Study evaluates JCI’s OpenBlue platform for energy efficiency, operational cost savings
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, United States, 16 April 2025: Johnson Controls (JCI) announced through a News Release that it has released a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting evaluating the Total Economic Impact of its OpenBlue smart building platform. The company said the study, which aggregates insights from multiple customer interviews, indicates that a model organisation using OpenBlue and FM:Systems solutions could realise a return on investment of up to 155% over a three-year period.
According to JCI, OpenBlue is an AI-driven ecosystem of connected building solutions and services designed to improve performance, energy use and workplace efficiency. The company noted that the platform offers near real-time data visibility and provides tailored energy-saving recommendations based on usage and weather data. OpenBlue is now integrated with FM:Systems solutions to broaden data insights and support strategic real estate decisions, Johnson Controls said.
In summarising the study’s findings, JCI cited several projected benefits for the composite organisation:
- Up to 10% energy savings, contributing to improved operational efficiency
- A 67% reduction in chiller maintenance, estimated to save nearly USD 1.5 million over three years
- Seven per cent rental premiums, with a present value of USD 3.2 million over three years
- A payback period of approximately eight months
“We believe the findings speak for themselves: Our OpenBlue and FM:Systems solutions not only lower operating costs, but also optimise energy use – a win, win,” said Vijay Sankaran, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Johnson Controls. "By enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, we're helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals and also improve their bottom line.”
JCI highlighted recent updates made in November 2024 to its OpenBlue Enterprise Manager suite. These include the introduction of generative AI applications, improved autonomous controls, and a more accessible and personalised user interface, the company said. The expanded features, according to the company, offer improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring and energy analytics, as well as enhanced real-time decision-making.
Additionally, the company shared that FM:Systems has introduced generative AI to its FMS:Insights Analytics platform, allowing users to query real estate occupancy and utilisation data in natural language.
JCI attributed these developments to its ongoing commitment to innovation, citing its 140-year legacy, a portfolio of more than 8,000 active patents, and USD 3 billion invested in engineering and R&D over the past decade.
JCI said the study was based on interviews with five decision-makers and represents a composite organisation managing 50 million square feet of real estate with 1,800 employees. Forrester’s methodology, JCI said, included cost-benefit analysis and risk evaluation to construct the Total Economic Impact framework.