Tag: 3BL

YKK Corporation has released “This is YKK 2024” Integrated Report showcasing notable progress in its journey toward climate neutrality and environmental stewardship. The company has slashed its greenhouse gas emissions by more than half since 2018, while dramatically expanding its use of sustainable materials across its global operations.

Key Achievements

Emissions Reduction: Cut direct emissions (Scope 1+2) by 56.2% from 2018 levelsRenewable Energy: 37 facilities now running on 100% renewable energySustainable Materials: 38% of materials now from sustainable sources, up 12 percentage points in one yearWater Conservation: Reduced water consumption by 22.1% since 2018Waste Management: Achieved 91.9% waste recycling rate

YKK’s Sustainability Vision 2050 aims for climate neutrality and coexistence with nature by 2050. The company targets 10 SDGs through themes of climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people. Progress is detailed in the Integrated Report, with additional data on environment, society, governance, and finance in the Data Book.

Innovation Highlights

Copper and Zinc Recycling: Developed proprietary in-house recycling technology for copper and zinc alloys used in YKK® zippersSustainable Packaging: Switched to Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified packaging at the Kurobe Manufacturing CenterChemical Management: AcroPlating® technology now accounts for 25% of brass slider sales, a 7-point increase from last year.Product Longevity: Launched the Revived Renewal Series to extend zipper lifespan

Environmental Recognition

The company’s dedication to biodiversity has been acknowledged with the designation of YKK Center Park’s Furusato-no-Mori (Hometown Forest) as a Nature Coexistence Site, underscoring YKK’s leadership in corporate environmental stewardship.

Looking Forward

Building on these achievements, YKK has revised its Sustainability Vision 2050 to strengthen its focus on three critical areas:

Climate change mitigationBiodiversity protectionResource recycling

The company plans to further accelerate its sustainability initiatives throughout its supply chain, working closely with partners to address environmental challenges in the garment industry.

Full List of FY2023 Initiatives for Achieving Sustainability Objectives

Climate change

Scope 1+2 GHG emissions: 238,812t (56.2% reduction from FY2018 baseline)Scope 3 GHG emissions: 587,848t (32.7% reduction from FY2018 baseline)Renewable energy usage: 56.5%37 locations are powered entirely by renewable energy.Ten new solar power generation facilities in operation (28 total)

Material resources

38% of materials now from sustainable sources, up 12 percentage points in one year31% of packaging is now sustainableYKK JAPAN Company (Kurobe Manufacturing Center) replaced the main outer packaging cardboard for fastening products with packaging which uses paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)Waste recycling rate: 91.9%*2Conducted a survey of suppliers that already do business with YKK, or plan to do business with YKK, to determine whether they are certified with The Copper MarkLaunched the Revived Renewal Series of products that contributes to the longevity of garments life cycleEstablished in-house recycling technology and operational flow for copper and zinc alloys used in YKK® zippersYKK Center Park’s Furusato-no-Mori (Hometown Forest) designated as a Nature Coexistence Site

Water resources

Water intake: 8.898 million t (22.1% reduction compared to FY2018)Water intensity: 13.1% reduction (compared to FY2022)Introduced manufacturing equipment designed to reduce water consumption.Conducted wastewater management studies based on ZDHC Wastewater GuidelinesAnalyzed water risks at each manufacturing site

Chemical management

Informed suppliers about the YKK RSL (2023 version) and conducted compliance surveys (1,663 companies)Conducting annual revisions of in-house standards (YKK RSL*) (2024 version) based on social and customer needsConducted tests to monitor status of compliance with the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification and the AFIRM RSLGlobally deployed the ZDHC MRSL compliance level assessment systemSelected alternative materials for non-compliant materials in the YKK RSL (2023 version) and promoted the development of materials, manufacturing processes, etc.Conducted fluorine testing of all purchased materials and switched to materials that are alternatives to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) wherever possibleAcroPlating® technology unit sales volume as a percentage of brass sliders: 25% (+7 points year-on-year)

Respect people

Implemented YGCC self-checks/audits at all applicable locations (ongoing)Based on the results of implementation, identified issues to be addressed and developed plans for implementation

1 The Forest Stewardship Council® (License number: FSC®-C192280) 
2 According to the definition of “recycling” under Japanese law, includes material recycling and thermal recovery. 

