Daikin and Astros Foundation Launch 'Cooling Communities' Program to Enhance Bayland Community Center

Daikin, a leading air conditioning manufacturer, in partnership with the Astros Foundation, has launched the 'Cooling Communities' program, beginning with a significant $55,000 donation aimed at upgrading the HVAC system at the Bayland Community Center in Harris County Precinct 4. This initiative is designed to provide energy-efficient and reliable indoor climate control to a facility that serves as a vital hub for local activities, including youth sports, senior programs, and various community clubs.

The upgrade will utilize Daikin's advanced inverter technology, ensuring a comfortable environment for all visitors, especially important in Sharpstown where temperatures can soar, making the center a crucial refuge during extreme weather. Kristi Pittman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Daikin, expressed the company's commitment to community and innovation, stating that the program reflects their dedication to improving indoor environments where their employees and customers live.

Emelda Douglas, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation, emphasized the collaborative effort's impact on creating welcoming spaces for every Houstonian. Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones also recognized the contribution's role in enhancing the center's resilience to extreme weather, thereby protecting vulnerable community members.

The 'Cooling Communities' program is part of a broader partnership between Daikin and the Astros Foundation, which includes future initiatives such as a youth sports clinic at Daikin Park. This collaboration underscores the importance of corporate and community partnerships in addressing local needs, leveraging technology for social good, and fostering environments where communities can thrive regardless of external conditions.