- Utilizing its OpenBlue ecosystem of smart IOT and AI-driven solutions Johnson Controls will measure a range of indoor environmental parameters.
- The MoU outlines a joint commitment to the research and development of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessment.
- The executive summary of the IAQ assessment will be announced during COP28.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) – October 2, 2023 – Indoor air quality has never been more important, particularly in critical infrastructure like the places where children learn. Schools in the United Arab Emirates UAE will soon have more options to improve these spaces thanks to an innovative Memorandum of Understanding between Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, and Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), a prominent council dedicated to advancing green building principles for environmental protection and sustainability in the (UAE).
The memorandum outlines a joint commitment to the research and development of IAQ assessment. As part of the project, Johnson Controls will create research methodology to improve IAQ and provide monitoring equipment, facilitate technical workshops, and compile findings into one consolidated presentation and report. EmiratesGBC will work with educational institutes to support the project, and jointly with JCI, publish a detailed report on the findings of the assessment.
Utilizing its OpenBlue ecosystem of smart Internet of Things and artificial intelligence-driven solutions, Johnson Controls will measure a range of indoor environmental parameters and provide insights on how to improve performance. The executive summary of the assessment will be announced during COP28.
Rohan Chopra, head of sustainability, Middle East, said, “At Johnson Controls, we are committed to creating healthy, comfortable, and efficient indoor environments, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we will leverage our expertise and advanced digital technologies to make a lasting impact in the learning experience and environmental performance of the educational sector.”
Devrim Tekeli, general manager Service, Gulf Cooperation Council, added: “The partnership signifies a major step forward in addressing the crucial aspect of health and wellbeing within educational institutions. With a leading IAQ portfolio, we are excited to partner with EmiratesGBC and demonstrate the potential of healthy buildings outcomes.”
Following an initial air quality assessment, the project will build a comprehensive, long-term plan to measure, manage, and continually improve IAQ. This includes monitoring parameters such as CO2 emissions, Particulate Matter, and Total Volatile Organic Compounds among others. This will enable educational institutions to enhance students’ health and wellness, and consequently performance in addition to helping reduce absenteeism.
Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Ali Aljassim of EmiratesGBC said: “We are delighted to partner with Johnson Controls on this ground-breaking initiative. The quality of indoor air has a profound impact on the health, comfort, and productivity of students and staff. Through this, we strive to raise awareness of IAQ and develop sustainable solutions that will positively influence the learning outcomes and overall wellbeing of our future generations. The study is a continuation of EmiratesGBC’s efforts to make educational institutions greener.”
Leveraging Johnson Controls’ advanced OpenBlue digitalization and sustainable building solutions, coupled with EmiratesGBC’s expertise promoting green building practices, this ambitious project will help enhance future indoor air quality in educational institutions, paving the way for a generation of students who can thrive in safe and sustainable environments.
About Johnson Controls:
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
About EmiratesGBC:
EmiratesGBC is a non-government organisation that promotes and educates on sustainability in the built environment and is the official Green Building Council for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was formed in 2006, with the goal of advancing green building principles for protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability in the United Arab Emirates. Since its inception in 2006, there have been significant changes in the attitudes and demands related to the sustainable built environment. The Council has been encouraged by the implementation of green building policies and regulations, by the adoption of consistent rating systems, and by the increase in the overall knowledge sharing and information available on built environments and communities.