MILWAUKEE, Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls stood with Tulane University to help quickly rebuild and resume classes within five months after Hurricane Katrina's devastation in 2005. Ten years later, Johnson Controls is proudly continuing its commitment to Tulane and the New Orleans community with annual donations, totaling $1 million, to help fund the Tulane City Center, a non-profit building design organization founded by the Tulane School of Architecture to rejuvenate its community.
"Ten years ago we stood on a flooded campus - our students and staff were displaced throughout the country," said Yvette Jones, executive vice president for university relations and development, Tulane University. "Together with partners like Johnson Controls, we made a commitment to resume classes within five short months. Our community needed Tulane back up on its feet and we had to deliver on our promise."
Johnson Controls and university officials quickly activated the right resources to ensure a successful spring semester. Emergency generators supplied more than 12 megawatts of power to get restoration under way, and electrical and mechanical systems across the uptown campus were rebuilt. The company went on to improve the energy and operational efficiency throughout the uptown campus and Johnson Controls employees continue to work onsite to ensure optimal building performance.
"Tulane needed help then, and New Orleans continues to need help today. We proudly have committed $1 million to help revitalize the community with projects that advance the lives of Louisiana residents and their families," says Bill Jackson, president, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls.
The company's financial commitment helps fund the Tulane City Center's education, advocacy and project design services throughout New Orleans. Each year, the Tulane City Center rigorously reviews and selects new design projects. Now in the sixth year of Johnson Controls' annual giving, the Tulane City Center has successfully implemented more than 80 projects, including the Grow Dat Youth Farm, an urban garden that's produced more than 10,000 pounds of healthy food each year for local residents while teaching young leaders valuable life skills. Johnson Controls funds also helped open Parisite Skate Park, named after its proximity to Paris Avenue, which has helped more than 5,000 young residents channel their energy and athletic skills in a safe recreational environment.
"Every year our students embark on new design efforts to give back to our community, while getting real world experience in the architectural field. It's a win-win for everyone that helps improve New Orleans one project at a time," said Kenneth Schwartz, dean, Tulane School of Architecture.
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 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 seating components and 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 2015, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.
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