News

Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 11, 2024 – Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan) won the Red Dot Award for Design Concept 2024 for its Air Conditioning Unit design concept that features a multipurpose digital display.

For its sleek form factor, the concept was a winner in the Design Concept, Heating and Air Conditioning category. The exploratory “airPure” concept consists of a minimalist round-shaped body with a multifunctional, wall-mounted digital display.  

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning developed the airPure concept with future needs of generation Z homeowners in mind, who aspire to turn their homes into more personalized and attractive spaces.  This compact form factor seeks to give the air conditioner a more central role in the user’s lives while enhancing the user experience.

When the AC is on, the OLED screen can be used as an interface for the air conditioning system, enabling temperature control and/or indoor air quality monitoring. Air flow is controlled with retractable air outlets surrounding the unit body and hidden behind the display.  This unique structure is not only for visual purposes but more for better user experience of comfort. Users can control the room’s temperature without being annoyed by the wind directly blowing on them.  The air from the unit diffuses all around the room – along the wall, ceiling and floor, and that’s why users will not feel direct airflow.

The digital display can also serve multiple home décor purposes. For example, it could serve as a large ambient light to customize the room’s atmosphere, a picture frame, or even a mirror. 

“The airPure concept shows the potential of bringing air conditioning units into other home category objects, beyond its primary function as an air blower”, explains Lawrence Chu, Global UX Design Director at Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. “Through airPure, air conditioning units can touch many facets of our lifestyle, promising experiences of comfort while being unobtrusive to the environment. It may even change how air conditioners are seen in the future, placing much more emphasis and importance on them in our living spaces.”

The Red Dot Award is a German international design award for product, brand, and communication designs and concepts, and continues to recognize the best creative works from brands spanning different industries. 

While the ‘airPure’ concept is still under exploration stage, it sets a unique vision for the future of air conditioners. 

For more details on the award-winning design concept, please visit: https://www.red-dot.org/project/airpure-71813

About Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global air conditioning manufacturer established in October 2015 as a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Hitachi Appliances, Inc. (now Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.). Approximately 15,000 employees have offered high-quality residential and commercial products, services, and solutions to our customers. We have released the most diverse HVAC products in the global market, including ductless solutions, chillers and residential air conditioning solutions that exceed customer expectations at all times.

Divestiture Advances Johnson Controls’ Transformation into a Pure-Play Provider of Comprehensive Solutions for Commercial Buildings

Transaction Valued At $8.1 Billion; JCI Consideration of $6.7 Billion

Company Provides Preliminary 2024 Third Fiscal Quarter Earnings Update

CORK, Ireland, July 23, 2024  – Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE: JCI) (“Johnson Controls” or the “Company”), the global leader in smart, healthy, safe and sustainable buildings, today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its Residential and Light Commercial (R&LC) HVAC business in an all-cash transaction to the Bosch Group (“Bosch”).  The transaction includes the North America Ducted business and global Residential joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”), of which Johnson Controls owns 60% and Hitachi owns 40%. The total transaction is valued at $8.1 billion, and the Company’s portion of the consideration is approximately $6.7 billion. As part of the transaction, Hitachi will retain certain ductless HVAC assets located in Shimizu, Japan.

Following the close of the transaction, the Johnson Controls portfolio will be substantially simplified with enhanced strategic focus, aligned with the Company’s objective to be a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings. Johnson Controls delivers a unique value proposition to customers, with its unmatched service and digital offerings that improve commercial building efficiency and reduce operational costs through its OpenBlue digital platform. The transaction represents a significant portion of the Company’s previously announced strategic evaluation of non-core product lines.

“We are pleased to have reached this pivotal milestone, which accelerates our transformation and positions Johnson Controls as a simpler, higher-growth company,” said Johnson Controls Chairman and CEO George Oliver. “Johnson Controls is already benefiting from our transformation, which enables the unparalleled value proposition we provide to customers, and exposure to rapidly accelerating demand in the data center market and other key macro-economic tailwinds. We believe Johnson Controls is well-positioned for its next phase of growth to deliver enhanced, long-term value to shareholders.”

Johnson Controls’ R&LC HVAC business, which is reported in the Global Products segment, engineers and manufactures ducted and ductless HVAC equipment and components globally for both residential and light commercial applications. In fiscal 2023, the R&LC HVAC business generated approximately $4.5 billion in consolidated revenue. Following the close of the transaction, the R&LC HVAC business will continue to provide residential and light commercial HVAC products under the York and Hitachi brands as well as Coleman, Champion, Luxaire, Guardian, Evcon, TempMaster and others.