YKK Corporation of America Corporate Communications

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YKK Corporation has released “This is YKK 2024” Integrated Report showcasing notable progress in its journey toward climate neutrality and environmental stewardship. The company has slashed its greenhouse gas emissions by more than half since 2018, while dramatically expanding its use of sustainable materials across its global operations.

Key Achievements

Emissions Reduction: Cut direct emissions (Scope 1+2) by 56.2% from 2018 levelsRenewable Energy: 37 facilities now running on 100% renewable energySustainable Materials: 38% of materials now from sustainable sources, up 12 percentage points in one yearWater Conservation: Reduced water consumption by 22.1% since 2018Waste Management: Achieved 91.9% waste recycling rate

YKK’s Sustainability Vision 2050 aims for climate neutrality and coexistence with nature by 2050. The company targets 10 SDGs through themes of climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people. Progress is detailed in the Integrated Report, with additional data on environment, society, governance, and finance in the Data Book.

Innovation Highlights

Copper and Zinc Recycling: Developed proprietary in-house recycling technology for copper and zinc alloys used in YKK® zippersSustainable Packaging: Switched to Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified packaging at the Kurobe Manufacturing CenterChemical Management: AcroPlating® technology now accounts for 25% of brass slider sales, a 7-point increase from last year.Product Longevity: Launched the Revived Renewal Series to extend zipper lifespan

Environmental Recognition

The company’s dedication to biodiversity has been acknowledged with the designation of YKK Center Park’s Furusato-no-Mori (Hometown Forest) as a Nature Coexistence Site, underscoring YKK’s leadership in corporate environmental stewardship.

Looking Forward

Building on these achievements, YKK has revised its Sustainability Vision 2050 to strengthen its focus on three critical areas:

Climate change mitigationBiodiversity protectionResource recycling

The company plans to further accelerate its sustainability initiatives throughout its supply chain, working closely with partners to address environmental challenges in the garment industry.

Full List of FY2023 Initiatives for Achieving Sustainability Objectives

Climate change

Scope 1+2 GHG emissions: 238,812t (56.2% reduction from FY2018 baseline)Scope 3 GHG emissions: 587,848t (32.7% reduction from FY2018 baseline)Renewable energy usage: 56.5%37 locations are powered entirely by renewable energy.Ten new solar power generation facilities in operation (28 total)

Material resources

38% of materials now from sustainable sources, up 12 percentage points in one year31% of packaging is now sustainableYKK JAPAN Company (Kurobe Manufacturing Center) replaced the main outer packaging cardboard for fastening products with packaging which uses paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)Waste recycling rate: 91.9%*2Conducted a survey of suppliers that already do business with YKK, or plan to do business with YKK, to determine whether they are certified with The Copper MarkLaunched the Revived Renewal Series of products that contributes to the longevity of garments life cycleEstablished in-house recycling technology and operational flow for copper and zinc alloys used in YKK® zippersYKK Center Park’s Furusato-no-Mori (Hometown Forest) designated as a Nature Coexistence Site

Water resources

Water intake: 8.898 million t (22.1% reduction compared to FY2018)Water intensity: 13.1% reduction (compared to FY2022)Introduced manufacturing equipment designed to reduce water consumption.Conducted wastewater management studies based on ZDHC Wastewater GuidelinesAnalyzed water risks at each manufacturing site

Chemical management

Informed suppliers about the YKK RSL (2023 version) and conducted compliance surveys (1,663 companies)Conducting annual revisions of in-house standards (YKK RSL*) (2024 version) based on social and customer needsConducted tests to monitor status of compliance with the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification and the AFIRM RSLGlobally deployed the ZDHC MRSL compliance level assessment systemSelected alternative materials for non-compliant materials in the YKK RSL (2023 version) and promoted the development of materials, manufacturing processes, etc.Conducted fluorine testing of all purchased materials and switched to materials that are alternatives to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) wherever possibleAcroPlating® technology unit sales volume as a percentage of brass sliders: 25% (+7 points year-on-year)

Respect people

Implemented YGCC self-checks/audits at all applicable locations (ongoing)Based on the results of implementation, identified issues to be addressed and developed plans for implementation

1 The Forest Stewardship Council® (License number: FSC®-C192280) 
2 According to the definition of “recycling” under Japanese law, includes material recycling and thermal recovery. 

