Business Solutions Sustainability

October 09, 2025

How to Integrate Sustainability Into Your Business Plans

Missouri businesses can target sustainability goals while reducing their carbon footprint with energy-efficient practices, electrification and other Ameren business solutions like renewable energy programs.

Whether you’re a large corporation operating on a global scale or a small business owner in Missouri, leaders and C-suite execs alike are incorporating decarbonization practices into their businesses—and for good reason.

These sustainable practices offer a more responsible and resilient way of operating, leading to long-term success for both businesses and the planet.

What does that mean for your business? As corporate responsibility, environmental consciousness, and sustainable practices continue to gain traction, businesses may feel pressure both up and down the supply chain. Many global companies are beginning to mandate decarbonization targets and sustainability plans to maintain their position on a preferred vendor list.

While direct requests for information are common from supply chain purchasers, they can be accompanied by assessment requests facilitated by third parties. Additionally, buyers may seek data verification or certification, introducing an additional layer of scrutiny.

The growing interest in sustainability and decarbonization doesn't just affect business relationships; consumers themselves may be looking for more information and increased transparency regarding your sustainable practices. Many consumers prioritize sustainability and businesses with sustainable practices when making their purchasing decisions. This preference is driven by a growing awareness of environmental and social issues, and a desire to align personal values with spending habits. Here are some of the ways you can respond with information related to your energy consumption.

How to Start With Sustainability for Businesses: Energy Efficiency

Adopting sustainable business practices will have a direct impact on your day-to-day operations, making your processes more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Evaluating your building may also include measuring air quality with your building’s HVAC system and identifying ways to improve the health and safety of your employees while operating machinery.

One of the easiest—and most impactful—ways to improve sustainability is by reducing your energy consumption. Below are a few examples of how Ameren Missouri customers have benefited from energy-saving programs:

1. A building evaluation of your commercial building may find HVAC efficiencies that will save thousands in operating costs over the next 5-10 years. Optimizing cooling systems for data centers in particular is crucial, as effective temperature management can prevent equipment overheating and reduce energy consumption, leading to further cost savings.
2. Your motor system energy losses could be as much as 55% of your energy inputs. Installing motor controls or variable frequency drives (VFDs) allows you to adjust your motor speed for the best efficiency. Many motor-powered devices such as pumps, fans, compressors and exhaust hoods qualify for cash incentives.
3. According to the EPA, commercial kitchens consume 5-7 times as much energy as other commercial spaces. Energy-efficient equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, exhaust hoods and electric steam cookers can qualify for cash incentives through programs like BizSavers®.
4. Compressed air systems are sometimes referred to as the fourth utility alongside electricity, water and natural gas. Upgrades like replacing old, fixed-speed compressors or installing energy-saving equipment like no-loss drains make a big impact, and there may even be incentives available for the investment.
5. Lower your energy usage and electric bill with a high-efficiency electric water heater. A BizSavers Trade Ally can help you identify the best fit for your business.

Go Deeper with Sustainable Business Practices with Renewable Energy

Ameren Missouri offers a variety of business solutions designed to help companies adopt sustainable practices. Many of our customers seek information on how our renewable energy programs can work to reduce their carbon footprint.

Renewable Energy

Community Solar is an easy way for eligible small business customers to adopt solar energy and accelerate the expansion of renewable resources in Missouri without the added complexity of having to install or maintain solar panels on their businesses. Enroll today to choose your subscription level that meets the needs of your business.

Renewable Solutions is a subscription-based program that allows eligible larger businesses and organizations to replace up to 100% of their total energy use with renewable sources. Ameren Missouri will build renewable energy facilities on the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) grid to match demand from subscribing customers. Through a subscription, you can directly support adding renewable energy to the grid and receive Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS). This program is available through specific enrollment periods as demand is identified and new facilities are built to accommodate subscribers.

Targeting Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2045

Ameren's companywide goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 is science-based and consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

This goal encompasses both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, including other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and sulfur hexafluoride. Achieving this will depend on various factors, including cost-effective advancements in innovative clean energy technologies and constructive federal and state energy and economic policies.

Scope 1 emissions decreased by more than 20% (PDF) from 2022 to 2023, driven largely by the retirement of the Meramec Energy Center at the end of 2022. The retirement of the Rush Island Energy Center in October 2024 will drive further reductions. As we continue to implement our Integrated Resource Plan, we are on track to achieve a carbon intensity of 0.36 by 2030 and 0.007 by 2040.

This is important to your business because these targets reduce your Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity). If you’re feeling pressure from supply chain partners or facing questions about your decarbonization practices, knowing these figures can satisfy direct requests and requirements.

Practical Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Reducing a business's carbon footprint can be effectively achieved by integrating various electric elements into daily operations. Below are a few actionable strategies that will not only minimize your environmental impact but also drive long-term savings:

1. Electrifying commercial and industrial buildings through efficient HVAC systems, water heating, kitchen equipment and process controls enhances energy performance and reduces emissions.
2. Using electric equipment (like pallet jacks and forklifts) inside warehouses increases air quality (because of no diesel fumes) and employee safety (with emergency stops and quiet operation).
3. Transitioning fleets to electric vehicles (EVs) minimizes reliance on gas and diesel and offers long-term cost savings on fuel and maintenance while contributing to a cleaner environment.
4. Implementing electric school buses, supported by EPA rebates and incentives, provides a sustainable transport solution for communities.

Each of these sustainability components plays a crucial role in creating a greener, more sustainable business model.

Bottom line: You don’t have to have extremely aggressive decarbonization goals to make a significant impact. Businesses of all sizes can take immediate steps toward sustainable business practices in key areas. By focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, and implementing electric technologies, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and get on the path toward long-term sustainable operations