Christian Fischer, the deputy chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, said: “Johnson Controls’ Residential & Light Commercial business has a consistent track record of excellence within the HVAC industry. Together with our future colleagues in the acquired business, we want to seize the huge opportunities offered by the market for the further growth of this new unit. The acquired entities will strengthen Bosch’s Home Comfort Group in an extremely attractive segment and will become part of the Bosch core business.”

Transaction Details and Use of Proceeds

The total consideration of approximately $6.7 billion to Johnson Controls includes approximately $4.6 billion for its North America Ducted business representing a multiple of 16.7x fiscal 2023 EBITDA and includes approximately $2.1 billion for its interest in the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture representing a multiple of 7.5x fiscal 2023 EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be accretive to profit margins adjusted for the impact of equity income.

Net cash proceeds to Johnson Controls is expected to be approximately $5.0 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.

Consistent with its capital allocation policy, Johnson Controls expects to pay down debt to the extent required to retain its investment grade rating with the remaining proceeds available to be returned to shareholders.

In conjunction with its ongoing transformation and this transaction, the Company has begun working on a comprehensive restructuring plan to minimize dilution post-close.  The plan will utilize the work that has been done on functionalization over the past few quarters and leveraging a more streamlined business model focused on growing the Company’s commercial buildings solutions franchise.

The transaction is expected to close in approximately 12 months, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Company expects to report the operating results of the R&LC HVAC business in discontinued operations beginning in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024.

Johnson Controls Fiscal Q3 2024 Earnings Update

Johnson Controls expects 2024 third fiscal quarter adjusted earnings per share to be slightly ahead of its previously issued guidance range. The Company will report third fiscal quarter earnings on July 31, 2024.

Advisors

Centerview Partners and Citi served as financial advisors to Johnson Controls, Simpson Thacher served as legal advisor, and Joele Frank served as investor relations advisor.

Preliminary Information

Information concerning 2024 third fiscal quarter adjusted earnings per share presented in this press release is preliminary and may change. Johnson Controls financial closing procedures with respect to the preliminary financial information provided in this press release is not yet complete, and as a result, Johnson Controls final adjusted earnings per share may vary materially from the preliminary outlook included in this press release. Johnson Controls undertakes no obligation to update or supplement the information provided in this press release until Johnson Controls releases its financial statements for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2024. The preliminary adjusted earnings per share outlook included in this press release reflects Johnson Controls current estimates based on information available as of the date of this press release and has been prepared by management. This preliminary outlook should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for any future periods. This preliminary outlook could be impacted by the effects of financial closing procedures, final adjustments, and other developments.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains disclosures regarding adjusted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP performance measure. Management believes that adjusted earnings per share is useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results and business trends of Johnson Controls. Management may also use adjusted earnings per share as a guide in forecasting, budgeting and long-term planning processes and for compensation purposes. Adjusted earnings per share should be considered in addition to, and not as replacements for, GAAP EPS the most comparable GAAP measure.

Johnson Controls International plc Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  

Johnson Controls International plc has made statements in this press release that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the sale of the RL&C business, the satisfaction of closing conditions and the likelihood of consummation of the transaction, the expected time period to consummate the transaction, the anticipated benefits of the transaction, Johnson Controls strategy, the anticipated use of proceeds from the transaction, Johnson Controls restructuring plans and Johnson Controls future financial performance. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls’ control, that could cause its actual results and performance, including the expected impact of the divestiture of the RL&C business, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, include, among others, risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the divestiture, including the possibility that expected benefits of portfolio simplification will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time frame; delays in the closing of the transaction due to regulatory approvals or other closing conditions; unfavorable reaction to the divestiture by customers, competitors, suppliers and employees, disruption from the transaction, making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; significant transaction costs; and other unknown liabilities.

