SUSTAINABILITY Johnson Controls magnetic bearings enable vertical construction Space constraints force data centre operators to consider vertical construction options. Johnson Controls adapted magnetic bearing technology from submarine applications to create compressors 44 % smaller than conventional units. This size reduction opens new architectural possibilities for data centre design.
“ When we can produce a machine whose weight and footprint is 44 % less... that’ s a machine that can now sit on a roof and be supported by a vertical data centre,” Katie explains.
The space-saving technology becomes particularly relevant in urban markets where land costs drive construction skyward. Smaller mechanical equipment footprints allow operators to maximise revenue-generating IT space within facility constraints.
Heat management challenges intensify with higher computing densities, but Katie sees opportunities to monetise waste heat beyond facility boundaries.“ It drives us to ever greater improvements... but it also provides an opportunity to capture that heat and then put it to work for the community as a whole.”
Data centres increasingly integrate into district heating networks, supplying waste heat to schools, hospitals or manufacturing facilities. This transforms data centres from
96 September 2025