WATER POSITIVITY WATCH NOW
Understanding water positivity at Microsoft
requires fundamental shifts in mechanical engineering. Water-smart siting is not simply about avoiding deserts – it is about deploying the right technology for the right geography.
When operators do choose to build in water-stressed environments, they are increasingly abandoning traditional evaporative cooling in favour of advanced thermal management. By implementing direct-to-chip liquid cooling and closedloop systems, facilities can operate with near-zero net water consumption.
Eric Schwartz, CEO of CyrusOne, recently outlined how this technological shift is paramount to the company’ s expansion strategy, particularly in arid climates. Speaking on the company’ s operational focus, he detailed the importance of moving away from consumptive cooling models.
“ We are deeply committed to sustainability, with a focus on advancing our cooling technologies to reduce power and water consumption,” Eric told Investment Reports in a 2025 interview.
“ Efficient cooling is essential not only for resource conservation but also to ensure optimal equipment performance, given the increasingly demanding requirements of today’ s technology.
“ Our approach involves a blend of incremental improvements in efficiency and investment in next-generation cooling systems.
“ A notable initiative we’ ve undertaken is our commitment to closed-loop cooling systems, which circulate water within the facility to transfer heat without evaporating it. This approach drastically minimises our water footprint, a critical factor in regions like Phoenix, Arizona. This system allows us to manage our water resources responsibly while still achieving the high-efficiency cooling necessary for our data centres.”
104 April 2026