Atlas Copco, an industrial group with world-leading positions in sustainable productivity solutions, recently was recognized for its climate initiatives, including its goals to impact emissions through energy efficient products and to decrease the carbon footprint of its operations, during the United Nations’ Business and Climate Summit held in May in Paris, France.

The UN Business and Climate Summit is a unique forum for business and government leaders to demonstrate innovative and ambitious strategies that combat climate change. The purpose of the summit is to identify solutions and forward-thinking strategies with the potential for global impact ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2015.

“We have long been committed to sustainable business practices not only because it makes good business sense, but because it positively impacts the environment, the industry and our customers,” said Jim Levitt, president, Atlas Copco North America LLC. “We are honored that the UN has recognized our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint through innovative and energy efficient products and operations.”

Atlas Copco’s energy-saving products include variable speed drive (VSD) compressors, representing one of the most energy-efficient compressor designs in the industry since its introduction in 1994. Fitted with an intelligent drive system, a VSD compressor continuously changes the motor speed to match air demand and eliminates the compressor running in an unloaded state. This simple concept yields significant energy and cost savings; customers can achieve average energy savings of 35 to 50 percent and an average 22 to 37 percent reduction in life cycle cost, according to the company.

Earlier this year, Atlas Copco was ranked 23rd among the 2015 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World index — a list presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The company also was listed first overall in the machinery industry.

To see the list of companies and organizations highlighted by the UN for their commitment to long-term climate action, visit http://climateaction.unfccc.int/.

Today's top stories

VIDEO: $4.7B Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Nears Completion

Volvo CE Upgrades Straight Boom Demolition Excavators

Construction Market Boosts Economy

Bobcat Company Donates $885,000 in Equipment to Support Salvation Army's Disaster Relief Efforts

VIDEO: KEMROC Expands; Plans to Increase Nationwide Presence

INFRA Grant Moves Ohio's N. Coast Connector Project Steps Closer

John Deere Construction Introduces Flexible Customer Training Options

VIDEO: First of Two Sections of NYC's $1.45B East Side Coastal Resiliency Project Is Complete