An Earth Day Focused on Indoor Environments

Usually, we like to be outside on Earth Day, celebrating the steps we’ve taken to reduce our environmental footprint and engaging in activities in our communities to benefit the planet. But this year – on Earth Day’s 50th anniversary – our focus is on doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, and that means staying inside. It means keeping our distance and keeping our heads down, focused on protecting our people.

I’m proud of how Carrier employees have answered the call to help in this moment. When much of the rest of the world is also staying inside, we are leaning into our expertise to produce essential services and solutions that improve indoor air quality, protect the world’s food and pharmaceutical supply and keep people safe and secure. Our people continue to amaze me. Just last week, our team launched a new negative air machine (pictured above, in production) for hospitals to slow the spread of COVID-19. Around the world, our teams have found ways to support their communities, including PPE donations, meal deliveries to students in need and fire & security donations to local hospitals.

But here’s the thing – while we are meeting the challenges that COVID-19 has presented, we are still maintaining our commitment to sustainability. It’s at the core of our business. That means lessening the environmental impact of our operations and creating even more energy efficient heating and cooling systems. We are keeping our focus and continuing to bring our customers new creative and sustainable solutions, like solar panels for transport refrigeration.

If you think about it, the way we are operating as a company in this unique time is representative of sustainability in the broadest sense of the word. Protecting both people and our planet is critical to ensuring we can continue to serve others in the years to come.

And it will be an exciting future, made stronger by how we respond in this moment.

A few weeks ago, Carrier debuted as an independent, publicly traded company. It was an unusual time to recognize such an important milestone, against the backdrop of unprecedented global uncertainty. But it was also poignant for us, as it signaled our opportunity to address significant global challenges going forward, whether they be an international pandemic or climate change. We’ll have to be flexible and agile along the way, but because of our commitment, I know we’ll rise to the occasion.

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day will be one for the history books, but for unexpected reasons. We have an opportunity in this moment to respond creatively and compassionately – throughout all areas of our business. In doing so, I believe we have the potential to shape a positive future that’s safer, more comfortable and more sustainable for us all.