MILWAUKEE — Johnson Controls announced that its 1.3 million square-foot HVAC manufacturing plant in Wichita, Kansas, is now powered by 100 percent wind energy. The plant manufactures residential heating and air conditioning equipment for the YORK, Luxaire, Coleman, and Champion brands. With this switch to renewable energy, the plant’s electricity is offset by zero carbon electricity, which represents 19 percent of Johnson Controls U.S. manufacturing electricity consumption.

“With the Wichita plant now operating on 100 percent local wind power, this is not only a major achievement for Johnson Controls, but also the community,” said Joe Oliveri, vice president and general manager, Global Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls. “This change has dramatically reduced emissions and the plant’s environmental impact for many years to come. This is a prime example of Johnson Controls commitment to sustainability and a healthier planet.”

Johnson Controls Wichita plant is receiving its wind energy from Evergy’s Soldier Creek Wind Farm, a 300-megawatt wind farm in Nemaha County, Kansas, that was completed in November 2020. The energy cost savings projections from the wind power agreement are expected to be approximately $2.7 million over the life of the 20-year contract – the equivalent of taking 100,000 passenger vehicles off the road. In addition, Johnson Controls will be installing improved capacitor banks to more efficiently consume the plant’s wind energy. This will lower the plant’s energy consumption by nearly 5%, equaling an additional energy savings of $3 million over the next 20 years.

“Evergy applauds Johnson Controls leadership in sustainability by using local, renewable energy,” said Jeff Martin, vice president, community and customer operations, Evergy. “This commitment helps grow wind development in our area, driving investment in local communities and creating green jobs.”

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