Johnson Controls: New Jersey Science Teacher Wins National Sustainability Competition Sponsored by Johnson Controls

MILWAUKEE, WI--(Marketwire - June 8, 2009) - Marilyn Hamot Ryan, a Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher at Saddle Brook Middle School in Saddle Brook, N.J., is the 2009 [ Igniting Creative Energy Challenge ] (ICE) National Teacher of the Year, sponsored by [ Johnson Controls ] (NYSE: [ JCI ]).

In its eighth year, ICE is an educational competition that encourages students to develop ways to live a more sustainable life and protect the environment. The national teacher award is presented to the educator with the highest average score of their top 15 student entries. In addition to the national teacher award, there are three national student winners and local winners in qualifying states.

Mrs. Ryan learned that she won during a presentation in her classroom on June 5, 2009. Representatives of Johnson Controls and school officials were on hand to congratulate her.

"[ Sustainability ] is top of mind today more than ever, especially during these tough economic times," said Gwen McDaniel, director of K-12 markets with [ Johnson Controls Building ] Efficiency division. "Consumers are realizing that in addition to significant long-term benefits for our environment, conserving energy saves money. It's never been more important to implement programs like ICE so students are empowered to develop actionable energy solutions that could someday change the world. Teachers are the local heroes that help these students shine."

The Challenge asks students to submit projects that showcase creative ways to be more sustainable today, whether at home, school or in the community. It is sponsored and funded through a grant by Johnson Controls, Inc., with additional support and administration by the [ National Energy Foundation ]. Classes must submit 15 or more entries for the educator to qualify for the national award.

Mrs. Ryan won an all-expense paid trip to the Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 15-16, 2009. In Washington, she will meet with the three national student winners and share her teaching experiences and other energy efficiency ideas with government and energy leaders. The Forum is a national event that promotes energy efficiency through the presentation of national and worldwide views and the resulting impact on the environment, national security and economic growth.

Each year, the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the United States and Canada. Students are asked to submit entries that reflect the competition theme, Igniting Creative Energy, and demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family, or group can do now to make a difference in the places they live or travel.

The winning entries for 2009 will be posted at [ www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org ]. There results will also be posted at the National Energy Foundation ([ www.nef1.org ]) and Johnson Controls Web sites ([ www.johnsoncontrols.com/efficiencynow ]).

About National Energy Foundation: The National Energy Foundation is a unique 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the development, dissemination, and implementation of supplementary educational materials, programs and courses that relate primarily to energy, water, natural resources, science and math, technology, conservation and the environment. These teaching resources recognize the importance and contribution of natural resources to our economy, our national security, the environment and our quality of life.

Johnson Controls (NYSE: [ JCI ]) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. For additional information, please visit [ http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ ].

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