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Driving Data Centres in the Age of AI
Creating possibilities with innovation, scalability and consistency
In today’s AI-driven world, data centres are the backbone of digital transformation - and their demands are growing rapidly.
At Johnson Controls, we understand that success in this space requires more than just advanced technology. It takes deep expertise, reliable products, and a commitment to long-term partnership. That’s why our solutions are trusted in some of the world’s most demanding data centre environments.
With a focus on innovation, scalability and operational consistency, we help our customers meet mission-critical challenges head-on - delivering resilient, efficient and future-ready infrastructure at scale.
By Todd Grabowski, President of Global Data Centers & Applied Equipment at Johnson Controls.
AI is reshaping the world, with data centres at the forefront of this transformation. As demand surges, so too do the challenges. At Johnson Controls, we’ve spent decades on the ground, working side-by-side with customers to tackle the real-world complexities of designing, constructing and operating data centres at scale across the globe.
These challenges typically fall into three key areas: keeping pace with rapidly advancing technologies, delivering services on time worldwide, and navigating diverse legal and environmental requirements. By collaborating closely with our customers - every day and across every aspect of our operations—we address these issues through our unique ability to innovate, scale and consistently deliver a proven strategy, even as the data centre landscape evolves at speed.
Take cooling, for instance. AI workloads are driving energy consumption to unprecedented levels, placing immense strain on infrastructure. That’s why we established our global data centre solutions team and introduced innovations like the YORK YVAM chiller - designed to operate without water, achieve up to 40% energy savings, and deliver reliable, predictable performance whether installed in Dublin or Dubai. One design, any location. That level of consistency is vital when uptime is non-negotiable.
Customers face mounting pressure to bring facilities online quickly - often under contractual deadlines that leave no margin for delay. We help them stay on track with a global presence that includes 40,000 field professionals and manufacturing centres strategically located across all major regions.
Cooling is just one part of the equation.
Today’s customers are under immense pressure to bring data centres online rapidly, often bound by contractual deadlines that leave no room for delay. At Johnson Controls, we help them meet those demands through a truly global footprint, with 40,000 field professionals and manufacturing centres across all major regions. This scalability enables faster delivery, localised support, and fewer surprises - ensuring projects stay on track.
Once facilities are operational, our customers benefit from over 140 years of expertise in implementing intelligent building controls that manage critical environments with efficiency and resilience.
And when off-the-shelf solutions fall short? We adapt. At our Johnson Controls Advanced Development Engineering Centre (JADEC) in Pennsylvania, we’ve built the world’s largest and most advanced innovation and testing facility of its kind. Here, we collaborate directly with customers to solve their toughest challenges - designing and testing bespoke technologies that keep pace with the demands of AI.
Security is another area where we help customers stay ahead.
Our advanced systems can identify and track up to 75 distinct objects, such as number plates, individuals, and bags - as they move through a facility. These systems apply granular access controls and real-time threat detection, helping protect assets without disrupting operations.
As AI workloads increase, so does the heat, and with it, the risk of fire. Our early-warning fire detection systems can identify threats hours before they become critical. And if suppression is required, our water mist systems remove heat without flooding the space or displacing oxygen - making them safer for people and better for sensitive equipment.
What truly sets us apart is how we deliver.
We don’t just supply equipment and walk away. We embed teams on-site and manage the entire project lifecycle - from design and commissioning to ongoing service and upgrades, so our customers can stay focused on what matters most.
And we don’t just do this once. We’ve delivered hundreds of successful projects in every kind of environment. That’s why ABI Research has recognised Johnson Controls as a global leader in data centre solutions, not only for our innovative technologies, but for our ability to deliver them consistently, at scale, and in close partnership with our customers.
The future of AI and data centres is accelerating.
With a strategy shaped by decades of experience and a proven track record of solving our customers’ most pressing challenges, we’re not just prepared - we’ve been building towards this moment all along.
Learn more about our innovative solutions for data centres here.