Johnson Controls Awarded First Higher Education Clinton Climate Initiative Project
College is the first higher education institution to join the Initiative to improve building efficiency and lower carbon emissions
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 29 -- Lee College, Baytown, Texas, has entered into an energy savings performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. , the global multi-industrial leader in creating energy efficiency. Lee College is the first signed contract for a higher education institution under the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), reinforcing that energy efficiency has never been more important.
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CCI's Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program brings together many of the world's largest cities, real estate firms, financial institutions and energy service companies in a landmark effort to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings across the municipal, institutional, commercial, private, educational and public housing sectors.
When complete, all 35 of Lee College's facilities will be retrofitted. Specific improvements include adding a building management system, installing energy efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting products. Upon completion, total electric consumption will be reduced by approximately 35 percent, and energy and water costs will be reduced by 32 percent.
Lee College recently signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). ACUPCC and CCI are partnering to increase the number of large-scale energy saving retrofits for campus buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy bills without utilizing capital budgets or increasing monthly operating expenses.
"This project will result in cost and energy savings for the College, and improve the environment for our students and faculty," said Dr. Dennis Topper, interim President, Lee College. "We chose to work with Johnson Controls because of its proven global track record. With the help of Johnson Controls, our commitment to ACUPCC and the Clinton Climate Initiative, we can serve as a responsible role model to other colleges, nationwide."
According to the Department of Energy, buildings account for up to 40 percent of global energy use. Energy-efficiency solutions for both new and retrofitted buildings could significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
"Businesses of all types, globally and in every market segment are actively fighting rising energy costs, and energy efficiency is becoming their primary measurable action," said Clay Nesler, vice president of global energy and sustainability for Johnson Controls. "Our work with Lee College demonstrates what can be done to advance building efficiency and save energy."
Johnson Controls signed the first Project Development Agreement under the CCI in February 2008. That project, with K Raheja Corp, one of India's largest realty and construction developers, was to retrofit Inorbit Mall, the largest mall in Mumbai.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.
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