Decarbonising buildings critical to achieve net zero

With buildings representing some 40 per cent of global emissions , decarbonising the built environment is one of the fastest paths to meeting net zero targets globally, and essential for many businesses with 2030 carbon reduction goals, a study by Johnson Controls has shown.

“For leaders looking to quickly advance their net zero journey and make a real impact on global carbon reduction, buildings are the key enabler,” said Johnson Controls chairman and CEO George Oliver. “Our whole approach is not only the electrification of the equipment, but then also deploying that with digital capabilities, the use of data, that then gives us an opportunity to take the built environment upgraded, consume all of the data and fundamentally change how the building operates. We can up to 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption this way,” he told Khaleej Times in an interview on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.

With a history dating back to 1885, Johnson Controls has evolved into a leader in intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions, and integrated infrastructure. The company’s building technologies & solutions segment offers systems for controlling heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, and fire management.

Committed to sustainability, Johnson Controls actively promotes eco-friendly practices and solutions. Their focus on innovation, technological prowess, and dedication to environmental responsibility has solidified their position as a prominent player in the global technology and industrial landscape.

The company entered the UAE in 1975, and its business in the Middle East is now valued at around $1 billion, Oliver said. “It’s a business that we have been growing significantly and is making sure that not only do we have the appropriate technology for the applications here with the products, but understanding the applications,” he added.