Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2011: Building Sustainability Conference, the Middle East Sustainability Conference that focuses primarily on showcasing how contractors are implementing sustainable building practices was held yesterday in Riyadh at the Radison Blu Hotel, with Al Salem Johnson Controls as the platinum sponsor for the unique conference.

Building Sustainability is a platform where contractors from various parts of the region discuss and set new standards on how to reduce energy consumption throughout the lifespan of any project. This year's conference focuses on how contractors are leading the way to a sustainable future for the Kingdom's construction sector and discusses how energy efficiency is achieved throughout the sector.

One of the key remarks in Saudi's second Building Sustainability Conference was hosted by Al Salem Johnson Controls. Buddy Watters, General Manager for Controls at Al Salem Johnson Controls, delivered highly structured presentation which focused on how to implement smart solutions in new and existing facilities, and how to simultaneously incorporate advanced security measures in all kinds of buildings and projects, to ensure both safety and sustainability for facilities management. His keynote was focused on the need to have more smart buildings that provide a centralized environment for efficient facilities management whilst having an effective safety and security measures.

The key to achieving smart building lies in the integration of all property's systems into a single platform, allowing users to benefit from its services, simultaneously creating a comfortable work environment that would reflect positively on all employees, while reducing significant energy consumption.

Since 2010, Saudi Arabia is expected to spend SAR 150 billion, in the next eight years for the construction of Smart Buildings throughout the Kingdom. Studies showed that cooling, heating and lighting techniques used by smart buildings can help save reduce significant amount of energy and water consumption, consequently having a dramatic reduction in the overall waste produced as a result.

Engineer Basil Abdulaziz, Managing Director of Al Salem Johnson Controls, stated: "Al Salem Johnson Controls has been one of the key players in the implementation of the first government owned Smart Building in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Higher Education's new head office in Riyadh is the first governmental property that fully integrated smart technology in Saudi Arabia, giving it the ability to rapidly adapt to new applications and processes, while reducing its environmental impact."

Eng. Basil also added: "we were one of the lead contractors that helped achieve this project while showcasing innovative products and high-level services. This project represents a new concept to elevate services in which technology can positively affect different aspects of human life, while increasing productivity."

Mr. Watters stated that "The systems we provided have successfully decreased electricity consumption from lighting and central air conditioning system through the control units that work on a need to need basis. This emphasizes the importance and need of smart buildings and innovative technologies which should be adopted by all real estate developers as they are the future for interconnectivity among buildings both internally and externally."

Through Johnson Controls central control system at the MOHE headquarter, Air Conditioning and Ventilation Units, Building Management Systems, Sustainability Manager Systems, and Middle Wave systems; along with an internal and external monitoring system supported by CCTV cameras and Access Controls are interlinked together. Integrating these systems into a single platform allows the building operators and occupants to have better control and accurate real time information on how the building and all subsystems are functioning, therefore enabling a Smart Environment that provides the most secure, comfortable and sustainable outcome.

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About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 142,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Building Efficiency
Johnson Controls delivers products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs in buildings for more than one million customers. Operating from 500 branch offices in more than 150 countries, we are a leading provider of equipment, controls and services for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and security systems. We have been involved in more than 500 renewable energy projects including solar, wind and geothermal technologies. Our solutions have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 13.6 million metric tons and generated savings of $7.5 billion since 2000. Many of the world's largest companies rely on us to manage 1.5 billion square feet of their commercial real estate.

© Press Release 2011