Johnson Controls honored for its water conservation efforts in South Carolina

MILWAUKEE, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, the industry leader in automotive lead acid battery recycling, was honored for a different kind of recycling at one of its battery recycling plants – saving water.

Johnson Controls' first battery U.S. recycling plant located in Florence, S.C. was honored at the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE) Awards Luncheon with the grand prize in Industrial Treatment and the W. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr. Industrial Waste Management Medal for its onsite integrated storm water and wastewater treatment facility.

"Sustainability is a core value of Johnson Controls and the team is proud to be recognized for our efforts to ensure the protection of the Great Pee Dee River and the city of Florence," said Tim Lafond, environmental engineering risk management director, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

Johnson Controls partnered with CDM Smith, which designed and built the treatment facility, to ensure it protected the community, the environment and allowed for water reuse with reduced dependence on the municipal water supply.

"Our state-of-the-art facility supports our company's commitment to the environments where we work and live," said Bruce Beach, operations vice president, Components, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

The environmentally friendly facility treats wastewater, generated by the recycling center, to meet permit limits for safe discharge to the city sewer system. The design meets the unique zero discharge requirement by collecting storm water from facility roofs, equipment and pavement and holding it in a 2.3 million-gallon impoundment where it is reused to supply the plant's process water needs. It was built to contain water from a 100-year storm event. To date, 7,000,000 gallons of water have been conserved.

The Florence Recycling Center, which opened in September 2012, is the first facility of its kind to be granted an air permit in more than 20 years, and features world-class environmental controls through a range of advanced and proven technologies.

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 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. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles.  Our 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one-third of the world's lead-acid batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers.  Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles.  We were the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles.  Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.   

About CDM Smith
CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide. As a full-service consulting, engineering, construction, an operations firm, we deliver exceptional client service, quality results and enduring value across the entire project life cycle. Visit us at cdmsmith.com.

SOURCE Johnson Controls