Johnson Controls strengthens Microsoft partnership, accelerates net zero building transformation

Johnson Controls, a pioneer for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announced it has won the 2023 Microsoft Global Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Partner of the Year Award.

"Our OpenBlue connected solutions run on Microsoft Azure and use the power of data to put smart, healthy, sustainable buildings within reach for businesses around the world," said Vijay Sankaran, chief technology officer at Johnson Controls. "From hospitals, universities, and schools to stadiums, airports, ships, hotels, factories, retailers, banks and offices – our combined digital capabilities are empowering customers in every industry to create healthy safe spaces for people and the planet."

OpenBlue accelerates healthy and sustainable transformation

Johnson Controls was honoured among a field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementing customer solutions utilising Microsoft technology. Johnson Controls OpenBlue is a comprehensive suite of connected solutions using the cloud, edge, AI, and machine learning to break down data siloes and connect core building equipment and electrified systems.

Customers can use OpenBlue to manage entire buildings, or a portfolio of buildings, to achieve a new dimension of indoor health and well-being, along with cost, energy, emissions, water, and waste savings.

Power of Azure plus OpenBlue

Derwent London's program goes well beyond traditional net zero journeys

Nothing demonstrates the power of Azure plus OpenBlue to accelerate decarbonisation more than the first-hand experience of customers and partners. In July 2020, when Derwent London pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, it became the first UK-based real estate investment trust (REIT) to provide a detailed pathway to achieve its target.

Derwent London's program goes well beyond traditional net zero journeys. Derwent turned to Johnson Controls to help reach its ambitious decarbonisation targets and simultaneously create healthier indoor spaces for its tenants.

Partnership with Johnson Controls

"As we work towards 2030, our highly collaborative partnership with Johnson Controls means we're constantly going to find new ways to innovate and fine-tune our portfolio," said Michael Simons, digital and innovation manager at Derwent London. "They are truly experts in driving smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, and offered value at every opportunity. Johnson Controls has decades of experience with building products, services, and solutions, which is now complemented by their digital platform."

Johnson Controls also has launched a growing international network of OpenBlue Innovation Centres that serve as regional knowledge hubs, allowing public and private pioneers to see for themselves how to use digitalisation to accelerate climate action.

Impact of global challenges

Company cut its absolute emissions by more than 455,000 metric tonnes and reduced emissions

"Nobody can win the climate race or protect people from the health impact of global challenges alone, but together we can," said Rodney Clark, chief commercial officer at Johnson Controls. "Climate change is a defining theme of this century. Almost 40% of global emissions come from buildings, and the world has only seven years to reduce total global emissions by at least 43% to keep global warming to 1.5°C. Johnson Controls and Microsoft are united in our mission to use digitalisation to accelerate the net zero transformation of buildings globally."

Johnson Controls is using OpenBlue to accelerate its own net zero journey. Since 2017, the company has cut its own absolute emissions by more than 455,000 metric tonnes and reduced absolute customer emissions by over 18 million metric tonnes – roughly equal to the carbon sequestered by 300 million trees grown for 10 years.

Notes on Microsoft Partner of the year awards

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honourees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide.

Johnson Controls was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services as the Microsoft Global Independent Software Vendor Partner of the Year. In 2022, Johnson Controls was named Microsoft's Global Sustainability Changemaker and U.S. Internet of Things (IoT) Partner of the Year.