World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

OpenBlue Innovation Centre opens in Cork

IRELAND: Johnson Controls has opened an OpenBlue Innovation Centre in its global HQ at One Albert Quay, Cork, Ireland.

OpenBlue is Johnson Controls cutting-edge technology suite of connected AI solutions and services for operational energy efficiency, occupant comfort and sustainability.

The OpenBlue Innovation Centre aims to create a future-ready built environment for both local and global customers and is part of an international network of OpenBlue Innovation Centres which Johnson Controls says is working to pioneer new ways to provide smart, healthy and sustainable spaces for customers.

“This centre will serve as our regional centre of excellence to bring clients to see Johnson Controls’ latest cutting-edge innovations on how to solve for net zero,” announced Tomas Brannemo, vice president and president, Building Solutions EMEALA at Johnson Controls.

Fitted with the most advanced Johnson Controls building technology solutions, the OpenBlue Innovation Centre will serve as a showcase of the latest and most innovative solutions from the company in a live environment. 

The research and development grant Johnson Controls received from the Irish government will support engineering activities at the centre, including developing a professional services hub for the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America region over a two-year period. 

Johnson Controls’ research and development presence has grown substantially in recent years and it is expected that 18 new research and development roles will be created as a result of the OpenBlue Innovation Centre, in addition to 40 roles already in place working on the next generation solutions for Johnson Controls and its customers.

Research and development at the OpenBlue Innovation Centre will focus on the global priority to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector, which currently accounts for nearly 40% of global annual CO2 emissions.

“Our partnership with the Irish government through IDA Ireland shows how governments and industry can drive real change. The financial support will allow us to increase our headcount, which will contribute not only to the local economy, but also to the development of our OpenBlue net zero solutions globally to have a positive impact on climate change,” said Eamonn Hughes, vice president and general manager, Digital Solutions EMEALA at Johnson Controls.

Welcoming the investment, IDA Ireland’s Head of Engineering and Green Economy, Eileen Sharpe added: “IDA Ireland is committed to supporting the work of world class companies such as Johnson Controls to utilise the latest developments in AI, Data Analytics and Cloud Architecture to build new technologies to enable a more sustainable world. This is a most welcome investment for Cork and for Ireland and is in line with our strategy aim to develop Ireland as a leading location for Sustainability Engineering solutions.”

Related stories:

Indoor air quality as a service18 January 2022
USA: Johnson Controls has launched its OpenBlue Indoor Air Quality solution as a Service for buildings, by delivering energy-efficient, clean air outcomes with an innovative financing model. Read more… 

Johnson Controls acquires edge AI software13 January 2022
USA: Johnson Controls has completed the acquisition of FogHorn, a California-based developer of edge AI software for the industrial and commercial IoT solutions. Read more…

AI solution drives clean air, energy and comfort26 October 2021
IRELAND: Johnson Controls has introduced what it claims is an industry-first, AI driven, all-in-one, digital solution to manage clean air, energy, sustainability, comfort and cost in buildings. Read more…

Latest News

28th March 2024

Copeland releases 50hp scroll in Asia

CHINA: US compressor manufacturer Copeland is to launch a 50hp scroll for heat pump OEMs in Asia.
27th March 2024

Daikin redesigns Perfera R32 air conditioner

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced a next generation All Seasons Perfera R32 air conditioner with redesigned indoor and outdoor units, making them easy to install and use.
27th March 2024

Press fittings go large

UK: Conex Bänninger has expanded its >B< MaxiPro range of press fittings with the addition of a 1⅝in fitting.
27th March 2024

Distilling the zero carbon benefits of heat pumps

IRELAND: An Irish distiller is now producing carbon neutral whiskeys following the installation of high temperature heat pumps from Finnish manufacturer Oilon.
27th March 2024

Daikin acquires Danish distributor

DENMARK: Daikin has acquired its Danish HVAC distributor BKF-Klima A/S from Swedish refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler Beijer Ref.
26th March 2024

Low carbon specialist moves to new premises

UK: Strong growth has prompted Hull-based BREng, the building services company specialising in low-carbon air conditioning and heat pump projects, to move to new offices in the city centre.