Companiesfor Environment + Sustainability / Environment + Sustainability

While Brian Hock trained for the Louisville Ironman in 2010, he had an idea for a way to stay hydrated along the way. That idea evolved into Simple Hydration, a start-up company with an innovative product that is being manufactured in the US.

What started as a social enterprise for Easter Seals Work Resource Center turned into much more. After a year of research on deconstruction and reuse centers, Jerry Janszen presented his business plan, won an award, and now runs Building Value. Building Value deconstructs buildings and saves up to 85 percent of what would otherwise be demolished and put in a landfill.

Madisonville based Gorilla Glue has formed a unique bond with a group of performing artists that utilize the company's products.

Eco Engineering has built its own fast-growing company by helping others save money through innovative energy efficient lighting systems.

Close the Loop is a global leader in recycling imaging consumables, from inkjet cartridges, to laser toner cartridges, to drum units, copier bottles and more.  Since its founding in 2000 by Steve Morriss, Australia-based CTL has expanded internationally, opening its Hebron, Kentucky-based US headquarters in 2007.  At present, CTL is developing a cutting edge recycling facility in Hebron, with the aim to produce zero waste in the process of recycling print consumables.

ThermalTech Engineering was into "green" building before it was hot, but the results of its work are usually not easily visible.  But that doesn't mean its expertise is not critical to sustainable, environmentally sound construction. ThermalTech handles the "mechanics" that go in to green building -- the mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering that is essential to conserving energy and resources.

Environmental Quality Management was founded in 1990 by four environmental consultants in the Cincinnati suburb of Forest Park. It has grown to include 10 more offices across the United States and subsidiaries in Chicago, Slovakia and Serbia.