YKK Corporation of America Corporate Communications

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LINCOLN, Neb., November 12, 2024 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is evolving its brand to create more deliberate connections between the people it activates around the world with trees to help combat some of today’s most complex challenges.

“We are bold enough to believe in a better world for all of us,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “But to do something bigger than any of us, takes all of us, and trees are one of the few things people can unify behind. This is the moment to make hope for the planet a reality.”

The Arbor Day Foundation’s network boasts nearly a million members and donors, Fortune 500 corporates, local nonprofit planting partners, industry experts, and civic leaders — all connected to the organization through various planting activities and educational programs involving trees.

The brand evolution creates a clearer connectivity across its programs and sub-brands to better align each with the Foundation’s iconic brand.

“We work across the world in so many different ways and there were times our network did not see the connection they had with one another through the Arbor Day Foundation,” Lambe said. “There is real momentum gained when everyone associated with the Arbor Day Foundation sees one another and understands our individual actions are collectively adding up to leave an outsized imprint on the world.”

The changes to the Arbor Day Foundation brand coincides at a moment in time when the world knows it needs more trees — to combat our changing climate, strengthen communities, and create a healthier world — and the Foundation is best positioned to play a lead role because of its legacy in the space and breadth of its planting network.

Collectively, the Arbor Day Foundation’s network has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since its founding in 1972. It currently has engaged tree planters in 95 percent of neighborhoods across the United States.

The Arbor Day Foundation is leading the effort to get more trees planted in the right places around the world. It recently announced plans to reach a billion trees planted by the summer of 2027 to mark the need for tree planting at scale.

“There is no shortage of research showing the planet needs more trees planted in the right places and we feel a responsibility to help turn our network’s collective ambition into tree-planting action,” Lambe said. “We invite everyone to join us as we plant at the speed of a changing planet.”

To learn more about joining the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of supporters, visit arborday.org.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. It is a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united in the belief that trees bring people together to do great things. For more than 50 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has answered critical need by activating a vast network of individuals and organizations to plant trees with purpose and scale. To date, it has planted more than 500 million trees in forests and communities in more than 50 countries. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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SWORDS, Ireland, November 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a global leader in building information modeling (BIM) technology for the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) and operations industry, announced a strategic collaboration aimed at optimizing commercial building design for sustainability.

This innovative cross-industry collaboration seeks to simplify the user experience and enable AI-assisted design exploration by integrating Trane’s TRACE® software and Autodesk Revit for engineers. TRACE leads the industry in enabling accurate sizing of complex Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems faster and easier at any level of building realism and provides energy and economic analysis leading to more sustainable building outcomes.

“Our collaboration with Autodesk represents a significant step forward in our mission to drive reduction of building emissions through optimization of the thermal management systems as part of the building design process,” said Oakley Roberts, Vice President of Innovation and Product Management for Trane Technologies. “By integrating our leading Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)/HVAC engineering analysis solutions with Autodesk’s BIM technology, we are poised to deliver unique value to our customers and accelerate the industry’s move toward sustainable building design.”

Key workflow innovations will focus on enhancing MEP design process efficiency for Trane customers, facilitating decision making between architects and engineers, and laying the foundations for AI-assisted design. This will help remove manual steps, expedite the design process and promote greater accuracy.

