In a world where climate change is a pressing concern, Trane Technologies emerges as a global beacon of sustainability and innovation. Through its strategic brands, Trane® and Thermo King®, the company delivers cutting-edge heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions that not only enhance comfort but also drive significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. As one of the leaders in the battle against climate change, Trane Technologies is reshaping how buildings and transportation systems address environmental challenges. Trane Technologies was born from a vision to tackle one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions: heating and cooling systems. The company’s mission revolves around providing environmentally responsible, efficient, and sustainable solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation. With approximately 15% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions linked to heating and cooling buildings and homes, and another 10% related to food lost during transport, Trane Technologies is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change.

Kandice Cohen, Director of Electrification of Heat at Trane Technologies, explains, “As a pure-play climate innovation company, Trane Technologies collaborates with our clients to address their sustainability challenges through our heating, cooling, and transport refrigeration solutions. Our bold 2030 sustainability commitments are central to our business strategy and designed to create a positive impact on society. With a focused organization and business model, we are positioned to meet the pressing need for innovation in energy efficiency and sustainability.”

Navigating Challenges in Product Development

The path to innovation is often fraught with challenges. Unanticipated costs, potential setbacks, integration difficulties, and quality issues can hinder progress. However, Trane Technologies has developed a unique approach to overcoming these obstacles.

“We have formed a cross-functional, electrification-of-heating, new-product-development brain trust inside Trane Technologies,” says Cohen. “This team includes representatives from all product portfolios, multiple engineering disciplines, sales, marketing, and more. By leveraging collective intelligence, we identify opportunities, innovate, and address challenges to offer the most comprehensive solutions in the market. Regularly cadenced meetings ensure that we bring new solutions to market seamlessly.”

Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth

In the realm of innovation, not every endeavor leads to immediate success. Cohen views failure as an integral part of the process. “I believe that ‘failure’ is a part of the process,” she states. “As we ideate and bring solutions to market, we seek to fail fast, learn, and use these lessons to accelerate innovation. Failure is a mechanism for rapid continuous improvement, rather than something to fear.”

Successful leadership in today’s rapidly evolving market requires a unique set of skills. Cohen identifies three key traits essential for effective leadership: innovative thinking, pioneering leadership, and a passion for making the world a better place. Her personal style embodies these traits as she drives Trane Technologies' sustainability initiatives forward.

Pioneering New Services and Solutions

Trane Technologies continually strives to advance its portfolio of solutions. Recently, the company introduced a range of thermal systems that combine heating and cooling capabilities tailored to customers' current and future needs. Notable among these innovations are the air-cooled chiller heater and the multi-pipe chiller heater, which offer simultaneous heating and cooling while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

According to Project Drawdown, the integration of efficiency, refrigerant management, and electrification of heat could potentially reduce up to 141.2 gigatons of CO2. This technology is a crucial step toward achieving ambitious climate-saving goals.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Trane Technologies remains committed to its core values of sustainability and efficiency. The company is well-positioned to support its clients on their decarbonization journeys. “Sustainability is core to Trane’s identity,” Cohen emphasizes. “We are excited to be part of the solution to the climate crisis. Our expertise, systems, and services enable us to offer consultative partnerships with clients committed to reducing their carbon footprints. Being a global organization that seeks to reduce the energy intensity of the world is both exciting and critical.”

A Leader Shaping the Future

Kandice Cohen’s career has been marked by her dedication to sustainability and decarbonization. As the Director of Electrification of Heat, she is instrumental in driving Trane Technologies’ strategy around sustainability, decarbonization, and the electrification of heat. Her work positions Trane as a leading partner for clients seeking to reduce their carbon footprints.

Cohen’s influence extends beyond the HVAC industry. She has played a pioneering role in advancing LED lighting technology, driving significant market adoption of connected lighting systems. Her innovative thinking has contributed to shifting the market toward more efficient, integrated technologies. By breaking down silos within building systems, Cohen is helping to create the connected buildings of the future.

Trane Technologies stands out as a global leader in climate innovation, committed to delivering sustainable solutions that address the pressing challenges of climate change. Under the leadership of visionaries like Kandice Cohen, the company is not only transforming the HVAC industry but also paving the way for a more sustainable future. Through its strategic brands and cutting-edge technologies, Trane Technologies is driving significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, all while shaping a healthier and more sustainable world.

Kandice Cohen, Director of Electrification of Heat

“We are excited to be part of the solution to the climate crisis. Our expertise, systems, and services enable us to offer consultative partnerships with clients committed to reducing their carbon footprints.”