Johnson Controls Finalist in Empire Technology Prize for Innovative Low Carbon Heat Pump Solution

Johnson Controls Finalist in Empire Technology Prize for Innovative Low Carbon Heat Pump Solution

(IN BRIEF) Johnson Controls has been named a finalist in the Empire Technology Prize for its innovative heat pump solution, designed to advance low carbon heating in tall buildings. The system uses ultra-low GWP refrigerant and is expected to save significant energy and water. The company received cash awards to support further development, with a grand prize to be awarded in June 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) CORK, 6-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Johnson Controls, a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has been recognized as a finalist in the prestigious Empire Technology Prize, a $10 million competition aimed at advancing low carbon heating system retrofits for tall commercial and multifamily buildings in New York State. The competition, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and its partners, seeks to address the technological needs for decarbonizing existing infrastructure in buildings seven stories or taller.

The award was presented by Kate Frucher, Managing Director and Board Member of The Clean Fight, to Rajesh Dixit, Director of Product Management, and Ian Casper, Vice President of Engineering, Global Products, at Johnson Controls. Their innovative heat pump solution, which uses ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, meets the competition criteria for both sustainability and performance.

Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer at Johnson Controls, commended NYSERDA’s leadership and emphasized the dual benefits of environmental protection and economic efficiency. She expressed enthusiasm for advancing the company’s technological capabilities through the Empire Technology Prize.

Johnson Controls’ proposed solution, developed by teams in North America and Europe, is expected to significantly save energy and water compared to conventional systems. The heat pump, combined with zero-GWP mechanical vapor recompression technology, provides efficient and sustainable heating and cooling for buildings.

Rajesh Dixit highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenge of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which account for nearly 40% of global emissions. He praised the Johnson Controls team for their hard work and innovative approach, looking forward to the next stage of the competition.

As one of seven finalists, Johnson Controls received cash awards to support the progression of their solution over the next year, including pilot programs or demonstration projects in eligible tall buildings in New York. The grand prize will be awarded in June 2025 to the solution with the greatest potential cumulative carbon emissions reduction by 2040.

The competition is a NYSERDA initiative administered by The Clean Fight, with technical support from Rocky Mountain Institute and a $3 million sponsorship from Wells Fargo.

Johnson Controls remains committed to innovation, dedicating 90% of new product R&D to climate-related technologies. For more information, read their latest sustainability report here.

Media Contact:

email : media@jci.com
Tel: +1 414-524-8687

SOURCE: Johnson Controls Inc.