DESIGN & BUILD
Historically, data centres relied almost entirely on air cooling. But with the explosion of AI workloads, chips now generate unprecedented heat levels, necessitating a shift towards more sophisticated solutions.
“ While traditional air-based cooling remains essential, liquid cooling is increasingly complementing it to keep pace with these demands. We’ re only at the beginning of this transition – it’ s the tip of the iceberg for how AI will reshape cooling strategies.”
But Todd reiterates it’ s not an either / or situation for data centre operators when it comes to air versus liquid cooling.
“ Hybridisation is another key trend. Few operators now rely on a single approach – instead, we see a mix of air and liquid cooling tailored to specific workloads,” he explains.
“ Precision cooling ensures that energy is delivered exactly where it’ s needed, while flexible infrastructure allows operators to scale thermal capacity in line with demand, avoiding overbuilding from day one.
“ Sustainability has become inseparable from cooling discussions, with data centre operators under increasing pressure to reduce energy and water use while maintaining performance. This drives innovation in integrated systems, where AI-driven optimisation, advanced controls and low-GWP refrigerants help reduce environmental impact without compromising reliability.”
“ Johnson Controls helps data centre operators adapt and thrive by providing one of the broadest portfolios of building management and thermal solutions in the industry”
Todd Grabowski, VP and President, Americas, Johnson Controls
96 November 2025