In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and communities. Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. stepped in and offered assistance and financial support to victims and continues to do so today, ten years later, with annual contributions.
To date, Johnson Controls has contributed more than $1 million to help fund the Tulane City Center, a nonprofit building design organization founded by the Tulane School of Architecture to rejuvenate its community.
In 2005, Johnson Controls helped Tulane University rebuild and resume classes within five months of Hurricane Katrina.
“Ten years ago we stood on a flooded campus – our students and staff were displaced throughout the country,” said Yvette Jones, executive vice president for university relations and development at Tulane. “Together with partners like Johnson Controls, we made a commitment to resume classes within five short months. Our community needed Tulane back up on its feet and we had to deliver on our promise.”
Johnson Controls worked with Tulane officials to provide the right resources for the university. Emergency generators supplied more than 12 megawatts of power to get restoration under way, and electrical and mechanical systems across the uptown campus were rebuilt. The company went on to improve the energy and operational efficiency throughout the uptown campus, and Johnson Controls employees worked onsite to ensure optimal building performance.
“Tulane needed help then, and New Orleans continues to need help today. We proudly have committed $1 million to help revitalize the community with projects that advance the lives of Louisiana residents and their families,” said Bill Jackson, president, Building Efficiency at Johnson Controls.
Tulane’s City Center, with the help of Johnson Controls’ financial commitment, has successfully implemented more than 80 projects that promote education and advocacy throughout the city of New Orleans.
Projects include the Grow Dat Youth Farm, an urban garden that produces more than 10,000 pounds of food for local residents each year, and the Parisite Skate Park, which has helped more than 5,000 young people channel their energy and athletic skills in a safe, recreational environment.
“Johnson Controls’ Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts is just one example of our commitment to supporting local communities where we live and operate,” said Karen Sommer, director of global public affairs for Johnson Controls. “Community involvement is at the core of our business. Our employees give freely of their time, skills and energy to improve and strengthen the hundreds of communities we all call home.”
According to Sommer, Johnson Controls is also a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, which provides emergency support services in timely and consistent ways throughout the world. Since 2012, the company has contributed more than $2 million to that program.
“We promise to make the community a better place, and we are committed to that promise,” Sommer said. “We are dedicated to helping others live in a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world.”
