Johnson Controls has opened an innovation centre in Glendale, Wisconsin, to advance smart, healthy and sustainable building technologies.

The Warren Johnson Engineering Lab is a 10,000-square-metre facility that houses 250 employees advancing smart building technologies and sustainability.

Since the company’s founding in 1885, innovation has been at the heart of Johnson Controls. The newly completed facility marks a milestone for the company, demonstrating its commitment to innovation, sustainability and the Milwaukee metro community. The engineering facility focuses on hardware and software engineering, including the OpenBlue (www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/openblue-ppc) suite of digital products, building automation systems and controls, and materials testing.

“By providing a dedicated space for experimentation and collaboration, we are equipping our engineering team with the tools and environment they need to create ground-breaking buildings here in the Milwaukee community,” said George Oliver, Johnson Controls CEO. “Through their work, we will accelerate the development of new technologies that improve building efficiency, safety and sustainability, and meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.”

Located across from the current Johnson Controls campus in Glendale, Wisconsin, the facility is designed to meet today’s engineering and testing needs, while remaining flexible enough to accommodate future advancements. The modern design fosters cross-team planning and the exchange of ideas, ensuring a collaborative environment that drives innovation.

It is equipped with technology and resources that will enable teams to develop and test building controls. Some of the key features include testing facilities for hardware and software integration, AI and machine-learning tools for developing smart buildings, and collaborative workspaces to foster creativity and teamwork.

The facility also incorporates low-impact development practices including Johnson Controls equipment, stormwater retention, EV charging stations, and technologies focused on efficiency and enhanced air filtration. The facility features sustainable construction methods, such as reductions in embodied carbon through building reuse and low construction waste.

Johnson Controls (www.johnsoncontrols.com) and Weas Development collaborated with Mortenson Construction, Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA), and CBRE Global Commercial Real Estate Services to bring this project to life.