Other factors that could cause Johnson Controls’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed include, among others, risks related to: Johnson Controls ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance and meet applicable quality and regulatory requirements; the ability to manage general economic, business and capital market conditions, including the impact of recessions, economic downturns and global price inflation; fluctuations in the cost and availability of public and private financing for its customers; the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging technologies, ideas and trends in the marketplace, including the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence; the ability to manage macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, including shortages impacting the availability of raw materials and component products and the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas; managing the risks and impacts of potential and actual security breaches, cyberattacks, privacy breaches or data breaches, including business, service, or operational disruptions, the unauthorized access to or disclosure of data, financial loss, reputational damage, increased response and remediation costs, legal, and regulatory proceedings or other unfavorable outcomes; Johnson Controls ability to remediate its material weakness; maintaining and improving the capacity, reliability and security of Johnson Controls enterprise information technology infrastructure; the ability to manage the lifecycle cybersecurity risk in the development, deployment and operation of Johnson Controls digital platforms and services; changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including economic sanctions, tariffs, foreign exchange and capital controls, import/export controls or other trade restrictions; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies, or interpretations that impact Johnson Controls business operations or tax status; the ability to adapt to global climate change, climate change regulation and successfully meet Johnson Controls public sustainability commitments; risks and uncertainties related to the settlement with a nationwide class of public water systems concerning the use of AFFF; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; Johnson Controls ability to manage disruptions caused by catastrophic or geopolitical events, such as natural disasters, armed conflict, political change, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments; the ability of Johnson Controls to drive organizational improvement; any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions; the ability to hire and retain senior management and other key personnel; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; labor shortages, work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; and the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. Investors are therefore cautioned not to place undue resilience on any forward- looking statements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson Controls business is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Johnson Controls Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2023 fiscal year filed with the SEC, which is available at www.sec.gov and www.johnsoncontrols.com under the “Investors” tab. Shareholders, potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

About Johnson Controls

At Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.

About the Bosch Group*

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its business operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. Through its business operations, the company wants to help give technological shape to universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, and connectivity, as well as an orientation to sustainability. Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness.

Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.

About Hitachi, Ltd.*

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. 

For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at  https://www.hitachi.com.

* Certain information contained herein has been obtained from third parties, and in certain cases have not been updated through the date hereof. While these third-party sources are believed to be reliable, Johnson Controls does not give any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, timeliness or completeness of any of such information, assumes no responsibility for independent verification of such information, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability thereof.

Investor Contacts:
Jim Lucas
Direct: 1-414-340-1752
Email: jim.lucas@jci.com

Media Contact:
Danielle Canzanella
Direct : 1-414-524-8687
Email : media@jci.com

The airCloud Go app has been awarded the iF Design Award for its exceptional User Experience (UX) design. airCloud Go aims to revolutionize how users interact with their indoor environment. Crafted meticulously through extensive research, including mood boards, trend studies, and valuable insights from users and industry experts, our goal was to create an app that transcends mere functionality and delivers an intuitive, user-friendly experience.  The awarded version of the airCloud Go app released in the People’s Republic of China, will be adopted globally soon.

In order to deep dive into the story behind the awarded design, we spoke to Lawrence Chu, Director of Product Design (UIUX & Industrial Design) at Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, who leads the airCloud Go app design.

Tell us about the awarded airCloud Go app and its key features.

Our previous air conditioner app, while functional, lacked the spark of surprise and delight that can elevate a user experience. We challenged ourselves: why should controlling your home comfort feel so mundane? This ignited a mission to create a truly engaging user journey.  Our goal wasn’t just meeting basic needs (MVP), we wanted to create a memorable, playful, and intuitive experience that would make users smile and feel a connection with the app.

We understood that a good product experience is more than just a collection of features; it’s a holistic approach.  This meant streamlining the onboarding process to significantly speed up login and get users up and running in seconds.  We also embarked on a complete aesthetic overhaul, ensuring the app’s design resonated with our target customer segments.  Finally, by integrating a wider range of compatible devices, we expanded our reach to serve a broader audience.  Imagine cleaning and organizing your house – that’s what we did with the app’s information architecture.  We reorganized the interface design to align with our brand language, making it user-friendly, visually appealing, and adaptable to a wider range of devices.  To make it more fun and inviting, embedding micro-interactions, like weather widgets, because we understood the strong connection people have between weather and their desired air comfort through our research.

What was the biggest challenge to complete the design of airCloud Go, and how did you solve it?

One of the biggest challenges in developing airCloud Go was overcoming the initial mindset that a simple air conditioning app had reached its peak functionality.  Our previous app worked well, but it lacked the user engagement and emotional connection we envisioned.  This hurdle had two parts: internal resistance and understanding the user’s emotional connection with their air conditioner.

Internally, we had to challenge the assumption that an AC app couldn’t be more than utilitarian.  We questioned ourselves: is this the best possible user experience we can create?  This critical self-reflection pushed us to explore innovative design solutions and prioritize user engagement.

Externally, skepticism existed about the role of emotion in an air conditioning application.  Traditionally, these apps focus purely on functionality.  However, user research played a crucial role in overcoming this hurdle.  It revealed a strong desire for a more engaging experience. We discovered that people don’t just want to control their air conditioner; they want to feel comfortable, relaxed, and in control of their environment.  This insight  forced us to redefine success and  focus on creating a user experience that was not only functional but also delightful and catered to the user’s emotional well-being.

