The country's business leaders are taking important strides to bring down the amount of greenhouse gas emissions the U.S. produces each year. Carbon emissions have long been seen as the biggest contributors to the country's carbon footprint. This has led consumers to look for ways to help limit said pollution. For instance, you may have recently purchased an Energy Star certified appliance to help fray utility costs each year, while also lessening your energy use and thus your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, it is the country's larger businesses that are among the top polluters in the U.S. As more customers grow aware of the harms of greenhouse gas pollution, so too does pressure for corporations to reduce their carbon footprint. Companies from Kohl's to Boeing are constantly working to implement sustainable solutions into their business practices so they may bring these emissions under control. In doing so, they are helping the country achieve its goals to cut carbon pollution by 3 billion metrics 2030. The EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership recognized the country's top companies when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There were 19 awards given to 15 organizations and two individuals. "Our Climate Leadership Award winners have made great strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and are providing leadership nationwide in many sectors of our economy," said the EPA's office of air and radiation acting assistant administrator, Janet McCabe. "Their innovative approaches and commitment to reducing carbon pollution demonstrate that efforts to address climate change are repaid by saving money and energy, while supporting more livable and resilient communities, and a healthier, better protected environment now and for future generations." Some of the award winners included major companies like Sprint, IBM and Mack Trucks, while public organizations like the city of Chula Vista and the University of California at Irvine also received awards. There are a number of ways to improve your business' environmental impact. By installing energy efficient energy management systems or improving the insulation of your building, you can limit the amount of power that your facility consumes. If you are interested in improving your company's carbon footprint, talking to your energy provider is an important first step. Your power supplier may be able to help you implement the solution(s) that will not only improve your business' reputation, but cut down on energy costs as well. Katia Lundy is the senior director of marketing & communications of Plymouth Rock Energy, Woodmere, N.Y.