Johnson Controls Announces Call for Creative Energy Projects Entries

Johnson Controls has launched a program to engage kindergarten through 12th grade students across North America in developing ways to make the environment more energy efficient. The program, called Igniting Creative Energy, is a competition that provides national winners with valuable educational experiences including the opportunity to meet national leaders and energy policymakers in Washington, DC.

“Students play an important role in using energy resources wisely, which reinforces our business of providing energy efficiency solutions for consumers and businesses,” said C. David Myers, president, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls. “Each year, we continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm and ingenuity students and teachers exhibit in demonstrating ways to preserve the environment and conserve energy.”

Developed and funded by Johnson Controls and the National Energy Foundation, Igniting Creative Energy—now in its eighth year—is a competition that encourages students to learn more about energy and the environment.

According to Bob Poulson, president of the National Energy Foundation, “It’s vital to instill in students the idea that they can creatively contribute to conserving natural resources. It results in improved leadership, character development, and service to others, not to mention a better environment.”

Student entries should demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family, or group can do in their home, school, or community to conserve energy and help the environment. Students may choose to express their ideas in any creative format such as science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, videos, Web based applications, multimedia projects, etc. They may also submit recent service projects.

The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec. All entries are due by March 13, 2009; and winners will be announced April 17, 2009. A total of four grand prizes will be awarded to three students and one teacher. Three students, one in each grade cluster, whose work best addresses the Challenge criteria, will receive a hosted trip to Washington, DC for themselves and a parent or legal guardian. The teacher with the highest average score of student work from 15 or more qualifying entries will also receive a trip for two to Washington, DC. While in Washington, students will share their winning Challenge entries with government and energy leaders during the 20th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum, June 15-16, at the National Press Club.

In addition to the national winners, the highest scoring student in each state or province will be recognized. Schools may also be eligible to receive a $1,000 U.S. charitable donation to help beautify their school, educate their students, or impact their community.