Tell us what you think is most important for UI/UX design.

In my opinion, the most important aspect of UI/UX design is empathy for the user.  This translates into a deep understanding of the user’s needs, goals, and mental models.  A successful design prioritizes the user throughout the entire design process. This means not just focusing on aesthetics or the latest trends, but on how users will interact with the product, what their pain points are, and how the design can address them effectively.

By practicing people-centered design, we can create products that are not only functional and usable but also intuitive, enjoyable, and even delightful to use.  The airCloud Go app exemplifies this principle.  Through extensive user research and testing, we were able to identify opportunities to simplify the user journey, improve discoverability of features, and create a more engaging experience that goes beyond basic control functionality.

What originally motivated you to become a product designer? 

Many designers might stumble into the field, but for me, it was a deliberate choice. My background in design always fascinated me with the human experience side of things. However, it was becoming a product designer that truly ignited my passion for empathy. This field has challenged me to see the world through the user’s lens and care deeply about the problems they face. It’s a constant learning process, but with each solved problem, I feel like I’m making the world a slightly better place. The interesting thing is, design doesn’t just make me a better designer; it pushes me to be a better human being for others. That’s what truly motivates me: using design to create a more meaningful world, one thoughtful solution at a time.

What is your future vision on UI and UX design?  Why do you have that vision?

My vision for the future of UI/UX design lies in two key areas: seamless integration with technology and a hyper-focus on personalization.

Seamless integration with technology will involve interfaces that become even more intuitive and responsive to user needs. Imagine an air conditioner app that automatically adjusts settings based on your location, preferences, and even real-time weather data.  This level of integration would create a truly effortless user experience where the technology fades into the background and simply works for you.

Hyper-personalization is the other pillar of my vision.  Imagine an app that learns your habits and anticipates your needs.  An air conditioner app that knows your preferred sleep temperature and automatically adjusts the settings before bedtime, or one that suggests energy-saving settings based on your typical usage patterns. This level of personalization would create a user experience that feels truly tailored to you, enhancing your comfort and convenience even further.

The driving force behind this vision is the belief that UI/UX design has the potential to disappear into the background, be silent as promised by our Duality philosophy, becoming an energy of harmony that empowers us to interact with the world around us in a more meaningful way. We should strive to create interfaces that are so intuitive and people that they become an extension of ourselves, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.

These are just some of my thoughts on the future of UI/UX design. It’s an exciting field constantly evolving, and I’m eager to see how it continues to shape our interactions with technology in the years to come.

Lawrence Chu: Director of Product Design (UIUX & Industrial Design), Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning

Lawrence is committed to design excellence and focuses on crafting digital and physical interactive product experiences that harmoniously blend business objectives, user needs, technological advancements, and environmental considerations.

Throughout his career as a designer and innovator, he has worked with companies small and large globally in various categories and in various roles. Lawrence Chu’s design journey has helped develop a broad portfolio of patented and proprietary design innovations that shaped the growth of companies in various B2B and B2C product categories. His design career has evolved in contributing to design from being a Principal Designer, to Design Management and a Design Educator. Since 2008, he has been imparting his knowledge and passion for design thinking and creative processes at the School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he also holds a Master of Innovation Design Strategies degree.

Lawrence Chu’s linkedin profile

*Image for illustration purposes only. Appearance of the actual product is different by region.

Tokyo, Japan (January 19, 2023)– Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan) announces the release of the air365 Max designed with seamless comfort, energy efficiency, and easily workable features. The air365 Max is an end-to-end solution for HVAC professionals, architects, and building owners, and some models will be available in South East Asia, Latin America and Middle East in January, and later becoming available in Australia/New Zealand, Europe, North America and other countries/regions.

Built with best-in-class efficiency up to an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 5.60*¹, the air365 Max offers efficient energy consumption by Hitachi’s original SmoothDrive 2.0 technology which helps reduce running costs during part-load operation which also leads to reduced CO2 emissions. In addition, air365 Max requires 12%*² less refrigerant compared to the conventional Hitachi VRF.

The air365 Max with wider operation temperature range provides seamless comfort for building occupants by solving problems such as unstable temperatures, cold/hot air drafts, room temperature seasonal changes, and more. Users can expect constant regulated indoor temperature through the SmoothDrive 2.0 technology allowing for precise temperature monitoring.

