Experts Underscore Financial Benefits Of Building Efficiency
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire
Public and private sector leaders at the 23rd annual Energy
Efficiency Forum outlined legislation, policies and business
strategies aimed at reducing energy use and operating costs in
buildings. Buildings account for 40 percent of global energy
use, according to the Department of Energy. The event was
co-sponsored by Johnson Controls, a global leader in delivering
solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings, and the
United States Energy Association.
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Richard Kauffman, senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of
Energy, kicked off the forum asking the 300 attendees at the
National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to consider what
motivates customers to implement energy efficiency capabilities.
"If we hope to solve the problem of energy efficiency, we
must first understand the unique motivating factors of
individual buyers because individuals make decisions," said
Kauffman. "We then must develop financing models that meet their
needs."
Carlos Pascual, U.S. State Department special envoy and
coordinator for international energy affairs, told attendees
that energy efficiency is an important part of building the
global economy and protecting national security interests.
"Energy efficiency is not only a good thing to do from an
environmental perspective, it's also big business," said
Pascual. "It can help grow economies and is fundamental to how
we achieve national security goals."
Heather Zichal, deputy assistant to President Obama for
energy and climate change, talked about the multiple benefits of
energy efficiency.
"Improving energy efficiency - whether in the transportation
or the built environment - is truly the fastest, cheapest, and
easiest way to decrease dependence on oil, reduce pollution, and
save families and businesses money on energy bills," said
Zichal.
Dave Myers, president, Johnson Controls, Building Efficiency,
shared highlights of the sixth annual Energy Efficiency
Indicator survey. This year's survey indicated that interest in
energy efficiency is at all-time high.
"Building owners are investing in energy efficiency because
they recognize the financial payback," said Myers. "This year's
survey demonstrates there's a change underway. The mantra for
commercial real estate owners used to be location, location,
location - now it's becoming location, efficiency, location."
The Energy Efficiency Indicator is led by Johnson Controls'
Institute for Building Efficiency, the International Facility
Management Association and the Urban Land Institute.
Four past and present public officials received Energy
Leadership Awards for their efforts in instituting and advancing
energy efficiency in North America. Recipients of the 2012
Energy Leadership Awards are:
Congressional Award -- U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, (D-N.H).
Since her 2008 election, Sen. Shaheen has promoted energy
efficiency, including co-sponsoring the 2011 Energy Savings and
Industrial Competitiveness Act to create a national
energy-efficiency strategy estimated to save consumers $60
billion by 2030 and add 159,000 jobs to the economy.
Governor's Award -- Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R-La.).
After taking office in 2008, Gov. Jindal called for an analysis
of state-owned buildings. He identified opportunities for
reduced energy use and consideration of performance contracts
for energy and operational cost savings, average fuel economy
goals for the state automobile fleet, and purchasing practices
to ensure 100 percent compliance with existing state
requirements related to energy conservation.
Mayor's Award -- David Miller, former mayor of Toronto
(2003-2010). As mayor, Miller pioneered innovations such as
reducing energy usage by piping water from Lake Ontario to cool
downtown towers in the summer and Live Green Toronto, providing
ways for city residents to contribute to the city's
sustainability.
Public Service Award -- Robert M. Simon, staff director,
Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senate. Since 1999,
Simon has played a central coordinating role among Senate staff
in developing and facilitating passage of legislation by the
committee, including the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the
Energy Independence Act of 2007.
The Forum also honored three past winners of the Igniting
Creative Energy (ICE) Challenge on the 10th anniversary of the
competition. ICE recognizes K-12 students for their entries
about energy, water and the environment in a creative way. Each
was awarded a $2,500 college scholarship. ICE is administered by
the National Energy Foundation through a grant from Johnson
Controls.
About United States Energy AssociationThe United States
Energy Association is the U.S. Member Committee of the World
Energy Council. USEA is an association of public and private
energy-related organizations, corporations, and government
agencies. It represents the broad interests of the U.S. energy
sector by increasing the understanding of energy issues, both
domestically and internationally. In conjunction with the U.S.
Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of
Energy, USEA sponsors our nation's Energy Partnership Program.
Membership in USEA is open to all organizations having an
interest in the energy sector of the United States. For more
information, please visit http://www.usea.org/.
About Johnson Controls Johnson Controls is a global
diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers
in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000 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 2012, Corporate Responsibility Magazine
recognized Johnson Controls as the #5 company in its annual "100
Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information,
please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
CONTACT: Monica ZimmerJohnson Controls +1 414 524 7654
SOURCE Johnson Controls
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