Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, Data Centers & High-Tech, Trane Technologies, stated:

We are a trusted innovator for mission-critical infrastructure, continuously co-innovating with our customers to design and develop the custom, integrated thermal management systems needed to support sustainable business growth. Through our scalable, modular approach to liquid cooling we can provide a platform for future sustainable capacity growth and thermal load requirements associated with rapidly escalating AI needs.

The scalable 2.5MW to 10MW platform complements Trane’s 1MW CDU, giving data centers flexible direct-to-chip cooling capacity to more effectively manage their high-density computing environments. Trane can design, test and scale hybrid and liquid cooling systems that support growth without requiring a complete cooling infrastructure overhaul. This helps data centers effectively manage high-density computing environments, while helping to reduce energy consumption, lowering operational costs, and shrinking the center’s carbon footprint in support of sustainability goals.

By combining cutting-edge liquid cooling technology with advanced system design, Trane is setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient thermal management for data center environments. Trane supports operations and uptime throughout the lifecycle of the data center through its world-class service and a network of data center-qualified technicians, strategically located in proximity to customers, and Smart Service options for proactive monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved energy management.

Key features:

• Modular scalability: Supports cooling capacities up to 10MW, adaptable to various data center sizes and needs.
• Direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology: Optimized for high-density data centers, providing efficient heat transfer directly from IT equipment.
• Compact footprint: Provides up to 10MW cooling capacity in a space-saving, factory skid-mounted design, that provides ease of serviceability.
• World-class service and support: Access to expert resources and data center-qualified technicians from Trane for reliable service and support.

For more information, visit Trane.

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June 16, 2025 — Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced new data center solutions specifically engineered to meet the intensive demands of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) cluster architectures. Evolving its EcoStruxure Data Center Solutions portfolio, Schneider Electric introduced a Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod Data Center solution that consolidates infrastructure for liquid cooling, high-power busway and high-density NetShelter Racks. In addition, EcoStruxure Rack Solutions incorporate detailed rack configurations and frameworks designed to accelerate High Performance Computing (HPC) and AI data center deployments. The new EcoStruxure Pod Data Center and EcoStruxure Rack Solutions are now available globally.

Organizations are deploying AI clusters and grappling with extreme rack power densities, which are projected to reach 1MW and beyond. Schneider Electric’s new line of solutions equips customers with integrated, data-validated, and easily scaled white space solutions that address new challenges in pod and rack design, power distribution and thermal management.

Himamshu Prasad, senior vice president of EcoStruxure IT, Transactional & Edge and Energy Storage Center of Excellence at Schneider Electric, explains:

The sheer power and density required for AI clusters create bottlenecks that demand a new approach to data center architecture. Customers need integrated infrastructure solutions that not only handle extreme thermal loads and dynamic power profiles but also deploy rapidly, scale predictably, and operate efficiently and sustainably. Our innovative next-generation EcoStruxure solutions that support NVIDIA technology address these critical requirements head on.

New product overview

• 

  Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod Data Center: Prefabricated, scalable pod architecture enables operators to deploy high-density racks, supporting pods up to 1MW and beyond, at scale. Engineered-to-order, the new pod infrastructure offers flexibility and supports liquid cooling, power busway, complex cabling, as well as hot aisle containment, InRow and rear door heat exchanger cooling architectures. The Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod Data Center is now shipping pre-designed and pre-assembled with all components for rapid deployment to support high-density workloads.

• EcoStruxure Rack Solutions: These reliable, high-density rack systems adapt to EIA, ORV3 and NVIDIA MGX modular design standards approved by leading IT chip and server manufacturers. Configurations accommodate a wide array of power and cooling distribution schemes and employ Motivair by Schneider Electric in-rack liquid cooling, as well as new and expanded rack and power distribution products, including:

• NetShelter SX Advanced Enclosure: This new line features taller, deeper, and stronger racks to support increased weight, cabling and infrastructure. NetShelter SX Advanced features a reinforced shipload rating and is safeguarded with shock packaging, ensuring secure transport of AI servers and liquid cooling systems.

• NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced: These power distribution units have been updated to support the high-current power needs of AI servers. Designed for efficient rack layouts, the NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced offers compact vertical and horizontal models with higher counts of dedicated circuits. Intelligent operational features now enabled by Schneider Electric’s Network Management Card enhance security and provide seamless integration to EcoStruxure IT.

• NetShelter Open Architecture: This Open Compute Project (OCP) inspired rack architecture is available as a configure-to-order solution and includes open rack standards, power shelf and in-rack busbar. As part of this, a new Schneider Electric rack system has also been developed to support the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system that utilizes the NVIDIA MGX architecture in its rack design, integrating Schneider Electric into NVIDIA’s HGX and MGX ecosystems for the first time.

Vladimir Troy, vice president of Data Center Engineering, Operations, Enterprise Software and Cloud Services at NVIDIA, commented:

Schneider Electric’s innovative solutions provide the reliable, scalable infrastructure our customers need to accelerate their AI initiatives. Together, we’re addressing the rapidly growing demands of AI factories — from kilowatt to megawatt-scale racks — and delivering future-proof solutions that maximize scalability, density and efficiency.

The new solutions and suite of engineered data center reference designs equip data center operators and Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem with the infrastructure and information needed to deploy powerful AI clusters faster and more reliably while addressing common barriers to adoption, including:

• Reliable power and cooling for AI workloads
• Deployment complexity and risk
• Speed to market and supply chain resilience
• Skills gap in managing advanced infrastructure

These enhanced EcoStruxure offerings add to Schneider Electric’s robust line of fully integrated, end-to-end AI infrastructure solutions — spanning advanced hardware, intelligent software, services such as EcoCare and EcoConsult for Data Centers, and strategic industry partnerships with key IT players. Schneider Electric is a partner of choice for building efficient, resilient, scalable, and AI-optimized data centers.

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A core element of the Envelope platform is the ability to create detailed performance “profiles” of components in a system, and to leverage that knowledge for optimal sizing and modulation of output.

Commenting on the potential for the Envelope Platform, Pratik Sharma, Global Director, Building Services & Performance Management, stated:

The true power of the Envelope platform is in how it enables system optimization through performance coupling with partner products or solutions. Working within this platform, Armstrong, and digitally controlled solutions of all types, can connect and coordinate operations for improved performance and efficiency. Components that can be connected to the Envelope platform include chillers, cooling towers, boilers and heat pumps, made by a wide range of well-known industry manufacturers.

Learn more about the Envelope platform at Armstrong.

Armstrong Fluid Technology is a leading force in the shift toward digitalization and integration of fluid-flow systems. With advanced solutions that leverage edge computing, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, digital twin technology and demand-based control, Armstrong provides and protects efficiency in building mechanical systems, approaching energy optimization as a whole-building challenge and advancing the practice of full lifecycle management. Focusing on HVAC, Plumbing, Gas Transmission and Fire Safety applications, the company provides energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions and performance management services to building and facility professionals around the world.

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FreeAxez created Gridd, the premier low-profile raised flooring and cable management system, to empower facilities to keep pace with today’s dynamic environments. Whether you’re adapting to new technology, expanding your workspace, or simply planning for the future, Gridd gives you the freedom to reconfigure infinitely without disruption — all while minimizing waste and maximizing ROI.

Gridd is a modular system available in 1.6 inches (40 mm) or 2.75 inches (70 mm). Gridd provides accessible cabling infrastructure, allowing facility teams to work smarter, faster, and more sustainably. With the addition of Gridd Power, an integrated 50-amp modular bus system and Gridd Mobile, an Augmented Reality (AR) app for real time access to everything FMs need to know about the building’s power and data cabling right on their smart devices, FreeAxez gives facility teams complete control over their building’s infrastructure today — and tomorrow.

Visit FreeAxez during NeoCon 2025 at Booth 7-5038!

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May 18, 2025 — In response to reports that the Trump Administration is considering terminating the Energy Star program, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) strongly urges the U.S. Congress to support the continuation of Energy Star and other essential programs that serve the building sector.

For decades, IFMA has recognized and championed the business case for energy efficiency — highlighting its role in enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, reducing environmental waste and strengthening national security.

Consumers and businesses alike rely on Energy Star ratings when making informed decisions about appliances and equipment. Eliminating this publicly funded resource without consulting the industries and individuals who depend on it is shortsighted and irresponsible.

