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Sustainability Glossary
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, product or activity. Understanding carbon footprint drives targeted emission reduction strategies. Reducing the carbon emissions and footprints of our own operations and our customers' is a key objective of the 2030 Sustainability Commitments, the Gigaton Challenge and Leading by Example.
Related terms
GHG emissions, Lifecycle assessment.
CDP
CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is a global platform for disclosing environmental impacts, risks and strategies. CDP is recognized by investors and regulators. Trane Technologies submits annual disclosures to CDP and we use feedback to refine performance. Additionally, Trane Technologies reports through CDP in our Climate Change and Water report.
Related terms
ESG, GRI
Circularity
Circularity is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continual use of resources through recycling, reuse and repair. In sustainability context, circularity reduces resource depletion, landfill and environmental impact. Trane Technologies designs products to extend their lifespan and durability, and to improve the rate of reuse, recycling and material recovery as described in our circularity strategy.
Related terms
Recycling, Resource efficiency
Clean Energy
Clean energy is energy that is produced with minimal environmental impact, often renewable or low-carbon. Clean energy accelerates progress towards sustainability goals. Trane Technologies' sourcing strategy prioritizes clean energy projects for new and existing operations.
Related terms
Renewable energy, Low-carbon technologies.
Climate Risk
Climate risk is the potential risks facing a company due to climate change, including physical, transitional and regulatory risks. Climate risk affects business resilience and sustainability planning. Trane Technologies' risk management approach integrates climate risk assessments to inform strategy and fortify operations. Learn more about our climate transition plan.
Related terms
Resilience, Scenario analysis.
Decarbonization
Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon emissions through technological, operational and cultural changes. Decarbonization is key for a sustainable business and aligns with climate science. Trane Technologies invests in low-carbon processes and innovation to achieve our emission targets.
Related terms
Electrification, Renewable energy.
Electrification
Electrification is transitioning mechanical processes or transportation systems from fossil fuels as the direct power source to electricity, ideally from renewable sources. Electrification is foundational for decarbonization. Trane Technologies converts fleets and manufacturing systems to electric power as part of our sustainability and product roadmap.
Related terms
Decarbonization, Renewable energy.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is using less energy to achieve the same output, usually through technological upgrades or behavioral changes. Energy efficiency lowers operating costs and emissions. Trane Technologies enhances process and facility efficiency using advanced equipment, digital solutions and training.
Related terms
Demand response, Electrification
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a framework for evaluating a company's sustainability, ethical impact and governance practices. ESG performance influences investment, reputation and regulatory compliance. Trane Technologies sets ESG goals, monitors progress and reports annually, aligning with global standards.
Related terms
Sustainability reporting, SDGs.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a set of international standards for sustainability reporting, covering economic, environmental and social impacts. GRI ensures consistency and comparability in reporting. Trane Technologies' reports adhere to GRI standards for transparency and global benchmarking.
Related terms
CDP, Sustainability reporting.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that trap heat and contribute to climate change. Reducing GHG emissions is essential for mitigating global warming. Trane Technologies tracks, measures and actively reduces our GHG emissions across operations and our product portfolio, aiming for science-based targets outlined in our reporting. Our GHG emissions reduction is core to our 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge.
Related terms
Carbon footprint, Scope 1/2/3 emissions.
Human Rights
Human rights refers to ensuring dignity, equality and safety for all people within a company's influence. Protecting human rights is a foundation for ethical business and compliance. Trane Technologies enforces policies, audits and training across supply chains and operations.
Related terms
Social responsibility, ESG.
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) is the process of evaluating environmental impacts of products or processes from birth to disposal. LCA identifies hotspots and guides circular design. Trane Technologies uses LCA data to inform product design and material selection.
Related terms
Carbon footprint.
Net-Zero
Net-zero is achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere. Net-zero is the benchmark for climate leadership and regulatory compliance. Trane Technologies commits to long-term net-zero targets through decarbonization, offsets and sustainable sourcing as outlined in our roadmap.
Related terms
Offsetting, Decarbonization.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a financial contract where a company agrees to buy renewable energy from a power provider at a fixed price over a specified period. PPAs unlock access to renewable energy and support climate targets. Trane Technologies negotiates PPAs with credible suppliers, ensuring long-term renewable energy integration.
