The World Environment Center (WEC) is pleased to announce that its 35th annual Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development will be awarded to Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR). Ingersoll Rand is a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, delivering innovative solutions to customers through the Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane® brands.
Former United States Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz will present Ingersoll Rand’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael W. Lamach, the Gold Medal Award on Thursday, May 16, 2019, during the Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Through a global competition, the independent Gold Medal Jury selected Ingersoll Rand for integrating sustainability into the core of their business. In 2014, Ingersoll Rand announced 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance targets in the area of operations and supply chain, products and services, and people and citizenship. Since then, it has achieved significant milestones and progress largely by engaging its more than 44,000 employees around the globe in sustainable practices, investing in energy efficient products and services and by incorporating renewable energy technology into its operations.
Lori Michelin, World Environment Center President and CEO, said, “Ingersoll Rand innovates where global trends—such as climate change, urbanization and resource scarcity—intersect with buildings, industrial processes and transportation markets. The World Environment Center congratulates Ingersoll Rand on its Gold Medal Award and looks forward to its continuing leadership to strengthen business performance and create a better society.”
In acknowledging receipt of the prestigious global sustainability award, Michael W. Lamach, Ingersoll Rand chairman and CEO, said, “We are honored to be recognized by the World Environment Center for our contributions to a more sustainable world. Sustainability is core to who we are. The passion and commitment of our people around the world and our leading innovation practices keep us at the forefront of addressing global challenges and enhancing quality of life. With next generation sustainability aspirations, we continue to challenge ourselves to find new and better ways to shape the future.”
Preceding the award ceremony, WEC will host an Executive Roundtable, which will focus on “Innovation in the Built Environment.” This event will bring together business leaders, academics and non-profits to discuss trends and solutions to address sustainability in the built environment. There is much opportunity, as buildings account for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
The World Environment Center’s Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development was established in 1985 to recognize significant industry initiatives in global environmental excellence and sustainable development. Recent recipients of the WEC Gold Medal Award are: Ecolab, (2018), HP Inc. (2017), CH2M (2016), SC Johnson (2015), Unilever (2013), IBM (2012), Nestlé (2011), Wal-Mart Stores (2010), The Coca-Cola Company (2009), and Marks & Spencer (2008).
The Gold Medal Jury is independent of WEC and its programs, and is composed of international leaders from academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and retired industry professionals.
Read the press release here.