This outdoor unit (ODU) has a NFC touching point on the ODU surface. With Hitachi’s hardware and smart app features working together, HVAC professionals, architects, and building owners can see the air365 Max as a complete solution saving time and money at every stage from design to maintenance. The air365 Max can be easily operated with the airCloud Pro and easily installed and maintained with airCloud Tap.

The following features are also available:    

・Enhanced air365 Max heating operation. Ambient temperature of the available heating operation changed to -25℃ from -20℃ with a new type of heat exchanger. air365 Max is suggested to semi-cold regions and will be introduced to cold regions as well.    
・Mitigated local piping restriction. Simplified formula of additional refrigerant charge. Easily installable without the inconvenience of piping restrictions.    
・The Cooling Only Model will also be provided to South East Asia, the Middle East, and other countries/regions.

*1 EER5.60 is applicable for the following models:
RAS-080HNCBLW        for SEA market
RAS-080RNCCLW        for LA market(380V)
RAS-080RNCCRW       for LA market(220V)

*2  Comparison of (for a system equivalent to 16HP class (45.0kW)) Between [RAS-FSNS previous model VRF of 5years ago] VS [air365 Max RAS-HNCC**]
Simulation Condition:
16HP class ODU (45.0kW) *1unit, 3HP class IDU (8.0kW) * 5units, Total piping length; 120m, IDU connection ratio: 94%

Tokyo, Japan (October 31, 2022)– Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan) wins the Red Dot Brands and Communication Design Award, a German international design award for product, brand, and communication designs and concepts, for Hitachi airCloud Select and the Hitachi Cooling and Heating Icon Library.

The Red Dot Design Award continues to recognize the best creative works from brands spanning different industries, and Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning wins the Brands and Communication Design Award setting the brand apart from competitors. The winning designs are as follows:

The Hitachi airCloud Select is Johnson Control-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s select software with a user interface designed to make easy and quick equipment selection while adhering to complex design rules. The user interface helps sales and service people design systems and generate proposals with ease by accelerating workflow and through its CAD Designer Canvas which provides an interactive workspace reducing chances of error.

The Hitachi Cooling and Heating Icon Library is part of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning global air conditioning solutions’ visual language. It standardizes the visual communication across physical, digital, residential, and commercial products from remote/central/wired controllers, web/mobile/service products, and more. The icon system eases the complexities of product functions with a simple and intuitive interface.

“In our search in creating a harmonious relationship with our customers through our control technologies, the design team wanted to create a user experience of our software touchpoints that is uniquely guided by our brand language yet effortless and intuitive for our users to use.  We are honored to be receiving these awards from Red Dot as an indicator of industry standards to design excellence. ”　 –  Lawrence Chu, Global UX Design Director

For more information, please visit：
https://www.red-dot.org/project/hitachi-aircloud-select-60706
https://www.red-dot.org/project/hitachi-cooling-and-heating-icon-library-60705

About Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning:
Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global air conditioning manufacturer established in October 2015 as a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Hitachi Appliances, Inc. (now Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.) Approximately 15,000 employees have offered high-quality residential and commercial products, services, and solutions to our customers. We have released the most diverse HVAC products in the global market including ductless solutions, chillers and residential air conditioning solutions that exceed customer expectations at all times.

About Red Dot Design Award:
With a history spanning over 50 years, the Red Dot Design Award is a German international design award for product, brand, and communication designs and concepts. Competition for each category is conducted every year and all products, designs concepts, and communication projects are evaluated by the Red Dot Jury who are established professionals, designers, and professors of their industries.

For more information, please visit the official Red Dot website below:
https://www.red-dot.org/

Tokyo, Japan (June 16, 2022)– Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning wins the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2022. The Red Dot Design Award is a German international design award for product, brand, and communication designs and concepts. Among the winning products, airHome400 is designed to meet the air conditioning aesthetic and utility needs of a wide range of consumers and multiple markets.

The Red Dot Design Award is a prestigious design industry award that continues to recognize the best brands and creative works of the years and set awarded winners apart from their competitors, and the airHome400 wins the product design award signifying Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s top industry quality and eye for aesthetic. airHome’s design accommodates the needs of consumers spanning over multiple global markets with its intuitive features that automatically adjusts operation for energy efficiency, its clean design that seamlessly blends into any living spaces, and its easy maintenance.

The HVAC market is increasingly seeing smart systems integrated into products, and airHome meets this lasting trend with its smart features. airCloud Home is the smartphone dedicated app helping users connect with their airHome unit even while away from home, giving them the ability to set their room’s preferred temperature by the time they return. Coupled with aesthetic intuitive design, airHome strives to be the contemporary product of the global market ideal for any user and living space.

