Johnson Controls has partnered with Concordia University in Québec, Canada, to retrofit the 11-story Guy-De Maisonneuve Building as part of the university’s PLAN/NET ZERØ initiative. The project aims to reduce the building's energy consumption by up to 50% and establish it as a model for future upgrades across nearly 80 buildings on Concordia’s two campuses.
Under a 10-year outcome-based performance and service contract, Johnson Controls will implement a range of building technologies, including an air-source heat pump, heat recovery systems, and occupancy controls. These measures are designed to support Concordia’s goal of achieving three major certifications: LEED Existing Buildings, WELL Certified, and the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero-Carbon Building Standard, with recertification planned over the next decade.
The partnership includes the creation of a living lab through Concordia’s Next-Generation Cities Institute, where students, researchers, and industry experts will collaborate to test and scale technologies using the Johnson Controls OpenBlue platform. The initiative also supports green economic development in Québec and aims to strengthen the energy transition workforce.
“This partnership is a key milestone in our PLAN/NET ZERØ journey and reinforces our leadership in sustainable innovation, research, and urban transformation,” said Michael Di Grappa, Vice-President, Services and Sustainability, Concordia University.
“This initiative directly supports Québec’s efforts to cut carbon emissions while cutting energy costs,” added Dr. Russell Garcia, Director, Higher Education, North America at Johnson Controls.