“Our strategic work with Trane Technologies underscores our commitment to addressing the critical workflow gaps faced by engineers today, while leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance the extensibility of Autodesk’s platforms,” said Nicolas Mangon, VP, AEC Industry Strategy at Autodesk. “By integrating Trane’s trusted capabilities into Revit, we provide engineers with tools that deliver reliable performance, while empowering them to tackle today’s greatest industry challenges. Together, we’re bridging the digital and physical, and unlocking data to create more efficient, sustainable buildings.”

AI design exploration, connected workflow, and integration innovations developed through the collaboration are planned to initially be available in high-BIM adoption regions, such as the United States and Canada.

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Autodesk 
Autodesk, the Autodesk logo and Autodesk Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, which include, but are not limited to, statements regarding product developments, the development of future technologies, and statements that relate to decarbonization initiatives, sustainability commitments and the anticipated impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in Autodesk’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, in Trane Technologies Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as well as subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings made by Autodesk and Trane, respectively. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect each company. Neither Autodesk nor Trane assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements.

SWORDS, Ireland, November 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, will underscore the critical need for decarbonizing the built environment and transport sectors, advocating and advancing climate policies, and increasing the adoption of electrified heating and cooling and other low-carbon, energy-efficient solutions during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, November 11 – 22.

As a member of the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, Trane Technologies joined more than 100 CEOs and Senior Executives in signing an open letter to world leaders ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference 2024 (COP29). The letter emphasizes the need for governments and business to double down on transformative policies and collaboration for the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Accelerating decarbonization is an environmental imperative that we must continue driving with innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency,” said Scott Tew, VP of Sustainability, Trane Technologies. “The faster we transition to a low-carbon economy, the more we safeguard our planet to ensure a sustainable future for all.”

Trane Technologies leaders will join several critical climate discussions throughout COP29, including (*note: all times local):

Net-Zero – Turning Commitments into Reality: Nov. 15, 1:00pm AZTRevolutionizing Heating and Cooling for Building Decarbonization: Nov. 16, 3:00pm AZT, livestream availableBroadening the Benefits of Clean Energy – Community Engagement and Next Generation Workforce Development: Nov. 18, 10:00am AZTCatalysts for Change – Transforming Food Supply Chains for Reduced Waste and Sustainable Production: Nov. 17, 11:15am AZT, livestream available upon registeringCircularity and Decarbonization of the Built Environment – Pathways to Net-Zero: Nov. 19, 2:00pm AZT, livestream available

With cities around the world warming at twice the global average, collective action on sustainable cooling can reduce nearly 80 billion tons of carbon by 2050 – improving the lives of hundreds of millions and enabling significant financial savings. In alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Affordable Clean Energy (SDG7) and Climate Action (SDG13), Trane Technologies continues to demonstrate its industry-leading impact, calling for increased renewable energy supplies, standardized and transparent emissions reporting, an expedited transition to low global warming potential refrigerants and continued advocacy for policies that support the adoption of new and existing solutions at scale.

Trane Technologies recently announced its industry-first commitment to reduce embodied carbon by 40% by 2030, furthering its leadership in sourcing more sustainable solutions. The company was also recently recognized by InfluenceMap as a 2024 Corporate Climate Policy Engagement Leader in the North America region for its exceptional performance in building electrification and efficiency as well as its advocacy for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – earning one of the highest Engagement Intensity scores of all US-based entities.

Through bold, industry-leading action, Trane Technologies is advancing its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge – a pledge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons (or, one gigaton) – and its pledge to be net-zero by 2050. The company is first in its industry with near and long-term emissions reduction targets externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Read the eighth installment of ‘A Sustainable Year’ to look at how New Holland Construction, a brand of CNH, is playing a role in helping Denmark move closer to its carbon emissions targets.

Claus Egede Cornelius, program director at Roskilde Technical School, Vilvorde speaks about how electric mini excavators are being used to give Danish landscaping and construction students the skills they will need on future construction sites.

Denmark has had legally binding targets to reduce carbon emissions since 2020. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gases by 70% by 2030 and to be climate-neutral by 2050. Claus Egede Cornelius goes on to explain how the school’s primary goal is to be a frontrunner in sustainability using no-emissions equipment.

