Young inventors and artists take top prize in Johnson Controls student competition

MILWAUKEE, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Three students – one artist and two inventors – will be recognized for their creative ideas for conserving water and energy at the 25^th annual Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., on June 12, sponsored by Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company. The students won the 2014 Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) Challenge, a nationwide competition to encourage K-12 students to share ideas on how to live a more sustainable life and protect the environment.

"These students remind all of us that one creative idea can change the world," said Dave Myers, president, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. "We are proud to recognize these students, who share our commitment to save energy, reduce costs and help the environment for generations to come."

This year's winners were selected from more than 1,000 entries.

Anirudh Anadula, fourth-grade, Windsor Park Elementary, Corpus Christi, Texas

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I chose to draw," said Anirudh Anadula. 

Anirudh submitted two drawings on the importance of conserving water and recycling. Anirudh illustrated how every drop of water is important and shared artwork and poetry about the worldwide need to recycle and reduce waste.

Justin Heaton, sixth-grade, Damascus Middle, School, Damascus, Virginia

Justin Heaton was inspired to enter the ICE Challenge during a family trip to Hoover Dam. "After the tour guide explained how the power plant generated electricity, I began to wonder why power wasn't being created from the water flowing to my house," Justin said in his submission.

Justin researched his idea and designed a micro-power plant that collects flowing water, forces the water through small tubes which spin small turbines to create electricity. "If this system was used in homes across America, we could reduce our energy use," Justin shared.

Dario Dittli, twelfth-grade, South Range High School, Canfield, Ohio

Dario Dittli, an exchange student from Switzerland, invented the Eco Energy Shoe, an environmentally-friendly way to charge his cell phone using the pressure of every step to create energy.

"We have to invent new things! With this shoe, everybody would make their own energy," explained Dario. "I want to change the world and make our lives easier."

The ICE Challenge is sponsored and funded through a grant by Johnson Controls, with additional support and administration by the National Energy Foundation. More than 16,000 students have competed in the challenge since its launch in 2002.

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About National Energy Foundation

The National Energy Foundation is a unique 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the development, dissemination, and implementation of supplementary educational materials, programs and courses that relate primarily to energy, water, natural resources, science and math, technology, conservation and the environment. These teaching resources recognize the importance and contribution of natural resources to our economy, our national security, the environment and our quality of life.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 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 interior 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 disciplined focus on operational execution, we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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SOURCE Johnson Controls