DALLAS - Lennox Industries, a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. (LII), announced that it was selected by Wal-Mart to participate in a Congressional briefing held in Washington, D.C., yesterday to discuss policies and initiatives beneficial to creating more green jobs.

“We are pleased and honored to be chosen by Wal-Mart to take part in Congressional discussions on how developing new sustainable products can help create and preserve green jobs in the American economy,” said Harry Bizios, president and chief operating officer, LII Commercial Heating & Cooling. “This approach allows for collaborative efforts between all key stakeholders to ensure not only sustainable environmental solutions, but also sustainable business solutions.

“The introduction of Lennox’ Strategos™ rooftop product line, the industry-leading high-efficiency equipment Wal-Mart uses to heat and cool its stores, serves as a highly successful example of this type of market-based approach.”

During the development of the Strategos product line, Lennox said it worked together with Wal-Mart to determine how to best create a high-efficiency product that would meet Wal-Mart’s energy reduction and return on investment goals, while maintaining the best possible comfort for its customers and associates. Designed for efficiency ratings up to 66 percent higher than U.S. government standards, the Strategos product line includes advanced features that give businesses greater levels of control over their energy use throughout the year, reducing operational costs and creating successful strategies for sustainable design.

Over 80 percent of Lennox’ Commercial product development workforce were engaged in green jobs during the Strategos project, including mechanical, control, and manufacturing engineers, research and development technicians, product and marketing communications specialists, and manufacturing and support personnel. Lennox said product demand has been so high from Wal-Mart and other customers that the company’s Stuttgart, Ark., manufacturing plant has added more than 70 manufacturing personnel just to support the Strategos product line.

“In these tough economic times, business owners must find ways to control and lower operating costs,” Bizios said. “With heating and cooling costs accounting for a significant portion of their operating expenses, high-efficiency HVAC equipment provides a sustainable environmental and business solution to help drive green jobs in our economy. We are proud to partner with Wal-Mart, and in joining with them to discuss market-based green job solutions with our Congressional representatives.”

For additional information on Lennox, visit www.lennoxinternational.com.

Publication date: 02/02/2009