QC, That’s Where Companies Commit to Pursuing Sustainability
Companies everywhere are evaluating how their operational practices impact the world, especially the regions in which they’re located. They’re shifting focus towards executing sustainability plans that nurture the environment and the people of their communities.
Many businesses in the Quad Cities region are making strides in this space, working toward sustainability goals that create a better life for those today and for future generations.
“The QC’s sustainability-focused companies are leading initiatives that protect the environment and support our community, and they’re paving the way for a brighter future by inspiring a regional focus on sustainability,” said Chamber VP of Business & Economic Development Chris Caves.
The Chamber spoke with two Quad Cities businesses, John Deere and 3M, who are executing policies and practices to champion long-term sustainability and create positive outcomes in the community.
PROMOTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Deere and 3M are taking big steps to address environmental sustainability.
Between 2017 and 2022, Deere successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 29%, reducing the risk to the environment. In addition, the company achieved 59% renewable electricity in its operations and recycled 84% of total waste produced. At the base of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the focus on efficiency. 
“In 2015, Deere started a global LED lighting and control initiative that is now mature and implemented at most global locations. It’s saved a cumulative 250-million kWh through 2020 alone. We continually pursue opportunities in energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said John Deere Sustainability Program Manager Kim Noe.
Similar to Deere, 3M also achieved 50% renewable energy across global operations in 2022, and between 2002 and 2022, they successfully reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 79% globally.
3M’s recent investment in their Cordova facility water treatment system is improving water quality from the facility.
“In addition to our efforts in advancing our sustainability goals, our 2021 groundbreaking on a more than $250 million state-of-the-science water treatment system is making a big impact by returning higher quality groundwater and operations water back to the environment. That system is nearly 100% online, and we have additional water treatment technologies set to come online later this summer,” said 3M Cordova Plant Manager Dave Andrews.
SUPPORTING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES
Both Deere and 3M are committed to protecting the environments they impact and enhancing the communities they call home.
In 2022, Deere made $55.5 million in civic contributions, earning recognition as a member of The Civic 50, an initiative that recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation each year. 
“As a member of the community, we want to ensure that we’re helping create a great place to live, learn, and work, and that we're doing all we can to help those within our community,” said John Deere Strategic Communications Manager, Sustainability, Betsy Flaherty. “We have several community initiatives in the greater Quad Cities, one of which is helping to close the meal gap.”
In the Quad Cities, Deere works with River Bend Food Bank to eliminate hunger. Across its home communities in 2022, the John Deere Foundation donated $2.3 million to food banks, helping to provide the equivalent of nearly 13.6 million meals. In addition to supporting local communities, Deere serves a diverse global customer base and is committed to ethical practices. For 16 years in a row, John Deere has been recognized as one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere.
“Our company’s foundation is built on a strong commitment to integrity and treating everyone with fairness and respect," says Flaherty. "We know that progress and growth require a level playing field, so we champion policies, practices and behaviors that amplify innovation on behalf of people, community and the planet.”
Investing in their employees’ well-being is key for Deere. The company offers counseling sessions and the Flex@Work program, which enables employees to pursue flexible schedules and work locations.
Noe said, “We care about our employees and we offer many different ways for employees to take better care of themselves, not only 
physically, but mentally as well.”
3M is working to generate positive community outcomes through offering workforce development programs that give their employees the resources they need to succeed with a developmental learning platform and a flexible work model.
“We want to provide a culture for our employees to develop in their careers and our customers’ needs to be met, and our work to advance sustainability and support our community drives us towards both of those goals. Every company can make a significant impact on their workforce environment and the surrounding community in a positive way by focusing on this important space,” said Andrews.
3M’s commitment to community-building has seen them invest over $82 million in education, community and environmental programs since 2015.
If you’re interested in learning more about Deere and 3M’s sustainability efforts, check out their latest sustainability reports:
