Show Notes
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
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At Climate Week NYC 2025, the message was clear: progress on sustainability happens when industries come together. From data to construction to commercial real estate, collaboration and innovation are turning ambition into action. In this special episode, recorded live at Trane Technologies’ “Spilling the Tea” panel discussion during Climate Week NYC, we sit down with three leaders driving real change: Holly Paeper, President, Commercial HVAC Americas at Trane Technologies; Julia Gisewite, Chief Sustainability Officer at Turner Construction Company; and Suzanne Fallender, Vice President of Global Impact & Sustainability at Prologis. They share how their organizations are accelerating decarbonization across the built environment - from low-carbon materials and circular energy systems to data-driven decision-making and community impact. Together, they reveal why the future of sustainable business depends on shared goals, transparent collaboration, and a willingness to rethink what growth really means. 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: Trane Technologies at Climate Week 2025 (https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/news/events/climate-week-2025.html) Sustainability for Growth - Blog (https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/blog/sustainability-leadership/sustainability-for-growth.html) How AI Can Help Dramatically Reduce Energy Demand and Emissions - Blog (https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/blog/solutions-innovation/how-ai-can-help-dramatically-reduce-energy-demand-and-emissions.html) Driving Business Value: Embracing Circularity (https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/blog/sustainability-leadership/driving-business-value-embracing-circularity.html) Trane Technologies at COP30 (https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/news/events/cop30.html)