The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of the ‘Better Climate Challenge,’ a national public-private partnership initiative calling on organizations to set ambitious, portfolio-wide GHG emissions reduction goals, with assistance to be provided by the DOE.

The initiative kicked off on Monday with commitments from over 90 companies and organizations to pursue at least a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. The inaugural signatories to the challenge included industry leaders 3M, Ford, GE, GM, Hilton, Honeywell, IKEA, Johnson Controls, MetLife, Nestlé, Trane Technologies, and Whirlpool (click here for a full list).

Keith Sultana, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Operational Services for Trane Technologies, said:

“We’re proud to join this important initiative and to lead by example by reducing our operations’ impact on the planet. Throughout many years of collaboration with Trane Technologies, including the Better Plants Challenge, the DOE has supported our sustainability leadership. Now, we look forward to joining our fellow Better Climate Challenge partners to build a better future together as we implement more sustainable operations across our industries.”

In addition to the emissions reduction pledges, Better Climate Challenge partners commit to pursue an energy efficiency target to demonstrate how their organization is prioritizing building performance as a decarbonization strategy, participate in working groups to discuss barriers, identify solutions and exchange best practices, develop an organization-wide plan with GHG emissions reduction milestones, and provide updates on emissions reduction and energy performance annually.

In turn, the DOE will provide partners with technical assistance and support partners in measuring, tracking and improving emissions performance, collect and share best practices, convene working groups, facilitate peer-to-peer learning among partners, and provide national recognition for achieving program milestones and GHG emissions reductions.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said:

“Companies across America are joining arms to lead the zero-carbon transition through smart, strategic climate solutions that slash building and factory emissions and significantly cut costs. With the help of DOE, the meaningful and measurable emissions reductions of the Better Climate Challenge will save American businesses billions of dollars, create good-paying jobs, and drive innovation that strengthens the entire U.S. economy.”