Dean Stanberry, immediate past chair of IFMA

Facility managers face the realities of energy management every day. Commercial buildings are among the largest consumers of electricity in the United States, making them key targets for energy-saving opportunities. Facility managers not only reduce operational costs through energy-efficient strategies but also educate building occupants on best practices and emerging technologies.

Energy Star is not just for U.S. households — it’s a global benchmark with far-reaching influence across commercial facilities of every type. From HVAC systems to lighting, life safety equipment and manufacturing tools, Energy Star provides independent, trusted confirmation of quality and efficiency. Facility managers, building owners and employers depend on this program to maintain healthy, sustainable workplaces that support core business functions.

Michael V. Geary, CAE, President & CEO of IFMA

IFMA says it remains committed to collaborating with policymakers and industry stakeholders worldwide to promote efficiency, innovation and sustainability in the built environment.

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March 5, 2025 — The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²), a $55-million technology program funded by Wells Fargo & Company and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), announced the recipients of a pool of $750,000 in pilot funding as part of its inaugural Scalable Tech Track. The awards aim to address demand-side barriers to energy technology adoption by supporting large-scale, high-impact pilots across industries and sectors.

The Scalable Tech program awarded funding to five organizations for pilots of innovative energy technologies with expert support from NREL researchers. The projects include retrofitting HVAC systems, improving school air quality and energy use, optimizing data center cooling, and modernizing aging building infrastructure.

The projects selected for this inaugural cohort embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation. By integrating an ecosystem approach with scalable drop-in solutions, these pilots aim to demonstrate how energy technologies can address pressing resiliency and infrastructure challenges while establishing replicable pathways for widespread impact.

Sarah Derdowski, IN² program manager at NREL

Awarded Pilots:

• CBRE received $150,000 to install and test Blue Frontier*’s rooftop HVAC system on a Delaware property. NREL researchers, including the scientist behind the liquid desiccant technology, will closely monitor the project.
• Coconino County secured $55,000 to implement Rensair’s air quality solutions and Komfort’s low-energy lighting at Ponderosa High School in Flagstaff, Arizona.
• Digital Realty will use $125,000 to partner with Hayzel for data center chilling improvements in Santa Clara, California.
• Galvanize Real Estate received $200,000 to work with EnKoat* and Alpen High-Performance Products on a building retrofit in Pedricktown, New Jersey.
• The University of Colorado Boulder will implement INOVUES’ advanced window technology in aging campus buildings with $220,000 in funding.

*Denotes graduates of previous IN² cohorts.

Pilots launched in early 2025 and will conclude within six months, demonstrating the program’s focus on rapid results and actionable insights to advance adoption. By targeting scalable energy solutions for the built environment, IN² equips participants with resources, peer collaboration, and third-party validation.

A panel of judges chose organizations based on their feasibility, impact, pilot readiness and dedication to knowledge sharing. Each project aims to drive meaningful progress toward energy solutions while fostering broader adoption of innovative technologies.

Effective adoption of energy innovation requires scalability. These pilot projects represent a critical step in bridging the gap between promising advanced, and often cost-saving, technologies and widespread adoption. By connecting these industry leaders with resources and expertise, we’re helping them be successful as they pursue their energy and resiliency needs.

Jeffrey Schub, head of sustainability at Wells Fargo

Organizations that were not selected for pilot funding have also gained significant value through their participation in IN². Several have initiated independent collaborations with NREL, leveraging its expertise to advance their innovative energy solutions. In addition, these organizations are developing white papers, case studies, and other resources to share insights and encourage broader adoption of advanced technologies. These activities reflect the program’s ability to drive impact beyond the funded pilots, fostering progress across the energy ecosystem.

The success of the 2024 cohort has paved the way for a second round of the Scalable Tech Track, anticipated to launch applications in late 2025.

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With integrated features for streamlined installation, system protection, and NFPA 13 compliance, the 7940BLE is said to set a new standard for air management in fire protection.

Jim McHugh, president of AGF Manufacturing, stated:

The 7940BLE is a comprehensive solution to help contractors meet NFPA 13 code requirements while simplifying installation and improving long-term system performance. It’s everything you need for compliant venting in one factory-assembled, American-made package.