The school has two New Holland Construction electric mini excavators which students use for small landscaping projects and construction. Together with producing zero tailpipe emissions, they make very little noise and can be used inside because they can fit through doorways. Customers also praise their responsive controls and how easy they are to charge alongside their impressive battery life.

Read the full story at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2023/electric-mini-excavators

In the devastating wake of Hurricane Helene, Southwire’s Project GIFT jumped into action to support fellow team members and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

In West Georgia

Project GIFT volunteers and community members worked to collect necessary resources for those affected by Hurricane Helene in the Douglas/Coffee County, Ga. area.

“It was a blessing to see the company I work for, the people I work with and the community I am a part of come together to help those in need. Amongst all the overwhelming devastation in Douglas, I saw a community coming together,” said Amber Bassett, total rewards coordinator and Project GIFT volunteer who helped deliver the supplies collected to south Georgia. “I left Douglas feeling blessed and empowered. I believe that I truly work for one of the greatest companies in the world! A company that shines a light on those in need and reminds me that there’s hope in humanity when times get dark.”

Seven filled tractor trailers were successfully delivered and unloaded for distribution in Douglas, Ga. by volunteers from Southwire and the community.

“I have been part of Project GIFT collections in the past but have never been on the receiving end. It is truly inspiring the effort and support that goes into giving back,” said Brandon Linne, Douglas plant manager. “I received feedback from several of our team members regarding the pride they feel to work for a company that cares so much and tries so hard to support the people and communities we operate in. I couldn’t agree with them more.”

In Bremen, Indiana 

In addition, Southwire’s Bremen campus also rallied to collect supplies for those impacted by the storm.

One tractor trailer filled with food, water, hygiene products and more was delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina supporting local communities affected by the hurricane.

In Douglas, Georgia

Days after the storm, many residents are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene which caused widespread power outages, downed trees and millions of dollars in property damage.

“In the wake of the storm, Douglas saw devastation that I have not seen in the 24 years that I have lived here. Homes, schools and businesses were affected by the aftermath with many still without lights and water. We are very grateful and thankful for Southwire’s generosity and for Project GIFT,” said Sandy Sharpe, People & Culture manager at Southwire’s Douglas site. “There was an outpouring of love when we saw the Project GIFT trucks roll into Douglas filled with vital supplies needed to help our community. You cannot begin to imagine how much this has meant to the Douglas community and to our team members. Thank you to all who helped make donations and who came to help in every way possible. Our team members have expressed many thanks and will forever be grateful.”

“Our trip to Douglas was a humbling experience. I am fortunate to work for a company that allows me the flexibility to do my work and better serve my community and those around me,” said Rae Herndon, certifications specialist. “The disaster relief recipients were beyond grateful for the provisions. Several people came to receive supplies but stayed all day lending a hand to unload the trucks and distribute supplies to their neighbors in need. At the end of a long day, we were sweat covered and tired, but it pales in comparison to those whose lives have been upended by Hurricane Helene, all because we were spared.”

In Huntersville and Youngsville North Carolina

In Huntersville, volunteers collected items and funds while working with the local Chamber of Commerce. Southwire also partnered with disaster relief non-profit organization Heart with Hands to help get support to western North Carolina. 
In addition, volunteers at Youngsville also collected supplies to support western North Carolina. According to site leaders, volunteers collected enough to feed more than 200 people for the weekend.

Relief Efforts Still Going On

Multiple Southwire sites are still collecting items, including Hawesville, Ky. and Starkville Miss.

Items collected from these sites will be delivered to impacted communities in North Carolina.

Water Mission

Southwire partnered with Water Mission to collect monetary donations for impacted communities across the state of North Carolina.

More than $54,000 was raised from team members and community partners and will be sent to Water Mission so that they can help provide life-changing relief to those impacted throughout multiple cities in North Carolina.

One of Water Mission’s largest focus areas right now is providing gassed up generators and installing safe water systems in some of the hardest hit areas.

