Trane Technologies, a global supplier of HVAC and refrigeration systems, has hired Mauro Atalla as chief technology and sustainability officer, effective January 5, 2025. The move comes as Trane strives to position itself as a global provider of "sustainable climate solutions" for buildings, homes and transportation systems.
Here are seven things to know about Trane's business and sustainability strategy, and Atalla's professional experience.
1. Business Scope and Scale: Trane Technologies, based in Swords, Ireland, was founded in 1871. The company is a massive provider of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and refrigeration systems. Backed by roughly 40,000 employees, the company generated revenues of $17.7 billion in 2023, up 10.5% from 2022.
2. Strategic Moves: Key moves in 2024 include acquiring BrainBox AI -- which develops autonomous building technology to improve the performance of HVAC systems. BrainBox AI's cloud software uses "advanced deep learning algorithms to predict building energy needs, automate HVAC systems, reduce energy consumption by up to 25% and reduce GHG emissions by up to 40%," the company said. More than 14,000 commercial buildings leverage the technology.
3. Sustainability Goals and Milestones: Within Trane's operations, the company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Moreover, Trane is striving to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 55% per thermal ton by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Overall the company is striving to hit net zero by 2050.
4. CSO Transition: Mauro Atalla will succeed Paul Camuti, who will retire at the end of 2024. Camuti joined Trane Technologies in 2011 as executive VP and chief technology and sustainability officer leading engineering, innovation and sustainability for the company.
5. CSO Responsibilities: Mauro Atalia, as chief technology and Sustainability Officer at Trane, will be "responsible for leveraging technologies that drive innovation and business growth and deliver sustainable solutions to the global market. He will focus on integrating technologies into product road maps to align with the company’s 2030 Sustainability Commitments."
6. Executive Experience: Mauro Atalla previously was senior VP of engineering & technology at Collins Aerospace Systems, where he led a team of 21,000 engineers globally, according to Trane. Earlier, Atalla held key executive posts at United Technologies Research Center, and a research role at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
7. Executive Perspectives: In a prepared statement, Trane CEO Dave Regnery said: “We’re excited to welcome Mauro as our new Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer. Innovative technology is paramount to advancing our purpose-driven strategy. Mauro will be a great addition to our team as we continue to innovate for our customers, create value for our shareholders and contribute to a sustainable future.”
Chief Sustainability Officers: Why Technology Partners Should Care
By 2027, 25% of Global 2000 companies will have assigned a chief sustainability officer (CSO) responsible for meeting their organization’s ESG goals and making ESG-related IT purchasing decisions, according to IDC.
The bottom line: Technology partners need to extend their sales, marketing, engagement and support strategies to successfully fulfill those CSO customer needs, Sustainable Tech Partner believes.
