10.06.2021, 16:10
Johnson Controls Joins Urgent Net-Zero G7 Appeal
On the eve of the G7 Summit, Johnson Controls has become a signatory to an open letter from the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders urging global leaders to accelerate a just transition in the race to net-zero and climate resilience.
The Alliance, an informal group facilitated by the World Economic Forum, of which Johnson Controls is a member, is the largest community of Chief Executive Officers in the world committed to climate action – representing 21 countries and 13 industries with combined revenues of US $2.4 trillion. In its letter to the G7, it states that the current trajectory for greenhouse gas emissions is leading the world to “current and irreversible outcomes”, and says that with just five months to go before COP26 in November, “bold action” across private and public sectors is needed.
“There is no time to waste in tackling climate change. Technologies already exist today that can put us solidly on the pathway to net zero by 2050. We know that decarbonisation of buildings is part of the solution as buildings represent some 40 per cent of global emissions. Reducing energy waste from buildings also saves money, so there is every reason to accelerate action,” explains George Oliver, Johnson Controls chairman and CEO. “The G7 Summit is a critically important opportunity for wealthy nations to show needed leadership, but it has to be a collective effort. Governments can expedite further action from companies; businesses are ready to move fast and boost investments to create a sustainable future.”
The Alliance letter also states its members have made clear commitments and are working to transition their businesses to net-zero. “Greater collaboration between business and government on achieving our net-zero ambitions can help accelerate this process for the benefit of our economies and societies,” it said.
In common with other members of the alliance, Johnson Controls has already set ambitious emissions reductions targets, which were recently approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative – an independent organisation that assesses corporate sustainability claims. As part of its environmental sustainability commitments, the company aims to cut operational emissions by 55 per cent and reduce customers’ emissions by 16 per cent before 2030. Its OpenBlue platform for optimizing building sustainability will be central to fulfilling these goals and ultimately creating an environment for healthy people, healthy places and a healthy planet.
The company has also joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign and is a signatory to The Climate Pledge, an initiative of business leaders co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism. Signatories to the pledge commit to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040 – ten years ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement goal.
Johnson Controls is continuing to exercise its leadership in climate action through the Business Roundtable, with George Oliver joining the organisation as chair of the Energy & Environment Committee in January. Business Roundtable is an association of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies. Its Energy & Environment Committee is dedicated to advancing policies that encourage innovation and support an environmentally and economically sustainable future.
As a leader in the buildings space for more than 135 years, Johnson Controls has been a pioneer in sustainability. It is ranked in the top 12 percent of climate leadership companies globally by CDP and was recently named again to the World’s Most Ethical Companies® Honoree List and one of Corporate Knights’ Global 100 most Sustainable Companies.
Click here for full details on the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders open letter to the G7.
