A unit of United Technologies Corp (UTC), UTC Climate, Controls & Security stands as a global leader in heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The company also specializes in building controls, automation, and fire and security systems, contributing to the creation of safer, smarter, and more sustainable high-performance buildings. UTC, which ranked 45th in the Fortune 100 with over $57 billion in sales in 2016, is recognized as one of the world’s most respected companies, as noted by Barron’s in 2017.
A Commitment to Sustainable Community Development
At UTC, corporate social responsibility extends beyond business success. The company believes in balancing community outreach with its sustainability commitments, ensuring that its initiatives create a lasting impact. UTC recognizes that a sustainable future should be safeguarded by the present generation for those to come.
With a strong belief in the power of knowledge and science to drive sustainability, UTC developed Green Shoots, a community outreach program designed to instill good sustainability habits in students while inspiring them to explore the fields of STEM.
Green Shoots: Empowering the Next Generation Through STEM
Green Shoots was launched in partnership with local schools to promote STEM education—an interdisciplinary approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program is designed to foster problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on learning, helping students develop real-world skills.
Employee volunteers play a vital role in this initiative by acting as classroom facilitators. Their guidance helps students navigate problem-solving processes, plan projects, and achieve STEM proficiency. This engagement not only benefits the students but also allows employees to contribute meaningfully to the community.
Investing in the Future
Despite the high costs of running an Asia-wide program like Green Shoots, UTC views these expenditures as an investment in the future. The company firmly believes that its role in shaping young minds and fostering sustainability is simply the right thing to do.
To date, Green Shoots has conducted approximately 250 sessions across Asia, engaging around 6,200 employee volunteers and reaching more than 43,000 primary school students. Nearly 1,000 students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds have also received Green Shoots Scholarships, further reinforcing UTC’s commitment to education and equal opportunities.
A Culture of Giving Back
UTC understands that businesses thrive when the communities they operate in flourish. The company takes responsibility for enhancing community well-being, encouraging positive engagement to drive growth and vitality. Led by a dedicated CSR team, including the Green Shoots program team, UTC has made significant contributions in the form of financial gifts, product donations, and volunteer hours to various causes and organizations worldwide.
Employee participation remains a key driver of UTC’s CSR success. Employees from different teams and business entities are encouraged to dedicate their time to sustainability and education initiatives, ensuring that UTC’s values are deeply embedded in every aspect of its operations. Through these collective efforts, UTC continues to demonstrate that corporate success and social responsibility can go hand in hand, creating a better world for future generations.
