Johnson Controls and Concordia University partner on net zero retrofit

• Partnership includes living lab to test technologies in real-world conditions and expected 50% reduction in energy consumption.

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 22, 2025 – Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, and Concordia University announced a partnership to retrofit the Guy-De Maisonneuve Building at Concordia University, a cornerstone initiative within the university’s PLAN/NET ZERØ. Through PLAN/NET ZERØ, Concordia will leverage its multifunction, public campus environment as a sandbox for exploration, co-creation and testing of new technologies and methods to measure energy efficiency and achieve net zero emissions. The 11-story, 59-year-old building will be the first in a series of upgrades across nearly 80 buildings on its two campuses — affirming the university’s commitment to sustainability with increased energy efficiency and smart decarbonization.

“Concordia University is proud to collaborate with Johnson Controls on this flagship initiative, which reflects our commitment to shaping the next generation of resilient, intelligent, and carbon-neutral campuses and cities,” said Michael Di Grappa, Vice-President, Services and Sustainability, Concordia University. “This partnership is a key milestone in our PLAN/NET ZERØ journey and reinforces our leadership in sustainable innovation, research, and urban transformation.”

Johnson Controls will help the university reduce its energy consumption by up to 50% through an outcome-based contract with a 10-year performance and service guarantee, with associated projected cost savings. Johnson Controls solutions at Concordia University will include an airsourced heat pump, heat recovery, occupancy controls and more. These upgrades will enable Concordia University to earn three prestigious certifications — LEED Existing Buildings, WELL Certified™, and Canada Green Building Council Zero-Carbon Building Standards™ — including recertifications for the next 10 years.

“This initiative directly supports Québec’s efforts to cut carbon emissions while cutting energy costs, and we are eager to begin this journey together to deliver lasting impact,’’ said Dr. Russell Garcia, Director, Higher Education, North America at Johnson Controls.

More than a renovation, this project enables co-innovation and applied research through collaboration between Concordia University students, researchers and industry partners through its Next-Generation Cities Institute and Johnson Controls OpenBlue smart building platform team. These efforts will be anchored in a newly created living lab where technologies will be tested, refined and scaled in real-world conditions. As part of the university’s PLAN/NET ZERØ, the lab will promote green economic development in Montreal and Québec while preparing future leaders for the energy transition.

“The role of universities in urban decarbonization is of paramount importance to Johnson Controls. They pave the way for innovation on all fronts providing economical value and help prepare the next generation of decision-makers for a decarbonized future,” Hassaan Khan, Managing Director, Johnson Controls Canada. “We’re proud to partner with Concordia University in its net zero journey.”

The site will serve as a blueprint for sustainable urban infrastructure, aligned with the goals of the Next-Generation Cities Institute at Concordia University, and will integrate with the broader energy grid – ultimately helping contribute to grid stability and long-term emissions reduction more broadly.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ben Hoekstra       
Direct: +1 414.630.0482
Email: media@jci.com

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About Concordia University
As a next-generation university, Concordia reimagines the future of higher education. Approximately 50,000 students benefit annually from its innovative approach to experiential learning and cross-functional research. Located in vibrant and multicultural Montreal, on the traditional lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, Concordia ranks among the top young universities in the world.  

Watch the video introduction to Plan/Net Zero: PLAN/NET ZERØ – Concordia University

About Johnson Controls:
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on social platforms.