While the push toward decarbonization in Europe today stems primarily from the need for energy security, it is also locking in record protections for the planet at a time when they have never been needed more. Rheem is proud to be at the forefront, driving decarbonization across the European continent through sustainable products, operations, government affairs and investments.
At Rheem, our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at the door. We’re not only focused on fostering a company culture of environmental responsibility, reducing our plant greenhouse gas emissions or sending less of our manufacturing waste to landfills. Though we do all those things, our ambition to deliver A Greater Degree of Good™ extends far beyond our four walls. We’re activating our employees to bring our spirit of environmental stewardship out into the communities in which we operate through volunteerism.
With a Focus on Decarbonization, Rheem Is Leading the Way
With a sharp focus on reducing carbon emissions, manufacturers are changing the global water heating industry. Rheem—along with distributors, residential and commercial builders and consumers who want environmentally friendly products—is helping to lead the way. From product development to manufacturing, to after-sale service, the shift toward decarbonization is one we’ve been planning for more than a decade.
Governments across the globe are instituting strict carbon emission guidelines for the built environment.
Global uncertainty abounds as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, increasing inflation, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic alter supply chains, uproot lives and foster anxiety over government’s capacity to solve daunting problems. In my role leading Government Affairs at Rheem, these events have led me to think more deeply about how companies, with their capacity to deliver solutions and products across the globe, are often best positioned to lead the way on solving vexing policy challenges.
Chee Wee Gan, Rheem’s Senior Vice President, Strategy & Sustainability, sat down for a Q&A to share his background and his insights on the company’s sustainability program.
You recently began leading global sustainability at Rheem following the retirement of John Fitzgerald, Rheem’s former EVP, Operations. What are your first impressions in the role?
I stepped into this role shortly before Rheem’s inaugural Global Sustainability Summit in December 2021. I have been a strong supporter of Rheem’s sustainability program,
At Rheem, employee creativity fuels new ideas and innovation, from product development to process improvements to engaging our people. And nowhere is employee creativity more important than in the pursuit of our 2025 sustainability goals.
Our aim is to tap into the creativity of our more than 10,000 employees, spread across 18 countries to ideate and elevate the very best sustainability ideas.
That’s where our newly launched GoodWorks Explorers program comes in. It gives all employees who want to contribute to Rheem’s sustainability journey a platform to share their ideas.
For the last several years, it has been an increasing challenge for the HVAC and Plumbing sectors to attract talented young people to the industry. As Baby Boomers and Gen Xers retire, this challenge continues to grow. Two years ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics warned of the need to increase the HVAC workforce by 50%, and it predicted a 12% growth in demand for plumbers by 2024 (versus the previous decade). A recent survey by Stratetech Education Group revealed that while 90% of parents would support their child’s decision to pursue a trade career,
In 2019, Rheem formalized ambitious global goals; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, achieve zero waste to landfill (ZWTL) in our manufacturing operations, and train 250,000 professionals on sustainable products and practices, all by 2025. These goals define our sustainability vision, A Greater Degree of Good™, in which we’ve committed to doing good by our customers, our partners, our employees and our planet.
ZWTL (or Go Zero! as we call it) is more than just a waste-reduction effort.
On December 24, 2020, the American Conservation Coalition published an article praising Rheem’s sustainability efforts on its website. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to mobilizing young people around environmental action through common-sense, market-based, and limited-government ideals. What follows is that article, reprinted with permission from the ACC.
Innovation Spotlight: Rheem Manufacturing Company
Meghan Miller, American Conservation Coalition | December 24, 2020
Many Americans are skeptical of the environmental records of large manufacturing companies, and indeed,
Did you know that 45% of Rheem’s US salaried new hires, aware of our sustainability initiative, say it impacted their decision to join the company? That’s just one powerful finding from our quarterly New Hire Sustainability Survey, conducted January 2019–June 2020.
But sustainability isn’t just a reason for people to join Rheem. It’s a source of pride and meaning for our longstanding team members as well. Wherever and whatever our jobs are—from management to the factory floor,
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