Private and public sector leaders commit to pioneering policies, technologies and practices and driving innovation in energy efficiency

Johnson Controls and United States Energy Association host 27th annual Energy Efficiency Forum

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Jun 30, 2016, 04:01 ET

MILWAUKEE, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy systems are evolving with traditional users acting as both energy producers and consumers. This type of energy efficiency innovation was highlighted at the 2016 Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., on June 23 at the National Press Club co-sponsored by Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association (USEA).

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A recap of the 2016 Energy Efficiency Forum where public and private sector leaders came together to pioneer policies & driving innovation in energy.

Gina McCarthy discussed how improvements and increased awareness of energy efficiency is paying off for the consumer, supplier, and more.

Izzo shared his thoughts on energy regulation and improving energy efficiency for everyone.

Cantwell discussed current plans to drive policy that says that smart building are just as important fuel efficient vehicles.

During a panel discussion, mayors talk about LED lighting, hydro-electric power, and electric bikes.

Federal leaders from the White House, Air Force, and U.S. Green Buildings discussed what is being done to improve energy efficiency.

The event featured influential thought leaders in the energy sector, including representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Senate and Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG). The forum also included a review of the 2016 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey conducted by Johnson Controls.

"Today, an additional 1.9 million Americans are employed, either in whole or in part, in energy efficiency," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, when addressing energy efficiency and its positive effect on the economy. "And the Department of Energy projects that more than a quarter million new hires will happen in 2016 alone."

President of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), Ralph Izzo, discussed the importance of balancing energy regulations: "There are four winners in an intelligent balanced efficiency energy regulation," Izzo explained. "The first is the consumer, the second the supplier, the third the environment and fourth the utilities. The challenge in creating regulations is balancing all four to work together to be effective.

At the legislative level, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) discussed efforts to accelerate the adoption of smart building technologies and the impact of energy bills that focus on these technologies. "The new smart building focus has enormous potential for energy savings, high-paying jobs and the stimulation of economic growth," she explained. Cantwell highlighted the ability to integrate these technologies with other systems to help insulate consumers and investors from power outages, price fluctuations and other challenges.

The forum also brought together mayors and former mayors from across the United States to discuss a variety of energy-saving measures their cities are taking, including hydro-electric power, electric bikes for transportation and LED lights to reduce light pollution.

The mayor's panel agreed cities like theirs play a key role in U.S. leadership on climate change. "The local level, I think, is the level where we are going to find the answers, share them, emulate what is successful, avoid what is not successful and come to a solution," said Greg Nickels, former mayor of Seattle.

Innovators and technology leaders from 1776, 38 North Solutions, Covestrao and Essess rounded out the event, sharing the private sector's energy advancements, including solar power, wind power and technological advances in energy efficiency.

The Energy Efficiency Forum is a nonpartisan, noncommercial event that raises awareness for the many benefits of energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. This year's forum, "Leveraging Innovation to Become an Energy Efficiency Superpower," explored leading energy-efficiency technologies, policies and business models that can accelerate progress in the United States and other countries.

For a streaming update of event photos and quotes, check out #EEForum2016, follow @JCI_BEnews and visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/eef

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 150,000 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 seating components and 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 2016, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #17 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About Building Efficiency
Johnson Controls' Building Efficiency has an unmatched portfolio of HVACR products and solutions to create more comfortable, safe and efficient buildings. Operating in more than 150 countries through a strong network of distribution channels, Building Efficiency's breadth of offerings help building owners, operators, engineers and consultants impact the full lifecycle of a building. Its market leadership is established through trusted brands such as YORK®, Sabroe® and Metasys® as well as its smart building integration capabilities and energy financing solutions. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @JCI_BEnews.