Sustainability
Making the communities in which we live, work and play healthier
United for impact
At Crete United, we turn aspiration into action. Sustainability is at the core of our mission and our day-to-day operations. We believe that by integrating ourselves within our communities, we can help create healthier places and healthier lives. To us, sustainability is much more than just going carbon neutral. It’s a way of life and work. Take a look and see how we’re building healthier communities.
Our 2040 goals
Ambitions for the future
Net Zero Energy
Generate more energy than we consume.
Net Zero Carbon Fleet
100% EV, biofuel or hybrid fleet that can charge completely on site and trees planted to offset remaining emissions.
Net Zero Waste
90% of our waste streams are diverted from landfills.
Emissions Saved
6M MTCO2e of emissions saved.
Net Zero Energy
Generate more energy than we consume.
Net Zero Carbon Fleet
100% EV, biofuel or hybrid fleet that can charge completely on site and trees planted to offset remaining emissions.
Net Zero Waste
100% of our waste streams are diverted from landfills.
Emissions Saved
6M MTCO2e of emissions saved.
Harnessing the elements to maximize energy efficiency
At every level of our business, we’re looking for ways to boost energy efficiency, reduce our carbon footprint, and make changes that set up our company and our clients for an environmentally sound future. See how we’ll meet our sustainability goals.
Our plan
Sustainability roadmap
A more sustainable, more community-minded future? We have a plan for that. This is our roadmap to create maximum impact wherever we plant our flag.
Initiatives & Case Studies
Delivering within our communities
Widespread climate change — and meaningful community impact — starts at the local level. Our companies are making a difference in the places they live and work.
Future-Ready HVAC for Colorado’s Built Environment
Nielsen Mechanical Contractors, a Crete United company in Colorado, meets Colorado’s tough EUI (Energy Use Index) standards head-on with high-efficiency boilers, advanced heat pumps, and intelligent control systems. Two recent projects showcase their measurable impact:
- 1780 Bellaire: Chiller replacement cut energy bills by an estimated $10,000–$12,000 per year and reduced emissions by 16%. A boiler plant upgrade is underway to drive even more savings.
- Hover Building: A state-of-the-art HVAC redesign will reduce emissions by 42% while helping the client meet Denver’s regulatory targets and improve occupant comfort.
Nielsen’s work reflects Crete United’s commitment to delivering scalable, sustainable upgrades that future-proof buildings and communities alike.
Electrical Revamp for Grandville’s Water Plant Promises Cleaner, Safer Water
Hillard Electric, a Crete United company based in Michigan, led a comprehensive upgrade of Grandville’s Clean Water Plant, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and public health.
Installed a methane-powered co-generation system now supplying over 50% of the plant’s energy.
Replaced aging infrastructure with high-efficiency electrical components, improving system reliability and reducing downtime.
Delivered over 50% in operational cost savings while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
This project proves how smart, sustainable upgrades to critical infrastructure can create a lasting impact for communities.
Zero Harm: A Culture of Safety in Action
Our people-first safety management system continues to support our mission of a safe and healthy workplace.
AC Corporation reached an impressive milestone of 2 million work hours without a lost time incident, highlighting our strong focus on safety and team dedication.
Hometown Mechanical achieved 1 million hours without a lost time incident, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence.
With a TRIR of just 0.27—an 86% improvement since 2022—we’re far outperforming the industry average. These milestones reflect the daily commitment of our teams to look out for one another and lead with safety.
Related goals
Learn more about what we’re doing
Leadership
Read more about the dynamic powerhouse team responsible for Crete United’s growth and success.