MILWAUKEE - The Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, a partnership program developed by Johnson Controls and the National Energy Foundation, is an educational competition that encourages U.S. and Canadian students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, to learn more about energy and the environment.

“Like all citizens, students play an important role in using energy resources wisely, which reinforces our business of providing smart energy solutions,” said Dave Myers, president, building efficiency, Johnson Controls. “As we introduce this year’s challenge, we continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity that students and teachers exhibit in demonstrating ways to preserve the environment and conserve energy.”

Students are asked to submit entries that demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do in their home, school or community to conserve energy and help the environment. Students may express their ideas in the form of science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, video or Website projects. They may also submit recent service projects.

All entries are due by Feb. 17, 2007, and winners will be announced on March 17, 2007.

The national winners will receive a trip to Hawaii and a chance to meet national leaders and energy policy-makers in Washington. The highest scoring student in each state and most provinces will receive additional recognition and the school will receive a $1,000 donation from Johnson Controls.

“It’s vital to instill in students the idea that they can creatively contribute to conserving natural resources,” said Dari Scott, vice president of marketing for the National Energy Foundation.

“It results in improved leadership, character development and service to others, not to mention a better environment.”

For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Publication date:01/22/2007