Energy & Infrastructure

Unfortunately, trees and other vegetation — if not planted in the right place — are not always compatible with our energy needs. The network that crisscrosses North America includes about 5 million miles of high-voltage distribution lines (the ones that run down our neighborhood streets), 450,000 miles of very high-voltage transmission lines largely running across the natural landscape, and 300,000 miles of underground liquid and gas pipelines. Trees growing near this enormous system can pose several problems. Kids climb trees and can be exposed to dangerous electrical lines. Tree care workers and homeowners might not know the danger that these lines pose to them as they do their daily work.

Despite contemporary obstacles on the road to climate action, companies, non-profits and cities recognize addressing climate change is important and are continuing their work to achieve climate success. Holly Emerson, Ingersoll Rand senior sustainability analyst, shares 3 strategies to help businesses achieve a low-carbon future. She recommends establishing a long-term climate commitment, empowering customers to reduce their carbon footprints and encouraging authentic employee engagement.

The Bacardi Bottling Corporation in Jacksonville, Fla., welcomes wildlife of all types on its 92-acre industrial site. Through its eco-conscious efforts to help pollinators thrive, the bottling plant works to fulfill its Good Spirited sustainability initiative of putting back at

The big picture is clear. It is our corporate duty to fight climate change brought on by carbon emissions. But we are running against the clock and we must act now. As the Paris climate agreement maps out, we must limit global warming to 2°C above preindustrial levels. Globally, that means cutting emissions in half by 2050.

Sophiea founded Climbers Association of Southern Arizona in 2015 to build an empowered group of rock climbers who give back to the community. As President, Sophiea dedicates thousands of personal volunteer hours managing all levels of the registered 501(c)(3) organization. He has forged collaborations with nonprofits and conservation agencies, including the AZ Wilderness Coalition, AZ Conservation Corps and the US Forest Service.

Whirlpool Corporation has been awarded a prestigious LEED® Certification for two of its recent building projects, both located in Benton Harbor, Mich.

The Fischer sculpture was transported across the country and erected with grants from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club and the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The Sun Club®, a nonprofit that donates sustainability projects to nonprofits, has outfitted the sculpture with solar panels to light its dome and interior.

Much has changed in the 10 years since CBRE began measuring and reporting on its corporate responsibility activities. Perhaps no single aspect of the knowledge gained is as crucial as this recognition:

All business activity has impacts, and the most responsible companies are those that closely align their corporate responsibility efforts with their specific business activities.