ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrier Corp. continues to advance sustainability education worldwide with the launch today of the Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series, a collaborative initiative with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the United Arab Emirates. Four international experts in the field of green building and sustainability will deliver lectures throughout the year, providing insights and trends to students, faculty and business leaders. Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is the world's leader in high technology heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) solutions, improving the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship.

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Philippe Delpech, president, Carrier EMEA, stated, "Carrier has been a leader in the green building movement from its earliest origins. Combining our roots in sustainability and commitment to education, the Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series will advance knowledge and stimulate a dialogue for a greener future."

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, said the HCT is pleased to collaborate with Carrier to bring renowned sustainability experts to the United Arab Emirates to discuss current and relevant principles and practices. "This series of lectures is part of HCT's mandate of offering career-oriented academic and training programs to meet the specific needs of local industry and therefore keep pace with the changing needs of the community, including in the area of sustainable growth and development," Dr. Kamali said.

"The HCT is able to introduce new programs and courses, such as the Bachelor of Sustainable Development, which allow it to meet the economic, educational, technological, social and cultural needs of the nation. It will also allow its students to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence required to ensure they are active contributors to the nation and its growth," he added. "Our partnership with Carrier will help accelerate sustainability awareness, broaden our curriculum in sustainable development and bring greater awareness of sustainable development principles to the region."

Valentine Lehr, founder and principal of Lehr Consultants International, an internationally-recognized mechanical engineering consulting firm, delivered the first lecture, "Zero Carbon Developments: Alternative Approaches in a Resource Rich Environment" today. The lecture series will initially focus on the Middle East at the Higher Colleges of Technology, building on the area's growing sustainability activities.

"We are proud to join with HCT in advancing education and sustainability through the Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series," said John Mandyck, Carrier vice president for Sustainability & Environmental Strategies. "For over 100 years, Carrier has been a leading education provider for the building industry. Solutions to today's environmental challenges require new thinking that the Higher Colleges of Technology can deliver through its sustainability curriculum and partnerships like those with Carrier."

About Carrier Corp.

Carrier Corp. is the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and foodservice customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

About the Higher Colleges of Technology

Founded in 1988 with four colleges, the Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the U.A.E., gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 19,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses throughout the UAE. HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Health Sciences and Education.  Visit www.hct.ac.ae for more information.

SOURCE Carrier Corp.