WRI and Johnson Controls project to boost energy efficiency in cities

The World Resources Institute (WRI), a leading research organisation, and Johnson Controls have announced a joint initiative to improve energy efficiency in cities around the world.

The new Building Efficiency Initiative will see Johnson Controls' expertise in green building solutions merged with WRI's analytical and project experience.

Cities will account for 70 per cent of the world's population by 2030, up from 54 per cent today.

The project will target the development of safe and healthy urban workplaces and residences with the benefits energy efficiency provides such as cleaner air, lower energy bills and improved comfort.

Dr. Andrew Steer, president and CEO at WRI, said: "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. 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."

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 50 per cent of the buildings that will exist in developing countries in 2050 have not yet been built.

Chuck Harvey, vice president of Johnson Controls, said: "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. Working with World Resources Institute and its network of global partners, we can jointly scale innovative energy efficiency policies and solutions."

The new project will support the Energy Efficiency Accelerator Platform, under the United Nations’ Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4All), which was launched at the UN Climate Summit on 23 September.

The Sustainable Energy for All Initiative has the target of doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement globally by 2030.

The Building Efficiency Initiative will bring together partners, policymakers, experts, and businesses to accelerate building efficiency action in cities around the world.

The initiative will be part of WRI’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, which is designed to promote sustainable urban development.