Johnson Controls' employees volunteer with students to create a greener Detroit

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Aug. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls employees rolled up their sleeves to create a greener city alongside 20 Detroit-area students who are part of the Detroit Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) program at Rouge Park on August 8. Johnson Controls is sponsoring the ELP summer jobs program for the ninth consecutive year in partnership with Detroit's Student Conservation Association.

Volunteers from the company's Automotive Seating headquarters in Plymouth, Mich., worked with the students on environmental "greening" projects. Activities included gardening; developing and maintaining trails; and removing invasive plant species.

"Johnson Controls is proud to continue our support of the Environmental Leadership Program in Detroit, as it underscores our commitment to sustainability and the community," said Byron Foster, executive vice president for Johnson Controls Automotive Seating. "Our employees enjoy having the opportunity to meet these bright, committed students who are making a difference in their neighborhoods."

In addition to the greening efforts, the students participated in a professional development day on August 9 at Johnson Controls' technical center in Plymouth. Students attended sessions about corporate culture, teamwork, career development and discussed topics such as ethics, diversity and engineering. 

"I liked that it was a hands-on work program. We cleared trails and removed invasive species," said student-participant Alvon Brown, a senior who has been in the ELP program for two years.

"The program is wonderful. The people are like a second family to me," said Rashad Littleton, a freshman at Marygrove College who has been in the ELP program for four years. "It was helpful to hear about people's career paths during the professional day at Johnson Controls too."

The Detroit ELP is a six-week program in which students work on projects that help bring awareness to the importance of environmental stewardship; enhance the community and surrounding areas; and teach invaluable leadership and teamwork skills. The projects they undertake are designed to meet the guidelines outlined within the Green Readiness Curriculum that emphasizes job readiness, green career pathways and ecological literacy.

ELP participants are selected for this highly competitive program based on their leadership, work ethic, civic engagement and interest and commitment to the environment.

About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 150,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2016, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #17 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in automotive seating components and systems. The company supports all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through its products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 200 locations worldwide, Johnson Controls is where its customers need it to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of Johnson Controls products, from single components to complete seat systems. With its global capability the company supplies more than 50 million cars per year. Johnson Controls pursues a spin-off of its Automotive Experience business. Following the separation, which is expected to take effect in October 2016, the Automotive Experience business will operate as the independent, publicly traded company Adient. Bruce McDonald will serve as the chairman and CEO of the new company.

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SOURCE Johnson Controls

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