To learn more about Water Mission and how they respond to disasters across the world, please visit their website here.

A BIG Thank you

Businesses within Southwire’s communities stepped up in a big way to help support these efforts including the following and many more:

– CDT Construction 
– West Ga. Technical College 
– RaLin 
– Addison Smith 
– UPS Store, McIntosh Plaza 
– Grillo & Associates/GMS Planning 
– CM Tanner Grocery 
– City of Tallapoosa 
– Hightower Funeral Home 
– 3:16 Healthcare 
– Regal Nails Salon and Spa 
– Norton Financial 
– West Ga. Mobile Hydraulics 
– Pine Grove Baptist Church 
– Outback Forestry 
– CC Sheriff’s Department 
– Stewart House 
– First Franklin Financial

If you would like to contribute monetarily, there is still time! Please visit: https://cfwg.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1396 (please include “disaster relief” in the notes.)

For more information about Giving Back at Southwire, visit https://www.southwire.com/sustainability.

Nearly 90 veterans took part in the 28th Flag City Honor Flight, traveling from Toledo, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., in September to visit memorials dedicated to their service.Sponsored by Marathon Petroleum, employees served as guardians, helping the veterans experience the impact of their service firsthand during this memorable journey.The visit included the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, WWII Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Nearly 90 veterans took to the sky on a mission to celebrate their incredible sacrifice for our country. Organized by Flag City Honor Flight, this journey took them from Toledo, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., where they visited memorials built in their honor.

“The gratitude I have—it’s just hard to put into words,” said Craig Laubender, a Vietnam War veteran, reflecting on the experience he shared with his son, Ben Laubender, a personal safety professional at Marathon Petroleum and a veteran himself. “My dad never received the welcome home he deserved after Vietnam. This was everything he absolutely deserved. Being with my dad—who always puts others before himself—created a memory of a lifetime.”

Joined by Ben’s son and Craig’s grandson, the three generations of Laubenders participated in this unforgettable trip alongside a total of 87 veterans, many of whom were from the Vietnam War era. The day included visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the WWII Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, where the Laubenders had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“I don’t think it fully sunk in how much this impacts you until you see it in person,” Ben said. “Ending the day at that final moment for those unknown soldiers was something that touched my soul. Being there with my dad and my son was everything to us.”

“My dad never received the welcome home he deserved after Vietnam. This was everything he absolutely deserved.”

Organized and sponsored by HONOR, Marathon Petroleum’s Veterans employee network, this marked the Findlay chapter’s 28th flight and the third of four trips scheduled for 2024. Employees from Marathon Petroleum served as guardians, enhancing the veterans’ experience and helping them witness the impact of their service firsthand during the tour of the memorials.

“Flag City Honor Flight has been providing our area’s veterans with these extraordinary opportunities for years, and we are proud to support them in their mission,” said Ashley Goecke, Advanced Community Relations Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “Marathon and its employees are grateful for our veterans’ service, and we consider it a privilege to help make these flights possible.”

This flight was made possible through a grant from Marathon Petroleum and proceeds raised from HONOR’s annual Spirit of Freedom 5K Run, Walk, Ruck. Held each October outside Marathon’s Findlay campus, the event supports local veteran programs, including the Flag City Honor Flight, which is 100% volunteer-run and raises all the funds needed to cover veterans’ trips, making the experience more accessible to those interested in applying.

“Thank you, Marathon, for your continued support and for proudly sponsoring our flight—we couldn’t do it without you,” said Steve Schul, Flag City Honor Flight Board President. “These flights celebrate the resilience, bravery and enduring bonds among these heroes.”

Upon their return to Ohio, the veterans were treated to a welcome home celebration, sending them home with one more reminder of our appreciation for their service and sacrifices for our country.

Nearly 90 veterans took part in the 28th Flag City Honor Flight, traveling from Toledo, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., in September to visit memorials dedicated to their service.Sponsored by Marathon Petroleum, employees served as guardians, helping the veterans experience the impact of their service firsthand during this memorable journey.The visit included the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, WWII Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Nearly 90 veterans took to the sky on a mission to celebrate their incredible sacrifice for our country. Organized by Flag City Honor Flight, this journey took them from Toledo, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., where they visited memorials built in their honor.

