Zurn Elkay: A Climate Leader Forging Green Growth from Water Solutions

MILWAUKEE, WI – April 27, 2026 – For the second consecutive year, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions has secured a coveted spot on the ‘America’s Climate Leaders’ list, a distinction awarded by USA Today and Statista to companies making the most significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint. The Milwaukee-based water management firm was recognized for achieving a remarkable 21.3% reduction in its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity between 2022 and 2024.

This achievement is more than just a number on a sustainability report; it represents a core tenet of the company's strategy, demonstrating that robust environmental stewardship can be a powerful engine for corporate growth and market leadership. By embedding sustainability into its operations and product innovation, Zurn Elkay is not only shrinking its own environmental impact but also providing its customers with the tools to do the same.

A Strategy of Sustainable Performance

The ‘America’s Climate Leaders’ ranking is a rigorous evaluation that highlights U.S.-based companies that have most successfully lowered their GHG emissions relative to revenue. The methodology, managed by data firm Statista, scrutinizes publicly available and independently verified Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions data, focusing on the compound annual reduction rate over a three-year period. Zurn Elkay’s 21.3% reduction earned it the No. 161 spot overall among 500 companies, a strong No. 6 ranking within the competitive Capital Goods sector, and the No. 3 position among the ten Wisconsin-based companies that made the list.

This consistent performance underscores a disciplined, long-term approach to environmental management. “Recognition like this reflects the progress we’ve made and the discipline behind it,” said Todd A. Adams, Chairman and CEO of Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, in a statement. “We remain focused on reducing our environmental impact while delivering solutions that help our customers meet their sustainability goals, from water conservation and water quality to reducing reliance on single-use plastic.”

This latest accolade is part of a growing collection of sustainability-focused honors for the company. It has also been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for six consecutive years (2021-2026) and was recently included in TIME’s list of the World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth for 2025-2026. Such consistent recognition solidifies the company’s reputation among environmentally conscious investors and customers, creating a competitive advantage in an increasingly green-focused economy.

Beyond the Factory Floor: The Real-World Impact

While corporate emissions targets are critical, Zurn Elkay’s most significant environmental contribution may lie in the real-world application of its products. The company has moved beyond internal metrics to deliver tangible solutions that address pressing global challenges, most notably water quality, conservation, and plastic pollution.

Perhaps the most visible example is the ubiquitous Elkay bottle filling station. These units have become a fixture in schools, airports, and public spaces, directly combating the proliferation of single-use plastic. According to the company’s 2025 sustainability report, its products have prevented an estimated 20 billion plastic bottles from entering landfills and waterways. In the same period, its commercial-grade filters delivered 2.4 billion gallons of cleaner, safer drinking water.

The company is also at the forefront of tackling emerging water contaminants. With growing concern over PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” Zurn Elkay has expanded its filtration technology to be certified for the reduction of Total PFAS, lead, and microplastics. This commitment extends to public advocacy, with the company supporting “filter-first” legislation in states like Michigan and Wisconsin to ensure students have access to clean drinking water directly from school fountains.

A prime example of this work in action is its partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Facing challenges with lead contamination in aging infrastructure, MPS collaborated with Zurn Elkay to retrofit over 3,200 drinking fountains and bottle fillers with advanced filtration systems. This initiative not only provided 68,400 students and staff with safer water but also streamlined maintenance for the district by standardizing filtration cartridges across 156 school facilities.

Tackling Broader Industry Challenges

Zurn Elkay operates within a water management industry that faces immense pressure from climate change, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand. The company's sustainability initiatives appear designed to address these systemic issues head-on. Its internal goals, which are even more ambitious than its recent achievements, reflect this proactive stance. The company has already achieved a 43% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG intensity since its 2021 baseline, putting it well on track for its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction.

Beyond carbon, the company is turning its focus inward on its own water and waste footprint. It has established a new goal to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 3% by 2030 and has already validated two of its production facilities as zero-waste-to-landfill, with a target of five such facilities by 2030. Furthermore, the company is increasing its use of renewable energy, aiming to source at least 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.

This holistic approach—combining operational efficiency with product innovation—positions Zurn Elkay not just as a company reducing its own emissions, but as a key enabler of broader environmental progress. From high-performance roof drains that manage stormwater to low-flow flush valves that saved an estimated 32.5 billion gallons of water in 2024, its portfolio offers a suite of tools for building a more resilient and sustainable future. By continuing to link its financial growth directly to its environmental performance, Zurn Elkay is helping to define what it means to be a climate leader in the 21st century.