As part of Spire's commitment to the environment and the communities it serves, the company announced it is one of the first natural gas companies in the United States to commit to being carbon neutral by midcentury, while also reducing methane emissions with a 53% reduction by 2025.

Spire's focus on environmental responsibility is featured in its second annual Corporate Social Responsibility report, which highlights performance data the company tracks through the independent Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index, the American Gas Association voluntary reporting tool, and information provided to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Other focus areas in the report include community, people and leadership.

"We know natural gas plays an important part in a sustainable energy future," said Steve Lindsey, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Spire. "That's why we're committed to moving our business forward in a way that protects the planet and supports communities for generations to come."

As part of its initiative, Spire has commited to substantial reductions in methane emissions. By 2025, Spire's goal is a 53% reduction in gas utility methane emissions from 2005 levels, putting the company well ahead of international standards, which call for a commitment of a 26 to 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions nationwide.

Since 2005, Spire's utilities have reduced overall methane emissions by 39%. As an active member of the EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge program, Spire committed to reducing methane emissions by 5% per year, up from its prior commitment of 2 % per year.

In addition to its infrastructure upgrades and methane reduction goals, Spire's natural gas utilities are committed to being carbon neutral by midcentury.

"Our environmental efforts are important to our customers, and they are important to us, too," Lindsey said. "As a natural gas utility, we will continue to find innovative ways to supply the energy people depend on while striving to become carbon neutral by midcentury."

Spire is also creating sustainable workplaces, eliminating water waste, recycling across all facilities, and efficiently fueling its fleet. Spire is also reducing carbon emissions by using compressed natural gas in nearly 300 of its fleet vehicles (about 13%).