The digital world is expanding at lightning speed, powered by vast data centers that have become the critical infrastructure of our time. From streaming services to AI breakthroughs, these facilities are the engines of growth and innovation. But with that power come important challenges: massive energy use, complex cooling demands, and the need to rethink sustainability in an industry in continuous evolution. 

In this episode, we hear from Scott Smith, Director of Mission Critical Offerings at Trane Technologies, and Dr. Dereje Agonafer, Presidential Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. Together, they unpack the scale of the data center boom, explore the cutting-edge cooling technologies reshaping the industry, and share why collaboration between industry and academia is essential to building a more efficient, sustainable digital future. 

About Healthy Spaces 

Healthy Spaces is a podcast by Trane Technologies where experts and disruptors explore how climate technology and innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, work, learn and play.  

This season, hosts Dominique Silva and Scott Tew bring a fresh batch of uplifting stories, featuring inspiring people who are overcoming challenges to drive positive change across multiple industries. We’ll discover how technology and AI can drive business growth, and help the planet breathe a little bit easier.  

Listen and subscribe to Healthy Spaces on your favorite podcast platforms. 

Links: 

How Data Centers Are Becoming Energy Hubs Through Intelligent Thermal Management - Blog - https://trane.eu/uk/about-trane/blog-post.html?Id=51 

Power in Numbers: The Critical Role of Equipment Array Orchestration in Modern Data Centers - Article https://www.datacenterfrontier.com/sponsored/article/55313099/trane-power-in-numbers-the-critical-role-of-equipment-teaming-in-modern-data-centers 

Sustainability in Action: The Aalsmeer Energy Hub - Case Study 

https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/blog/customer-stories/the-aalsmeer-energy-hub.html 

Sustainable Data Center Solutions for Cape Augusta Digital Properties - Case Study https://www.trane.com/commercial/north-america/us/en/about-us/newsroom/case-studies/data-centers/sibley-textile-mill.html 

Trane Technologies Website - https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index.html 

Healthy Spaces YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TraneTechnologies/playlists 

Dominique Silva Profile - https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/blog/author/dominique-silva.html 

Scott Tew Profile - https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/blog/author/scott-tew.html 

Scott Smith Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-smith-7a713521 

Dr. Dereje Agonafer Profile - https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?user=agonafer