“We are very excited to be receiving the Red Dot Award for the airHome400 this year. This product represents the first of many digitally connected products in our residential business that bridges user-centric values, and visual brand experiences. Through humanized technologies, the idea has been about creating a design that is non-intrusive to the living environment, while intuitive to use and can be effortlessly maintained. With the promise of ‘Silent Comfort,’ the concept of airHome is an air conditioner for people that can focus on living in harmony. Over the next few years, we plan to introduce various grades of the airHome series. We hope you will look forward to seeing the designs of these models as well.”
–  Lawrence Chu, Global Director of Design

For more information, please visit:
https://www.hitachiaircon.com/ranges/air-conditioning/airhome-400?utm_source=jch-website&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=simple-link&utm_term=jch-news-airhome400-red-dot-design-award-2022

About Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning:
Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global air conditioning manufacturer established in October 2015 as a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Hitachi Appliances, Inc. (now Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.) Approximately 15,000 employees have offered high-quality residential and commercial products, services, and solutions to our customers. We have released the most diverse HVAC products in the global market including ductless solutions, chillers and residential air conditioning solutions that exceed customer expectations at all times.

 
About Red Dot Design Award:
With a history spanning over 50 years, the Red Dot Design Award is a German international design award for product, brand, and communication designs and concepts. Competition for each category is conducted every year and all products, designs concepts, and communication projects are evaluated by the Red Dot Jury who are established professionals, designers, and professors of their industries.

For more information, please visit the official Red Dot website below:
https://www.red-dot.org/

Tokyo, Japan (April 21, 2022)– Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning globally launches the Hitachi smart residential air conditioner series named airHome, equipped with a variety of smart and intuitive functions that will help users maintain a comfortable indoor environment while improving indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as saving energy. The first model of the airHome series will first be available throughout Europe starting with France this April and later becoming available in Asia¹.

airHome 400 series

airHome’s technology is designed to seamlessly accommodate people and their lifestyles, saving them the stress of finding the right system in an ever-growing market while sustaining performance year after year and proactively managing user’s indoor air quality. airHome is equipped with the FrostWash^TM function to keep the heat exchanger in a cleaner condition, providing a more comfortable indoor environment. FrostWash^TM is an automatic self-cleaning feature that freezes the heat exchanger down to -15°C to trap pollutants and dust in ice, which then melts to flush them away. This leaves the unit cleaner and dramatically reduces the possibility of pollutants being spread from the AC unit across the room. Tests have shown that systems with FrostWash^TM are three times better at maintaining airflow performance than those without this technology². With this technology, users can enjoy the benefits of airHome with easy maintenance.

The airHome series is the air conditioner for people who do not want to think about air conditioners but just want to live in harmony with all possible features and advantages. The following features will be available depending on the series:

• airHome’s Smart Eco function, which detects the human presence and absence and adjusts the operation to decrease energy waste.
• FrostWash^TM, which cleans the heat exchanger to prevent a reduction in air flow for better performance and the indoor air quality.
• Customers can comfortably set their room to a cooler temperature while sleeping knowing that SleepSense will detect their sleep and automatically adjust the temperature to prevent the room from getting too cold which contributes to sleep quality.
• Customers can also rely on the airCloud Home smartphone app to set up location awareness and temperature profiles to detect when users are on their way home to automatically adjust the temperature before their arrival.
• airHome is equipped with up to four different air purification technologies against pollutants, viruses, allergens, bacteria, and odors depending on the model. Users can rely on airHome’s purification technologies in its 99.9% control of SARS-CoV-2³, up to 99.0% control on bacteria⁴, up to 86.0% control on odors⁵, and up to 97.1% control on allergens⁶. While switched off, airHome’s mold guard function automatically blows air through internal components to prevent the build-up of odor-causing molds.
• Safeguard system preventing extreme weather conditions and unreliable power source, contributing to longer product life.
• Installer’s will also benefit from the new airHome series’ improved features for installation. All new service menus for each servicing are provided through the remote control.

“At Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, we want our products to conveniently fit the lifestyles of our customers, so we launched the airHome series, a smart yet easy and low maintenance air conditioner that is much needed in an increasing market of smart electronics. airHome is our first step into our growth as a lifestyle brand, and we are excited to continue creating smart products that can meet the demands of today’s market and more.”
– Nick Reynolds, vice president and chief marketing officer

For more information, please visit: https://www.hitachiaircon.com/range/airhome?utm_source=news-jch-website&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=simple-link

¹Product features will vary depending on the country, region, and model.

