C4IP is recognizing Warren S. Johnson (1847-1911), who helped millions of Americans live in comfort with his invention of the first temperature regulation system.
- Growing up in rural Wisconsin in the mid-1800s, Johnson’s passion for learning led him to embark on a career as a teacher and school administrator despite lacking a formal education.
- As a professor at the State Normal School, Johnson invented an efficient heat regulation system to keep the building warm in winter, which he patented in 1895.
- A relentless innovator, Johnson received more than 50 patents in his life, which also included the first thermostat.
- He later founded a company to commercialize his inventions, which is now known as Johnson Controls and employs over 100,000 people
- Johnson’s inventions were soon implemented in buildings around the world, where they revolutionized the productivity of indoor work.
- Today, Johnson Controls supports over 40,000 buildings in North America, including the U.S. Capitol and New York Stock Exchange.
- The technology pioneered by Johnson has now become ubiquitous: Over 80% of U.S. buildings incorporate heating technology, and the global market for heating and cooling services is projected to generate over $270 billion in revenue this year alone.