The City of South Bend, Ind., is working with Johnson Controls to upgrade its traffic signals. The $1.48 million undertaking will enhance traffic safety while saving South Bend a projected $1.97 million in energy and operational costs during the 10-year performance contract. The project is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

In effect, the performance contract will fund itself without South Bend needing to raise taxes or issue bonds. The cumulative savings over 10 years is expected to outstrip the initial cost of the project. Johnson Controls will reimburse South Bend the difference if the total savings do not meet that threshold.

"I am excited and proud that South Bend, with the help of Johnson Controls, has found a fiscally-responsible application for cutting-edge technology to improve something as ordinary as traffic signals," said South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "This project delivers layered benefits to our citizens and can serve as a model to other cities in Indiana, our region and beyond."

Johnson Controls will change South Bend's existing incandescent bulbs on traffic signals to low-energy LED bulbs and add uninterruptible power supply (UPS) battery back-up devices at intersections to power traffic signals during electricity outages. Two important traffic safety devices will also be installed at strategic intersections throughout South Bend. Traffic pre-emption devices will be used near Memorial Hospital to control traffic signals from – and save precious minutes for – emergency response vehicles. Also, select pedestrian walk waits will now visibly count down by the second to encourage people to be patient and cross streets when it is safer.

"The various aspects of this project will help our city conserve energy and support the environment while improving public safety for motorists and pedestrians alike," said Mayor Luecke. "The best news is that this should save taxpayers money in the long run."

Energy reduction from the project is expected to limit the city's overall carbon footprint. This is an important consideration for South Bend, which has received the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for more than 10 years. According to the American Forests Association, the reductions in dangerous nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide levels from this project are equal to what 5,600 trees would consume in one year.

 "Johnson Controls is proud to help forward-thinking cities like South Bend find solutions to their unique challenges," said Dave Peters, area general manager, Johnson Controls. "Like the private sector, cities are faced with creating the greatest value from tight budgets. South Bend residents should appreciate that their city officials struck a balance with this project."

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise.  Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Johnson Controls has been part of the South Bend community since 1905. For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.