Energy Fever: Timely Energy Legislation and International Climate Change Talks Draw Energy Forum Dignitaries

James Rogers, chairman, president and CEO, Duke Energy, talked about the need for energy efficiency to address a 40 percent projected demand for electricity by 2030.

In the midst of important congressional energy hearings and immediately after the G-8 discussion on climate change, energy industry leaders considered strategies for strengthening the global commitment to energy efficiency during the 18th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum held in June at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The event, which is co-sponsored by Johnson Controls and the U.S. Energy Association, drew more than 100 customers, with an additional 200 local, national and international dignitaries.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that energy policy is like the weather: everyone has an opinion on it… but expects someone else to do something about it,” noted U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman in his keynote address.

He added that the government’s role is to support private initiatives, maintain a stable legal and regulatory environment and bring people together. As part of that effort, Bodman used the Forum to announce a $40 million program to conduct research and actually implement energy-saving construction practices in new residential homes.

The Forum also was the launching point for a new ENERGY STAR® television public service announcement that will be distributed nationally to encourage people to look for the ENERGY STAR logo when they shop for appliances. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runs the program, and its logo is one of the most recognizable in the United States.

Wide-Ranging Viewpoints

The diversity of opinion on energy issues was presented by other distinguished speakers, including:

• James Rogers, chairman, president and CEO, Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power companies in the United States
• U.S. Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner, the ranking Republican on the newly created Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
• Kateri Callahan, executive director of the Alliance to Save Energy, one of the world’s premier nonprofit organizations promoting energy efficiency.
• Klaus Scharioth, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

“Economic losses through climate change could reach 20 per cent of global GDP if no action is taken, while the cost of taking immediate action would amount to about 1 per cent of GDP. The message is clear. We simply cannot afford to do nothing,” according to Klaus Scharioth, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Scharioth’s remarks were especially relevant, as Germany was the host for the recent Group of Eight summit at which major countries agreed to "seriously consider" halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and holding post-Kyoto climate change talks through the United Nations. Reducing energy use also reduces harmful emissions.

Scharioth said the European Union and United States should work together to combat climate change, but that China, India and other countries need to be engaged.

"Leaving behind a healthy planet for our children without devastating floods, droughts, hurricanes and rising sea levels is not just a moral obligation," he said. "Limiting global warming also makes good economic sense."

His observations were well-received by the audience, which included several students who attended as winners of the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge. Johnson Controls co-sponsors the national school competition along with USEA, the National Energy Foundation and, new this year, Philips Lighting.

Daring to Commit

U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman outlined his commitment to having the Department of Energy play a lead role in helping government agencies achieve greater efficiencies and implementing new technologies and policies that will make it a model for the entire government and the private sector.

In addition to the featured guest speakers, the forum hosted a panel with top-level executives who discussed the day’s theme, “Daring to Commit.” Acting as moderator for the panel was Christine Ervin, president of Christine Ervin Company and former assistant secretary of energy. The panelists include Randall Moorhead, vice president, government affairs, Philips Electronics, North America; Frank O’Brien-Bernini, vice president, Owens Corning; and Richard Wells, vice president, energy, The Dow Chemical Company. They brought a global perspective on companies that have dared to take the lead on energy efficiency in their own operations.

The 2007 Energy Leadership Awards also were presented, recognizing current and former public officials who have promoted and made significant contributions to energy efficiency. Among the recipients were U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici of New Mexico for the Congressional Award. Receiving the Mayor’s Award this year was Mayor Mary Manross of Scottsdale, Arizona. Robert H. Jindracek of the Broward County School District and Todd S. Garrison, Deputy Director for Property Management in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania were recognized for their efforts and presented with the Public Service Award.

Media Coverage Expands Message

Promoting energy efficiency and the technology that supports it, is one of the priorities of U. S. Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), who serves on the newly created Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

Because energy is such an important topic, more than a dozen reporters covered the Forum, and Bloomberg TV aired Secretary Bodman’s speech live on its website. Additionally, representatives from Johnson Controls and USEA were featured on radio interviews across the country during the week of the Forum to promote energy efficiency.

For the first time, Johnson Controls power solutions was represented at the event, displaying materials about the batteries it produces for hybrid vehicles.

“Johnson Controls is committed to sustainability across all lines of its business,” says Dave Myers, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency president. “It was a great day to be out in front of such a powerful audience.”

Forum 2007 Press Releases:

The United States Energy Association is comprised of approximately 150 public and private energy-related organizations, corporations and government agencies. It represents the United States in the World Energy Council. Visit www.usea.org.

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.