Oct. 10, 2014: Johnson Controls, WRI Launch New Building Efficiency Initiative
New Partnership Will Advance Global Solutions for Greater Building Efficiency in Cities
WASHINGTON — Johnson Controls and the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization, have announced the creation of the Building Efficiency Initiative to support and accelerate energy efficiency action in cities. The new initiative brings together Johnson Controls’ expertise in providing building efficiency solutions and WRI’s analytical expertise and on-the-ground experience to create more sustainable and prosperous cities.
“With the extraordinary global shift toward an urban environment, success in sustainable development will largely be determined in cities. This new initiative will focus on the opportunities and challenges that rapid urbanization presents, especially in major developing countries,” said Dr. Andrew Steer, president and CEO, WRI. “We are excited to work closely with Johnson Controls and other partners to develop innovative and practical recommendations on building efficiency that support a strong, low-carbon pathway.”
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than half of the buildings that will exist in developing countries in 2050 have not yet been built. Improvements in efficiency can help avoid locking in high-carbon infrastructure, save money, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“For more than four years, Johnson Controls’ Institute for Building Efficiency has been providing information and analysis of technologies, policies, and practices for efficient, high performance buildings and energy systems,” said Chuck Harvey, vice president of Johnson Controls. “Working with World Resources Institute and its network of global partners, we can jointly scale innovative energy efficiency policies and solutions.”
The new Building Efficiency Initiative will support the Energy Efficiency Accelerator Platform, under the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All Initiative, which was announced at the UN Climate Summit. The Sustainable Energy for All Initiative has a goal of doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement around the world by 2030. The Building Efficiency Initiative will engage partners, policymakers, and supporters to accelerate building efficiency action in cities around the world.
Jennifer Layke will lead the new Building Efficiency Initiative at WRI, drawing upon her experience directing Johnson Controls’ Institute for Building Efficiency. Prior to Johnson Controls, Layke served as the deputy director of WRI’s Climate and Energy Program from 2005 to 2009. The new Building Efficiency Initiative will be part of the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, which aims to catalyze sustainable urban development and improve the quality of life for people in cities worldwide.
For more information on the Building Efficiency Initiative, click here.
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For more information on the World Resources Institute, visit www.wri.org.
For more information on Johnson Controls, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.
Publication date: 10/6/2014
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