Related terms
Renewable energy, Energy sourcing.
Recycling
Recycling is processing used materials into new products to divert waste from landfills and reduce resource extraction. Recycling is vital for circularity and sustainability. Trane Technologies establishes closed-loop recycling systems in both production facilities and offices, contributing to our zero-waste-to-landfill goals.
Related terms
Circular economy, Waste minimization.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy produced from natural sources that are continuously replenished, like solar, wind and hydropower. Renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates climate change. Trane Technologies expands our renewable energy use across facilities and promotes supplier adoption.
Related terms
Clean energy, Decarbonization.
Resource Efficiency
Resource efficiency is maximizing the productive use of resources while minimizing waste. Resource efficiency drives cost savings and conservation. Trane Technologies' manufacturing optimizes inputs and reduces waste, all in support of our 2030 Sustainability Commitments.
Related terms
Circular economy, Waste minimization.
Responsible Sourcing
Responsible sourcing is procuring materials and products ethically, and prioritizing environmental and social standards. Responsible sourcing improves traceability and reduces risk. Trane Technologies' procurement policies favor suppliers that meet sustainability certifications and standards.
Related terms
Supply chain sustainability, Sustainable materials.
Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions
Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions are standardized categories for measuring a company's greenhouse gas footprint. Scope 1 captures direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 accounts for indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions across the supply chain and product lifecycle, including product use. Comprehensive accounting enables strategic emission reduction. Trane Technologies measures and reports all scopes, prioritizing reductions across each category, including Scope 3 emissions from customer use of our products, our largest category and part of our Gigaton Challenge.
Related terms
GHG emissions, Carbon footprint.
Social Responsibility
Social responsibility is a commitment to positively impacting society, employees and communities beyond profits. Social responsibility strengthens reputation and stakeholder trust. Trane Technologies' programs focus on creating opportunity, community development, diversity and wellness as highlighted in our reporting.
Related terms
Human rights, ESG.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is continuous dialogue with those impacted by or interested in company operations—employees, customers, investors, communities. Stakeholder engagement shapes goals and drives shared value. Trane Technologies maintains active channels for feedback, collaboration and sustainability partnerships across our value chain.
Related terms
ESG, Sustainability Materiality Assessment.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Supply chain sustainability is ensuring suppliers and partners operate in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible. Sustainable supply chains magnify overall impact and resilience. Trane Technologies assesses suppliers for sustainability and partners on improvement programs.
Related terms
ESG, Responsible sourcing.
Sustainable Innovation
Sustainable innovation is creating products, services, or business models that promote sustainability and long-term value. Sustainable innovation keeps the company competitive and relevant across markets. Trane Technologies invests in R&D targeting sustainability-driven solutions and shares progress in our reporting.
Related terms
Decarbonization.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainable materials are materials produced and sourced in ways that minimize environmental impact and promote social responsibility. Choosing sustainable materials reduces ecological footprint and the embodied carbon in products. Trane Technologies prioritizes suppliers and products that offer verified sustainable materials, like low carbon steel.
Related terms
Responsible sourcing, Green procurement.
Sustainability Materiality Assessment
Sustainability materiality assessment is the process of identifying and prioritizing environmental, social and governance issues that matter most to stakeholders. Materiality guides strategy and resource allocation. Trane Technologies conducts surveys and stakeholder engagement to update our impact materiality map.
Related terms
ESG, Stakeholder engagement.
Sustainability Reporting
Sustainability reporting is communicating a company's environmental, social and governance performance to stakeholders. Transparent reporting builds trust, meets stakeholder expectations and supports regulatory disclosure requirements. Trane Technologies publishes annual sustainability reports using recognized standards like GRI and CDP.
Related terms
ESG, GRI, CDP.
Waste Minimization
Waste minimization refers to strategies to reduce the generation and disposal of waste within operations. Waste minimization decreases landfill and promotes circular practices. Trane Technologies' waste reduction strategy intersects with our circularity and supply chain management efforts. We design for circularity to minimize waste at every stage of our operations and engage our suppliers to further material and packaging reuse and reduction.
Related terms
Circularity, Recycling, Resource efficiency.