Johnson Controls teams up to scale energy efficiency in corporate supply chains

From Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls teams up to scale energy efficiency in corporate supply chains

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and other organizations participate in Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America Commitment to Action

MILWAUKEE, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls plans to scale up its innovative program to help small and medium-sized suppliers reduce energy use in their manufacturing facilities as a CGI America Commitment to Action.

The Scaling Energy Efficiency in Corporate Supply Chains CGI Commitment to Action expands an existing Johnson Controls supplier efficiency pilot program in which company energy experts visit the plants of their suppliers and train their in-house teams on identifying and implementing low-cost/no-cost energy efficiency improvement measures. The supplier training follows an industry practice known as "energy hunts," conducted for years by Johnson Controls at its own manufacturing plants around the world.  Suppliers participating in the program typically achieve energy savings of 5 to 10 percent with less than a two year payback on their investments.

As part of the CGI Commitment to Action, Johnson Controls, a global multi industrial company, will support 60 additional suppliers over the next three years.  The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will provide overall coordination of the commitment including recruiting manufacturing partners, gathering program results and reporting progress to CGI.

The Scaling Energy Efficiency in Corporate Supply Chains Commitment to Action was recognized yesterday during ceremonies at CGI America 2015 held in Denver, Colorado.

"Small and medium-sized suppliers often have limited resources and lack the expertise to investigate and implement resource efficiency improvements," said Grady Crosby, vice president and chief diversity officer for Johnson Controls.  "We are pleased the Clinton Global Initiative has recognized this program to help the manufacturing sector reduce energy consumption which translates into lower operating costs and increased competitiveness for American businesses."

"ACEEE research has identified the value of energy efficiency to small and medium-sized manufacturers, but also the challenges of limited expertise and staff resources needed to realize savings," said Steve Nadel, executive director of ACEEE. "Large companies have proven that sharing expertise with their suppliers is an effective strategy for generating savings and improving the productivity and financial stability of both companies, thereby creating quality jobs."

Other organizations supporting the commitment to action include the U.S. Department of Energy and the Institute for Industrial Productivity, which will share best practices, tools, and expertise while helping recruit additional manufacturing partners. The World Resources Institute will provide advice and support to the project while the Natural Resources Defense Council will serve as an advisor in the area of supply chain programs and supporting policies.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2015, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About ACEEE:The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit http://aceee.org. Follow @ACEEEdc on Twitter.

About Clinton Global Initiative AmericaThe Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders to create and implement solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. Established in June 2011 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) addresses economic recovery in the United States. CGI America brings together leaders in business, government, and civil society to generate and implement commitments to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and support workforce development in the United States. Since its first meeting, CGI America participants have made more than 400 commitments, which have improved the lives of nearly 1.4 million people.

CGI also convenes an Annual Meeting, which brings together global leaders to take action and create positive social change, CGI University (CGI U), which brings together undergraduate and graduate students to address pressing challenges in their community or around the world, and, this year, CGI will also convene CGI Middle East & Africa, which will bring together leaders across sectors to take action on pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. For more information, visit clintonglobalinitiative.org and follow us on Twitter @ClintonGlobal and Facebook at facebook.com/clintonglobalinitiative.