ST. LOUIS, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Spire is
ranked for a second consecutive year as one of "America's Most
Responsible Companies" by Newsweek, recognizing the natural
gas company for their strong performance as a corporate
citizen.
In ranking the top 400 most responsible companies across 14
industries in the United States,
Newsweek scored companies based on their commitment to the
environment, social issues and corporate governance. In the new
list posted Dec. 2 on Newsweek's
website, Spire stands out as one of only seven companies ranked
from their home state of Missouri.
"A few years ago, we set out to reimagine what it means to be an
energy company — one that exists to do the very best for people,
communities and the planet," said Suzanne
Sitherwood, president and chief executive officer at Spire.
"We're honored that this commitment has named us among America's
400 most responsible companies."
The annual rankings are developed by the market and data
research firm Statista. After screening the 2,000 largest public
companies in the U.S., Statista conducted independent surveys among
7,500 U.S. citizens and then examined key performance indicators
from public reports. In Spire's case, that data comes from their
2019 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting how
Spire uses their energy for good, driving positive and significant
change in the communities they serve.
For example:
- Through pipeline upgrade efforts, Spire reduced methane
emissions by more than 39% since 2005, and projects a nearly 54%
reduction by 2025 – well ahead of international standards calling
for commitments of a 26 to 28% reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions nationwide by 2025
- As part of Spire's commitment to the environment, the company
announced in 2020 they are one of the first natural gas companies
in the United States to commit to
being carbon neutral by midcentury
- Spire's "Day for Good" initiative, giving employees the
opportunity to spend a paid day volunteering at an organization
they are passionate about, placed 2,000 employees in the community,
working thousands of volunteer hours in 2019
- During the coronavirus pandemic, Spire increased the match to
their Dollar Help program, raising nearly $1.9 million to help thousands of families and
small businesses struggling to pay their gas bills as a result of
the pandemic
In the community, Spire supports dozens of organizations and
initiatives, investing nearly $5
million in 2019 to advance the communities they serve across
Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and Wyoming. Among recent projects in 2020:
- Spire joined United Way Worldwide's Global Corporate Leadership
group, a select group of more than 100 global corporations who
partner with United Way to help those in need. This partnership
grew from a successful program between Spire and the United Way of
Greater St. Louis that, since
2016, helped elevate Spire's corporate social responsibility
program
"Spire uses its energy to champion people, every day," said
Stan Little, executive vice
president and chief experience officer, United Way Worldwide.
"We're thrilled that our 'globally local' network, plus leadership
from United Way of Greater St.
Louis, could support Spire in achieving this milestone."
- Forest ReLeaf of Missouri and Spire planted 900 native trees
across the Show Me State to provide environmental benefits, help
residents save money and energy, and help with recovery after
recent tornadoes
"As they grow, these trees will replace canopy lost during recent
tornadoes in Carl Junction, green
neighborhoods across the Kansas
City metro area, and create native forest habitat in
St. Peters," said Meredith Perkins, executive director,
Forest ReLeaf. "We were so impressed
with the enthusiasm of the Spire volunteers who helped
distribute trees. Their energy, and their commitment to
service made each event a success."
- A donation from Spire to Children's of Alabama not only brought financial support for
the pediatric hospital's medical play program, it also led to a
virtual teddy bear clinic for patients this November
"The medical play program brings so much joy to each patient,
especially when they open their bag and see Grahm, Spire's
signature stuffed bear, for the first time," said Emily Hornak, director of cause marketing and
corporate sponsorships at Children's of Alabama. "We are so appreciative of Spire's
continued generosity."
For more about the Newsweek rankings and to view the full
list, click here.
About Spire
At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR), we believe
energy exists to help make people's lives better. It's a simple
idea, but one that's at the heart of our company. Every day we
serve 1.7 million homes and businesses making us the fifth
largest publicly traded natural gas company in the country. We help
families and business owners fuel their daily lives through our gas
utilities serving Alabama,
Mississippi and Missouri. Our natural gas-related businesses
include Spire Marketing, Spire STL Pipeline and Spire Storage. We
are committed to transforming our business through growing
organically, investing in infrastructure, and advancing through
innovation. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.
Media Contact:
Raegan Johnson
314-342-3300
Raegan.Johnson@SpireEnergy.com
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SOURCE Spire Inc.