²Two identical units were tested for comparison; with and without FrostWash^TM. Test chamber simulated approx. 2 years of dust and oil build up which may be experienced in a typical home environment. Airflow performance was tested before and after being in the chamber. Unit without FrostWash^TM experienced an 18% drop in airflow performance. Unit with FrostWash^TM experienced only a 6% performance drop. Tested at Johnson Controls-Hitachi Tochigi factory, Japan. In actual use, these benefits will vary depending on room size, room usage, outdoor temperature and humidity, and other usage conditions. Test results cannot be applied to all actual use environments.

³An air conditioner is not a replacement for any COVID control measure recommended by governments or medical professionals. Claim refers to the effect of AQtiv-Ion (optional on some models) which showed 99.9% reduction in COVID virus particles under lab conditions tested at Nara Medical University, Japan. ViroSense Z1 filter shows 99.9% of effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 NIID isolated variant: JPN/TY/WK-521 and 99.0% effectiveness against Influenza A Virus (H3N2) tested at Japan Textile Product Quality and Technology Center using ISO18184:2019 method. FrostWash^TM technology also showed 99.0% reduction of virus particles on the heat exchanger tested at Kitasato Research Center of Environmental Science. The results are measured in a test environment and are not guaranteed to be inhibitory in a real environment. Inhibition of all viruses, bacteria, odors, and allergens is not guaranteed.

⁴Claim refers to the effect of ViroSense (optional on some models) which showed 99.0% reduction of Staphylococcus aureus NBRC12732 and Escherichia coli NBRC3301 bacteria particles under lab conditions tested at Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center Japan, and also FrostWash^TM technology which showed 99% reduction of bacteria on the heat exchanger tested at Kitasato Research Center of Environmental Science Japan, and AQtiv-Ion (optional on some models) which showed 99.0% reduction in E.Coli particles tested at Boken Quality Evaluation Institute Japan following JIS Z 2801 standard. The results are measured in a test environment and are not guaranteed to be inhibitory in a real environment. Inhibition of all viruses, bacteria, odors, and allergens is not guaranteed.

⁵Claim refers to the effect of AQtiv-Ion (optional on some models) on various odors including 86.0% reduction in formaldehyde, tested at Kinki Bunseki Center Japan. The results are measured in a test environment and are not guaranteed to be inhibitory in a real environment. Inhibition of all viruses, bacteria, odors, and allergens is not guaranteed.

⁶Claim refers to the effect of AQtiv-Ion (optional on some models) on various allergens including Cedar allergens (97.1% reduction) tested at the Institute of Tokyo Environmental Allergy Japan. The results are measured in a test environment and are not guaranteed to be inhibitory in a real environment. Inhibition of all viruses, bacteria, odors, and allergens is not guaranteed.

About Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning:

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global air conditioning manufacturer established in October 2015 as a joint venture between Johnson Controls International and Hitachi Appliances, Inc. (now Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.) Approximately 15,000 employees have offered high-quality residential and commercial products, services, and solutions to our customers. We have released the most diverse HVAC products in the global market including ductless solutions, chillers and residential air conditioning solutions that exceed customer expectations at all times.

December xxx, 2021 | Written by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Communication Staff

The “Flex Multi-mini Module”, which is called ” Side Smart ^TM” outside of Japan market, a side flow highly-efficient / high-volume multi air conditioner for buildings developed by the Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc. that has a compact chassis which is easy to install even in the many medium-to-small-scale buildings located in countries like Japan, received the “Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award” in the Product / Business Model Category at the “2021 Energy Conservation Awards” to be hosted by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan.

The Energy Conservation Awards recognizes products and business models that excel in energy conservation, and excellent energy conservation initiatives. It aims to contribute to the construction of an energy efficient society by spreading energy saving products and expanding awareness of energy conservation throughout Japan.

                                             Picture of the product that received the “ Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award “

The “Flex Multi-mini Module” which received the ” Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award ” is a compact multi air conditioner for buildings that is easy-to-install even in limited spaces, and it is a side-flow outdoor unit that can provide a maximum of 54 horse power by connecting combinations of multiple units into a single system, an industry first in Japan (*1).
It also displays the same functionality as our top flow multi air conditioner (*2).

We will continue to contribute to the environmental preservation of the world through pro-active development of sustainable products and the development and production of high performance and highly reliable air conditioners.

(*1) At the time of products available in February 2021. In multi air conditioner side flow outdoor units for buildings in Japan. Investigated by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning.
(*2) Top flow high efficiency SS series. In comparison with APF2015.

