New Johnson Controls Innovation Center achieves health and sustainability milestones

The new Innovation Center – Warren Johnson Engineering Lab (WJEL) of Johnson Controls in Glendale, Wisconsin, has achieved two awards for its focus on sustainable and healthy building design and operations, including being recognized with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold and WELL Gold certifications. The WJEL is believed to be the first LEED v4 New Construction project worldwide to have earned all available points within the materials and resources category. The certifications acknowledge the Johnson Controls mission of providing smart, healthy and sustainable buildings in its own facilities as well as those of its customers.

“This project pushed the boundaries of what’s possible,” says Dave Hubka, sustainability practice leader at EUA, the architecture and design firm on the project. “To be one of the only LEED v4 New Construction projects in the world to achieve a perfect score in the materials and resources category reflects not only technical precision, but a shared belief in sustainability as a driver of innovation.”

LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED Gold certification recognizes projects that surpass multiple rigorous sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water conservation, material sourcing and indoor environmental quality. Since the launch of the LEED v4 rating system in 2013, nearly 3,000 new construction projects have earned certification globally. However, none are known to have achieved all 13 points in the materials and resources category.

The engineering lab’s key sustainability features include:

• Native landscaping, reducing irrigation by 70%
• Six electric vehicle charging stations
• Water-efficient fixtures, earning maximum LEED water efficiency points
• Low VOC-emitting materials for optimal indoor air quality
• A 126kW solar array, projected to offset approximately 3% of the building's energy load
• Product transparency and optimization through Cradle to Cradle, Red List Free, and EPD-
  certified materials
• Over 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through embodied carbon analysis and the reuse of existing materials

The WELL Building Standard, administered by the International WELL Building Institute, measures building features that impact human health and well-being. To earn WELL Gold, the engineering lab includes:

• Access to daylight and views throughout primary work areas
• Advanced air filtration systems and continuous indoor air quality monitoring
• Ergonomically designed spaces to promote physical comfort
• Support for mental well-being through incorporation of prayer, wellness and focus rooms
• Showers, lockers and bicycle storage serving employees who use the adjacent Oak Leaf Trail

“This recognition affirms the care and collaboration that went into every design and construction decision,” said Kelsey Webb, architect and project manager at EUA. “Johnson Controls set ambitious goals, and together we delivered a space that supports both environmental and human health.”

The WJEL supports approximately 250 employees dedicated to developing and testing the next generation of commercial building controls with specialized areas for hardware and software engineering. The building combines advanced R&D space with flexible collaboration zones to accelerate innovation.

Johnson Controls and Weas Development partnered with EUA, Mortenson Construction and CBRE Global Commercial Real Estate Services to realize the new 109,000-square-foot facility. It includes four YORK® YMAE modular air-to-water heat pumps, a YORK® YVAA air-cooled chiller and a YORK® Custom Air Handling Unit, innovative products that are both efficient as well as environmentally sustainable. The building also features Metasys 14 Building Automation System and OpenBlue, the award-winning, AI-optimized smart building software from Johnson Controls.

“We’re excited to congratulate Johnson Controls on achieving WELL Gold for its Warren Johnson Engineering Lab — a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to health, performance and leadership by example,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO, International WELL Building Institute. “As a longtime innovator in healthy building solutions, Johnson Controls continues to raise the bar, and we’re proud to call them a valued partner in our shared mission to advance people-first places.”

In addition, Johnson Controls has committed to employee health and well-being by enrolling in the WELL at Scale program by working to apply WELL features, ratings and certifications across the organization.

About EUA
EUA is best known for designing environments that elevate people’s potential. More than 260+ employees in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Denver, and Atlanta demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to the markets, communities and clients they serve. The respected 118-year-old firm specializes in several markets, including advanced manufacturing +
industrial, community, healthcare, learning, living, science + technology and workplace. For additional information, please visit the firm’s website at eua.com.