by Brianna Crandall — October 8, 2014—In two separate announcements, global multi-industrial company Johnson Controls has just declared its intention to divest its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business, and to create a Building Efficiency Initiative with the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Global Workplace Solutions (GWS)
The Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business is a leading provider of facilities, corporate real estate and energy management services. It has been part of Johnson Controls’ portfolio for more than 20 years, and currently manages more than 1.8 billion square feet of corporate real estate. Although the service-based business does not specifically fit into Johnson Controls’ core manufacturing, engineering and product-based portfolio, it will continue to be a close partner to Johnson Controls as both a supplier and a customer. Johnson Controls considers the move a “win-win” situation.
Building Efficiency Initiative
Johnson Controls and the World Resources Institute (WRI) , a global research organization, 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 as a leader in providing building efficiency solutions and WRI’s analytical excellence and on-the-ground experience to create more sustainable and prosperous cities.
The new Building Efficiency Initiative will support the Energy Efficiency Accelerator platform, under the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative, which was announced last week 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.
Cities will account for 70 percent of the world’s population by 2030, up from 54 percent today, note the partners, and these urban residents will need safe and healthy urban workplaces and residences with the benefits energy efficiency provides such as cleaner air, lower energy bills and improved comfort.
“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.”
City planners have enormous opportunities to improve the design of tomorrow’s cities, including through more efficient buildings and energy systems, note the organizations. This is particularly urgent in major developing countries. 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. In China alone, only 40 percent of the buildings in 2020 exist today. 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.”
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. The new 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.
