Buildings efficiency, controls, and automation company Johnson Controls announced today the launch of OpenBlue Net Zero Buildings as a Service, a suite of sustainable building-focused offerings aimed at helping customers achieve their net-zero ambitions.

Buildings and real estate are significant contributors to the global climate challenge, accounting for approximately 40% of carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency and UN Environment Programme. They are also among the hardest sources of emissions to replace, given their long-term nature.

Open Blue Net Buildings includes a full spectrum of sustainability offerings tailored to schools, campuses, data centers, healthcare facilities as well as commercial and industry players, with services including sustainability roadmap development, planning, financing, execution, and reporting.

The new offering follows the recent launch of the OpenBlue suite of connected solutions, which aims to deliver impactful sustainability, healthy occupant experiences, and safety and security, and includes AI-powered service solutions such as remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, compliance monitoring, and advanced risk assessments. Earlier this year, the company announced a series of sustainability goals, including commitments to help customers on their own sustainability journeys.

George Oliver, Chairman, and CEO of Johnson Controls said:

“The need for making net-zero leadership easier to achieve is immediate and greater than ever. Buildings represent about 40% of global emissions and Johnson Controls is uniquely positioned to help customers around the world pursue their net-zero carbon goals. Our proprietary research echoes the demand, prioritization, and urgency for support that businesses, governments, and global leaders are calling for. Our As a Service model looks to provide our customers with guaranteed outcomes and risk management models to achieve emission reduction commitments that ultimately lead to healthier buildings, people, places, and the planet.”

Along with the launch, Johnson Controls released results of a survey of North American professionals responsible for building operations, facilities management, and energy & sustainability management indicating a very high level of interest in sustainability action, with over 90% reporting having goals in place to significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, and more than 90% planning to pursue a LEED certification while citing challenges including measuring emissions.

As part of its new initiative, the company is partnering with a wide variety of organizations and customers, including The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, The Powerhouse Alliance, Colorado State University, and the National University Singapore

Katie McGinty, Vice President & Chief Sustainability, Government and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Johnson Controls, said:

“The need and demand for a 360-degree net-zero carbon solution is clear. Businesses, governments and global coalitions have all set ambitious sustainability goals over the next two decades, with many aspiring for decarbonization by 2030. We offer a unique service and partnership model that allows customers to focus on their industry core competencies and revenue-generating activities while we drive customized steps for planning, execution, and reporting that flex to the specific needs of each sustainability journey.”