- Through an energy savings performance contract,
infrastructure updates at NRG Park will be entirely funded by
savings, with additional savings redirected back to Harris
County.
- The project will significantly reduce carbon emissions in
alignment with Harris County's Climate Action Plan, which
aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
- Upgrades include building equipment and controls, water
conservation, and life safety systems as well as the integration of
Johnson Controls' OpenBlue Central Utility Plant and ongoing
service to measure and verify results.
MILWAUKEE, May 31, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for
smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced its
collaboration with Harris County Sports & Convention
Corporation (HCSCC), NRG Park and Harris County, Texas, to embark on a historic
sustainability and energy efficiency project at one of the nation's
busiest sports and entertainment complexes. The 20-year energy
savings performance contract is expected to generate more than
$54 million dollars in savings that
will fund the entire cost of the complex-wide upgrades, as well as
provide surplus savings to be reinvested back into the Harris
County community.
"Our partnership with Harris County and HCSCC's team to guide
the enhancement initiative at NRG Park is paving the way for more
sustainable practices across the sports and entertainment sector,"
said Julie Brandt, president of
Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. "We look
forward to seeing how this project will inspire other industry
leaders and drive smart savings and significant emissions
reduction, not only in Harris
County but on a national scale."
Encompassing 350 acres of land and three sports, entertainment
and event venues – NRG Center, NRG Stadium and NRG Arena – NRG Park
is an integral part of the Houston
community and hosts over 500 events and over 5.5 million people
annually. The project spans across much of the complex including
upgrades to HVAC equipment, building automation systems (BAS),
water conservation, life safety systems and lighting improvements,
as well as high-efficiency chiller upgrades and the integration of
Johnson Controls OpenBlue Central Utility Plant. Johnson Controls
will continue to measure and verify results through an ongoing
service agreement.
"We remain committed to maintaining NRG Park's distinct position
as a part of the fabric of our community and a landmark for
visitors globally," said Ryan Walsh,
CEO & executive director of HCSCC and NRG Park. "This upcoming
year promises to be incredibly exciting. We have the privilege of
hosting an impressive lineup of leading sports and entertainment
events including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the
NFL Houston Texans as well as the College Football Playoff
Championship and FIFA World Cup. These enhancements allow us to
maintain our reputation for excellence and continue to deliver the
best fan experiences, while exploring innovative and financially
responsible approaches to sustainability."
"Our engagement with Johnson Controls is a dynamic addition to
the highest caliber of overall guest experience provided at NRG
Park. This is a demonstration of superb facilities management and
fiscal responsibility," said Bishop James
Dixon II, chairman of the board at HCSCC. "Because the
project is completely funded by generated savings, it is a win for
all involved stakeholders, including our tenants, guests, clients,
meeting planners, promoters, performers, staff and Harris County
taxpayers. We are excited to continue our mission to provide an
elevated and unparalleled experience at all of our venues while
reinvesting in the community that makes our diverse county and
region uniquely special."
"NRG Park is a premier destination that welcomes more than 5.5
million people annually," said Rodney
Ellis, Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 1. "These
enhancements will create a more enjoyable and resilient environment
for people traveling from near and far to attend the multitude of
events hosted there."
In addition to creating a renewed environment for NRG Park
attendees, the project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions by more than 241,000 metric tons annually, making this a
project of significance to Harris
County, which aims to reduce the county's carbon emissions
by 40% by 2030 per its Climate Action Plan. Launched in
January 2023, the plan outlines steps
to reduce carbon emissions, including energy audits at outdated
buildings and facilities to determine where energy-efficient
equipment can be implemented, leading to better-performing
facilities and long-term cost savings for the entire county.
Precinct 2 Harris County Commissioner, Adrian Garcia, added, "This project will be a
significant contributor to Harris County's Climate Action Plan that
was established in January. The NRG Park and Johnson Controls
partnership is advancing our emissions reduction goals
significantly and setting the standard for other local
organizations and future county projects."
To learn more about how Johnson Controls serves leaders in
sports and entertainment, visit
https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/industries/sports-and-entertainment.
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.
Visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com for more
information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.
About Harris County Sports & Convention
Corporation
The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC), is a
component of Harris County, Texas,
which was created by the Commissioners Court of Harris County, Texas for the purposes of
aiding and acting on behalf of Harris
County in managing, operating, maintaining and developing
the 350 acre sports and entertainment complex located on
County-owned property, known as NRG Park. It includes three venues:
NRG Stadium, NRG Center, and NRG Arena. It is also home to
Houston's historic NRG Astrodome.
Media Contact:
Kari Pfisterer
kari.b.pfisterer@jci.com
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SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc