SHANGHAI, March 12, 2015 --Johnson Controls' Blue Sky Involve, an employee-driven volunteer program, is helping the company be recognized as one of the most socially responsible in China. 

Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, was awarded as the "Best Company in Corporate Social Responsibility" by China Charity Festival, one of the country's major annual CSR events, in a ceremony in Beijing.  Nearly 50 other multinational and Chinese domestic companies were also on the winning list. 

Blue Sky Involve is a global program that encourages Johnson Controls employees to form volunteer teams and work with local non-profit organizations and schools to support environmental stewardship, social service and education efforts in local communities. Johnson Controls employees initiated 100 Blue Sky Involve programs in China in 2014, with 2,286 employees contributing a total of 21,771 volunteer hours. During 2006 to 2014, Johnson Controls employees contributed 137,471 volunteer hours in 787 Blue Sky Involve programs in China.

"China is one of our most important markets and it is a place where our employees are making a difference for our customers, employees and stakeholders," said Grady Crosby, vice president public affairs and chief diversity officer. Whether planting trees to reduce the carbon footprint or volunteering in schools, our Blue Sky Involve programs allows our China employees to contribute their time, talent and resources to making a difference."

The China Safe Start Program is one initiative with more than 70 employees from Johnson Controls' Power Solutions providing training at local elementary schools throughout China to promote better food safety, health and nutrition.

Already well established in China for decades, the company continues to accelerate its growth through plant openings, key customer partnerships, joint ventures and strategic agreements. Johnson Controls' second global headquarters, located in Shanghai, will open in 2017, fueling growth opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Founded in 2011, China Charity Festival is aimed at promoting the spirit of charity in the country by awarding companies and individuals which achieve outstanding results in charity and responsibility programs.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

distributed by