healthier future. The opportunity for bending the curve on climate change is right in front of us, and together – we can transform the carbon landscape across our cities and communities.