Smart building solutions supplier Johnson Controls has announced it is opening a New OpenBlue Innovation Centre at its Cork HQ to spearhead research and development into sustainability solutions.
The new facility aims to provide a future-ready built environment for both local and global customers and is part of an international network of OpenBlue Innovation Centres working to create new ways to provide smart, healthy and sustainable spaces for customers.
“We are very pleased to be launching our OpenBlue Innovation Center in Cork. This centre will be focused on working with our customers to identify solutions for them to hit decarbonisation and renewable energy goals while optimising building performance,” said Tomas Brannemo, vice president and president, of Building Solutions EMEALA at Johnson Controls. “This centre will serve as our regional centre of excellence to bring clients to see Johnson Controls’ latest cutting-edge innovations on how to solve for net-zero”.
The research and development grant Johnson Controls obtained from the Irish government will assist with engineering activities at the centre, including developing a professional services hub for the EMEA and Latin America region over a two-year period.
The new hub will see the firm recruit 18 new research and development roles, adding to the 40 roles already in place working on the next-generation solutions for Johnson Controls and its customers.
The OpenBlue Innovation Centre will focus on the global priority to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector, which accounts for nearly 40% of global annual CO2 emissions.
“Our partnership with the Irish government through IDA Ireland shows how governments and industry can drive real change,” added Eamonn Hughes, vice president and general manager of Digital Solutions EMEALA at Johnson Controls. “The financial support will allow us to increase our headcount, which will contribute not only to the local economy but also to the development of our OpenBlue net-zero solutions globally to have a positive impact on climate change.”
