Ingersoll Rand Leader to Join Panel at Annual National Zero Waste Business Conference
DAVIDSON, N.C., May 7, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Gretchen Digby, director of Global Sustainability Programs, Center for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability (CEES) at Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, will join other sustainability experts at the 4th annual National Zero Waste Business Conference on May 7 in Los Angeles.
Hosted by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, the conference will demonstrate how zero waste plays an integral part in combating climate change. Experts with diverse backgrounds and from a variety of industries will share innovative ideas, practical tools and first-hand experience in creating zero waste programs.
“We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn different approaches to implementing zero waste polices from other industry leading experts,” said Digby. “Building a culture of engaged employees who value and understand the importance of fostering a zero waste culture is vital to the success of our employee-led sustainability efforts aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of our operations.”
Digby will join representatives from Toyota Motor North America and Kellogg Garden Products to discuss “Leadership: Directing the Zero Waste Journey.” She will examine the importance of employee engagement in implementing new policies as well as how continually boosting employee engagement will lead to continued, robust sustainability efforts.
“We are honored to have Gretchen provide her expertise on our Leadership: Directing the Zero Waste Journey Plenary panel. Training and education are a key component to the culture change needed for a Zero Waste business,” said Stephanie Barger, founder and executive director of the USZWBC. "Through leadership and total participation of employees, customers and vendors, everyone reaps the rewards of Zero Waste to landfill, incineration and the environment. These include a healthier workplace, increase revenues, motivated employees and loyal customers.”
The U.S. Zero Waste Business Council’s mission is to educate, inform and document the performance of zero waste businesses using scientific methods to help business and communities become more healthy and sustainable.
In September 2014, Ingersoll Rand made public its climate commitment to achieve a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas refrigerant footprint of our products by 2020, and incorporating alternatives with lower global warming potential across the company’s product portfolio by 2030; make a $500M investment in product-related research and development over the next five years to fund the long-term reduction of GHG emissions; and a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas footprint of our own operations by 2020.
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About Ingersoll Rand
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands — including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane® — work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $13 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.
About the Speaker
Gretchen Digby is the Director of Global Sustainability Programs for the Center for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability (CEES) at Ingersoll Rand. In this role, she is focused on establishing world-class sustainability training programs as well as leading global engagement activities for the company’s more than 40,000 employees to further integrate sustainability into the company culture. She has achieved great success and external recognition for her efforts establishing Global Volunteer Green Teams that hold events and activities to increase awareness of employees on actions leading to more sustainable workplaces, homes and communities. Digby is focused on raising employee competencies and measuring the value of sustainability through unique partnerships and outside-the-box approaches.
Contact
Paige Muhlenkamp, Ingersoll Rand
704-990-3282, paige_muhlenkamp@irco.com