Written by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Communications Staff

To appropriately evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction contributions from Japan, Japan has established and implemented the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in collaboration with developing countries. Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) has been leading the initiative by implementing JCM Model Projects*1, and the preliminary selection result for Financing Programme for JCM Model Projects in fiscal year 2020 was announced in July, 2020 by the Global Environment Centre Foundation (GEC) which has been serving as an implementing organization for the financing programme. 

Among the first selection of 10 projects, Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning was selected as the representative participant for the project “Introduction of High Efficiency Air-conditioning System to Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City” in Viet Nam. The expected annual amount of GHG to be reduced in this project is 184 ton of CO2. This project is implementing under the cooperation between the Government of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and Japan.

We will continue to contribute in help bringing about a sustainable society through our company’s technologies and highly efficient air conditioning systems.

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*1 Ministry of the Environment, Japan has been implementing the “JCM Model Projects,” which provides financial supports covering up to half of the initial investment costs. The purpose of this model projects is to financially support the implementation of projects which reduce GHG emissions by utilizing leading low carbon or decarbonizing technologies in developing countries, and in return, to acquire JCM credits for achievement of Japan’s GHG emission reduction and the partner countries emission reduction target.

October 1, 2020 | Written by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Communication Staff

On October 1, The Japan Institute of Design Promotion revealed the winners of the 2020 Good Design Award winners. Our design panel “Silent-Iconic” and Hitachi room air conditioner “Shirokumakun” W Series for the Japan market won the award.  Our engineers jointly designed and developed these products with Hitachi, Inc.

Our award-winning design panel “Silent-Iconic” is an optional panel for the commercial air conditioner indoor unit 4-way Cassette type. This unobtrusive design of panel naturally blends into architecture. For Silent-Iconic, we pursued a noiseless design approaching a duct type while ensuring the cost advantage of the cassette type, ease of installation work, and good performance. Each of four-way vents is shown as a square slit so that they less disturb the harmony with the space visually. In addition, the central air drawing port is covered with a slit-like port. The Silent-Iconic realizes architectural design that matches the ceiling.

The goal of designing the award-winning Hitachi room air conditioner “Shirokumakun” W series was implementation of the cleaning function and compact look and feel to better respond to installation environment under many restrictions. For realizing the form with less feeling of pressure even if it is installed in a small living room space, we reviewed the internal structure layout. The W series provides more installation possibilities to smaller residential room spaces. It also comes with the outstanding cleaning features including heat exchanger auto cleaning feature called “Frost Wash“ and auto fan cleaning feature called “Fan Robo.”

About Good Design Award: https://www.g-mark.org/about/

July 31, 2020
Johnson Controls, K.K.
Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc.

Johnson Controls K.K. and Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc. will donate a total of two million yen, one million yen each, through the Central Community Chest of Japan to support flood relief efforts in the areas of northern Kyushu in Japan.

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to those in disaster areas and those who continue to suffer in the wake of the tragedy. We wish for an early recovery from the event.

February 26, 2020 | Written by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Communications Staff

Design panel “Silent-Iconic” designed by Hitachi, Ltd. and manufactured by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning was awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD 2020 organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH.

The iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the world’s most prestigious design prizes over more than half a century since 1953, and is consisted of 7 disciplines: Product, Packaging, Communication, Interior Architecture, Service Design, Professional Concept and Architecture. In this year’s iF DESIGN AWARD, 7,298 entries were submitted from 56 nations. The evaluation was comprehensively conducted based on the design features of uniqueness, innovation, functionality such as usability, and environmental friendliness as well as quality. This time, Hitachi and Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning’s Silent-Iconic was awarded in the discipline of Product.

The awarded Silent-Iconic panel is an option panel designed to be inconspicuous in architectural spaces. While architects prefers ducted indoor units which is invisible from architectural spaces, compromise tends to be made due to cost reasons, resulting in the often use of cassette-indoor units. Survey conducted to architects by Hitachi and Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning revealed that there is a hidden needs for visually silent cassette-type air conditioner design that harmonize with interiors.

Maintaining cost advantage, ease of installation and performance of cassette-type air conditioners, the Silent-Iconic panel offers unobtrusive design drawing near ducted indoor unit. By expressing the four louvers into one square slit-shaped panel, we reduced visual impact to secure harmonious design in interior space. Also, the central inlet is louvered to blend with architectural ceiling design.    

Silent-Iconic design panel
Dimensions: 950mm(width) x 950mm(depth) x 92mm(height)
Height from ceiling surface: 52mm