Insider Brief
- Trane Technologies integrates sustainability with corporate citizenship, emphasizing STEM education and community partnerships as part of its 2030 Sustainability Commitments.
- Through the Sustainable Futures strategy, the company builds relationships with changemakers and organizations to promote access to STEM education and sustainability career pathways.
- A key partnership with Digi-Bridge supports K-8 students in developing STEM/STEAM skills through teacher training, resource access, and out-of-school programs.
Trane Technologies is expanding its sustainability efforts beyond environmental concerns, investing in STEM education to develop the next generation of innovators.
The company’s Sustainable Futures strategy connects students with STEM opportunities through partnerships with education-focused organizations, according to Deidra Parrish Williams, Trane’s Global Corporate Citizenship Leader.
“Sustainable communities provide opportunity for all,” Williams said in a company post. “That’s why so much of our work is devoted to fostering access to resources and opportunity for people, both within our organization and in the community at large.”
Building Future STEM Leaders
Trane Technologies, which develops climate control solutions for buildings and transportation, views education as a core part of its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, Williams said. The company’s Opportunity for All pillar focuses on expanding access to education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
A key aspect of this effort is building partnerships with organizations that promote STEM learning. Williams described her role as “brokering and building relationships” with educators, nonprofits, and industry groups to support students, particularly in communities where the company has a strong presence.
“To me, corporate citizenship really is about making sure that we, as a company, are an active, integrated and relevant citizen of our society,” she said.
By engaging young learners early, Trane aims to shape how they perceive careers in science and sustainability.
Williams writes in the post: “A big part of what we hope to do through corporate citizenship is reframe the way people think about STEM, sustainability and the careers connected to it. We need to help young people understand how relevant these fields are – and to be able to see themselves in them. As we look to bring future innovators along and into our industry, we’ve got to help them see what the future looks like. ”
Partnering With Digi-Bridge
One of Trane’s education partnerships is with Digi-Bridge, a North Carolina-based nonprofit that helps students explore STEM careers through hands-on programs. Since 2013, Digi-Bridge has worked with more than 20,000 students in grades K-8, offering teacher training, access to industry experts, and out-of-school learning opportunities through its STEAMLabs and STEAMKits programs.
“We ensure our partner organizations specialize in STEM education and support the communities we aim to reach,” Williams said. By focusing on partnerships in areas where Trane has a strong workforce presence, the company also enables employees to engage directly with students.
Trane featured Alyssa Sharpe, CEO of Digi-Bridge, on its Healthy Spaces podcast last year to discuss the nonprofit’s mission. Digi-Bridge aims to help students develop digital and problem-solving skills needed in today’s workforce.
“With a mission of sparking interest in STEAM learning, and ensuring students have access, opportunities and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world, Digi-Bridge has reached over 20,000 students in grades K-8 since 2013,” Williams writes.
Corporate Sustainability Beyond the Environment
Trane’s approach reflects a growing trend in corporate sustainability that extends beyond reducing emissions or improving energy efficiency. Companies are increasingly investing in social programs, particularly in workforce development, to ensure long-term growth and innovation.
By directing corporate resources toward education, Trane Technologies is making a bet that supporting students today will pay off in the future. “As we look to bring future innovators along and into our industry, we’ve got to help them see what the future looks like,” Williams said.
