- Johnson Controls collaboration with Louisiana and Virginia departments of corrections is projected to drive a combined $160M in savings while delivering sustainable outcomes
- The development of HVAC-focused learning labs supports inmate rehabilitation, community wellness and significantly decreases inmate recidivism
- The initiative aligns with Johnson Controls 2021 commitment to ambitious environmental, social and governance targets
MILWAUKEE (January 5, 2022) – Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, is the first-ever recipient of the National Association for Energy Services Companies (NAESCO) Distinguished Member Award for its green collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC).
The sustainable infrastructure improvements completed in participating correctional facilities are projected to drive a combined $160M in savings. In addition to the projects’ fiscal success, the award recognizes the impact of Johnson Controls Green Learning Labs. The HVAC training programs implemented in facilities across Louisiana and Virginia have resulted in a 4% recidivism rate for graduates, significantly lower than the national average of 77% of released inmates reoffending within 5 years.
“Along with many of our customers, Johnson Controls has set ambitious environmental, social and governance goals in support of our commitment to healthy people, places and planet,” said Mark Reinbold, vice president of global sustainability solutions and services at Johnson Controls. “This award is a reminder that while our core mission is helping our customers achieve their environmental goals, we can also have meaningful social impact on the people and communities we serve. We are honored to be the first company recognized by NAESCO, and we are proud to support the training efforts of our customers to provide high quality, high paying careers and the hope that comes along with those careers for returning citizens and their families.””NAESCO is pleased to present its first-ever Distinguished Member Award to long-time member, Johnson Controls.” – Dr. Timothy Unruh, executive director at NAESCO
Johnson Controls Delivers Innovative Sustainability in Correctional Complexes
Johnson Controls $123M green initiative with the Louisiana DPS&C and VADOC was selected by a NAESCO executive committee for its significant and unique savings, innovative project approach, environmental justice accomplishments and community outreach work. Both states’ departments of corrections were engaged under a series of performance contracts, guaranteeing decarbonization and fiscal outcomes while enabling risk mitigation and capital preservation. As a result, the participating correctional facilities are more sustainable, comfortable and secure without incremental costs to taxpayers.
“NAESCO is pleased to present its first-ever Distinguished Member Award to long-time member, Johnson Controls,” said Dr. Timothy Unruh, executive director at NAESCO. “Their implementation of the Green HVAC Training Program demonstrates the incredible potential of ESCOs and their ability to partner with their clients creating a synergy of energy savings, community improvement and public-private partnering.”
Green Learning Labs Supports Inmate and Community Wellness
Recidivism in correctional facilities affects inmates, their families and their communities. To support incarcerated individuals in their rehabilitation and provide the tools to achieve gainful employment upon release, Johnson Controls deployed its Green Learning Labs vocational program onsite. This HVAC training program teaches inmates employable skills that will translate to a successful career path outside of the correctional environment.
Graduates of the program can earn up to 15 industry certifications, concentrated on commercial applications. The sustainable focus of the Green Learning Labs ensures graduates receive future-forward training as the demand for green-certified HVAC experts increases. Of the 160 graduates across Louisiana and Virginia’s correctional facilities, over 96% successfully remain outside the prison system.
Johnson Controls has implemented performance contracts for departments of corrections in 22 states, managing more than $570M in active performance guarantees. These initiatives support Johnson Controls new science-based environmental, social and governance commitments, including targets to double customers’ emission reductions through OpenBlue digitally enabled connected solutions.