“The gratitude I have—it’s just hard to put into words,” said Craig Laubender, a Vietnam War veteran, reflecting on the experience he shared with his son, Ben Laubender, a personal safety professional at Marathon Petroleum and a veteran himself. “My dad never received the welcome home he deserved after Vietnam. This was everything he absolutely deserved. Being with my dad—who always puts others before himself—created a memory of a lifetime.”

Joined by Ben’s son and Craig’s grandson, the three generations of Laubenders participated in this unforgettable trip alongside a total of 87 veterans, many of whom were from the Vietnam War era. The day included visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the WWII Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, where the Laubenders had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“I don’t think it fully sunk in how much this impacts you until you see it in person,” Ben said. “Ending the day at that final moment for those unknown soldiers was something that touched my soul. Being there with my dad and my son was everything to us.”

“My dad never received the welcome home he deserved after Vietnam. This was everything he absolutely deserved.”

Organized and sponsored by HONOR, Marathon Petroleum’s Veterans employee network, this marked the Findlay chapter’s 28th flight and the third of four trips scheduled for 2024. Employees from Marathon Petroleum served as guardians, enhancing the veterans’ experience and helping them witness the impact of their service firsthand during the tour of the memorials.

“Flag City Honor Flight has been providing our area’s veterans with these extraordinary opportunities for years, and we are proud to support them in their mission,” said Ashley Goecke, Advanced Community Relations Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “Marathon and its employees are grateful for our veterans’ service, and we consider it a privilege to help make these flights possible.”

This flight was made possible through a grant from Marathon Petroleum and proceeds raised from HONOR’s annual Spirit of Freedom 5K Run, Walk, Ruck. Held each October outside Marathon’s Findlay campus, the event supports local veteran programs, including the Flag City Honor Flight, which is 100% volunteer-run and raises all the funds needed to cover veterans’ trips, making the experience more accessible to those interested in applying.

“Thank you, Marathon, for your continued support and for proudly sponsoring our flight—we couldn’t do it without you,” said Steve Schul, Flag City Honor Flight Board President. “These flights celebrate the resilience, bravery and enduring bonds among these heroes.”

Upon their return to Ohio, the veterans were treated to a welcome home celebration, sending them home with one more reminder of our appreciation for their service and sacrifices for our country.

SWORDS, Ireland, November 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been honored with the 2025 Military Friendly® Employer Gold Award in the ‘Over 5 billion in Revenue’ category. Military Friendly® sets the standard for measuring an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the U.S. military community.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Employer Gold Award from Military Friendly®,” said Chris Kuehn, Trane Technologies Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Veterans Employee Resource Group. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our veteran employees for their service and sacrifices. The diverse skills, experiences and strengths our veterans bring to work every day not only enrich our inclusive and uplifting culture but also made this award possible, helping us shape the narrative of Trane Technologies.”

Trane Technologies supports America’s dedicated military service members through its Trade Warriors program. The hands-on, 8-week training initiative. launched by the Trane Residential HVAC business, equips service men and women with the necessary skills and certifications to begin successful careers in HVAC upon transitioning to civilian life. Since its inception in 2021, the program has successfully trained 21 cohorts, leading to over 200 job placements so far.

In 2023, the company launched Combat to Controls, a new controls technician training program for veterans. The internship program addresses the industry-wide shortage of controls technicians while helping military service members train for their next careers as Trane building automation controls technicians. Through a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, service members can complete both programs while still receiving pay and benefits from the military.

At Trane Technologies, our veteran employees have found the resources, support and camaraderie that help them to reach their career goals and aspirations. The company offers competitive benefits and employee programs, many designed with our veterans in mind. Visit our career page for veterans to learn more. Veterans can search for jobs using their Military Occupation Code (MOC) to find open positions that align with the skills they acquired in the military.

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com. 

About Military Friendly® Employers 
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,800 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.