Going green means recognition, increased sales for Johnson Controls

It's not easy being green, but a corporate-wide push to do so has paid off for Johnson Controls. The company, a Fortune 70 company that creates smart environments for vehicles, homes and workplaces, recently was recognized for its leadership in sustainability in the 2007 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). This is the third consecutive year Johnson Controls' sustainability initiatives and results have been cited in the DJSI's World category and second consecutive year in its North American category.

The company also has released its 2007 Business and Sustainability report. The report outlines the company's new vision for "a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world," highlights its global commitment to the environment and provides updated financials. The report may be viewed online at the company's Web site.

But the company's green initiatives translate into more than accolades; Johnson Controls recently posted its 61st consecutive year of increased sales, 17th consecutive year of earnings increases and 32nd consecutive year of dividend increases. The report covers significant achievements that occurred during the year and also details Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability through a wide variety of corporate citizenship initiatives and environmental stewardship programs around the globe.

"Sustainability extends beyond including the environment in marketing collateral or campaigns; it's the core of our business," says Charles A. Harvey, vice president of diversity and public affairs for Johnson Controls.

The company's commitment to sustainability has not only contributed to its performance in 2007, but has earned it industry recognition. For example, the company:

• helped make lead-acid automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the United States — nearly double the rate of recycling for aluminum cans and paper;
• is rapidly becoming the leading independent supplier of hybrid battery systems that make vehicles more energy efficient; and
• was one of the first companies to achieve LEED certification for its Building Efficiency headquarters in Milwaukee, eventually upgrading to LEED Gold for Existing Buildings. The company is currently rebuilding its global headquarters in Milwaukee to LEED Platinum-level standards, the highest level of energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive design certification.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are updated annually according to a systematic corporate sustainability assessment of the largest 2500 companies around the world. Companies are measured against economic, environmental and social criteria including corporate governance, branding, climate change and labor practices.

For more information about Johnson Controls, visit the company's Web site.