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, now mandates air venting on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems using metallic pipe. The 7940BLE is engineered to meet this requirement with a UL Listed and FM Approved 7900V automatic air vent that efficiently expels trapped air during normal operation, helping reduce internal corrosion and the risk of system damage.

The 7940BLE features the FM Approved and UL Listed 7900V automatic air vent, which utilizes a conical, recessed design and a single-float mechanism for precise, protected venting. An integrated isolation valve and strainer allow for safe maintenance while preventing debris from entering the system. The assembly also includes a purge valve with union and hose connection that speeds up air removal during system filling, simplifies strainer cleaning, and acts as a vacuum breaker to assist with complete system drainage.

To support federally funded projects, the 7940BLE is constructed with Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)-compliant materials, including domestic pipe, couplings, and end caps. Its durable branch line extension (BLE) is fabricated from Schedule 10 or 40 domestic pipe, finished with a tough red powder coating and clearly marked with “AIR VENT” signage for easy identification during inspections and servicing.

AGF recommends installing the 7940BLE near the high end of system branch lines — where air naturally accumulates — for optimal performance. The unit’s high-visibility signage and built-in service features ensure quick location and easier maintenance access, especially in overhead or hard-to-reach locations.

For more information on the PURGENVENT Model 7940BLE, visit AGF.

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Harnessing the power of the sun and nature

The SolaGreen Rack System creates a seamless synergy between solar energy production and green roof performance. It reduces energy costs, enhances property value, manages stormwater, and contributes to a greener more sustainable future.

Why choose SolaGreen?

Solar energy advantages:

• Cost savings: Lowers energy bills by harnessing clean, renewable power.
• Sustainability: Provides carbon-neutral energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Grid resilience: Supports local energy independence and stability.
• Incentives: Qualifies for the U.S. Solar Investment Tax Credit (30% as of July 2024), accelerated depreciation, and additional credits for using domestically sourced materials.

Green roof benefits:

• Energy efficiency: Reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 25% through evaporative cooling and insulation
• Environmental impact: Improves air and water quality, mitigates urban heat islands, and supports biodiversity
• Roof longevity: Extends the life of roofing membranes by protecting against environmental wear

Integrated design for maximum efficiency

SolaGreen is engineered for simplicity, durability and optimal performance. The modular system integrates PV panels, LiveRoof modular green roof system, and irrigation components with a non-penetrative ballast design, ensuring quick and efficient installation with only one size wrench. Designed to be use with leading solar support rails from Iron Ridge and Unirac.

Features include:

• Optimized solar output: Green roofs cool surrounding air, enhancing solar efficiency by 5–15%.
• Architectural excellence: Made from non-corrosive materials with rounded edges for safety
• Tested performance: Wind load-tested by CPP Wind Engineering, Inc., and horticulturist-approved for plant growth beneath solar panel.

SolaGreen financial benefits:

• Lower utility bills: Solar energy combined with green roof insulation reduces energy costs.
• Increased property value: Enhances resale and rental value while enabling increased building density.
• Grants and incentives: Access government and private funding for bio-solar installations.

Proven sustainability and simplicity

Designed and refined over four years of testing by experts in solar energy, green roofing, and horticulture, SolaGreen represents the pinnacle of bio-solar technology. It includes step-by-step installation guides, video instructions, and components made in the USA, ensuring a hassle-free experience for architects, installers, and property owners alike.

A partnership for the future

The SolaGreen system is more than a product — it’s a commitment to sustainability, resilience, and innovation, says LiveRoof. By uniting the power of solar energy with the benefits of the LiveRoof modular green roof system, LiveRoof is redefining the future of sustainable building.

Find out more about the LiveRoof SolaGreen Rack System  at LiveRoof.

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Melissa Smith, chair, CEO, and president of WEX, stated:

WEX services approximately 600,000 commercial fleets globally, representing an estimated 19.3 million vehicles as of the fourth quarter of 2023, with each commercial fleet manager juggling a unique set of variables. We continue to innovate to add to the breadth and depth of WEX’s commercial EV and mixed fleet solutions, allowing us to meet each customer where they are on their EV and mixed fleet journey. WEX is proud today to continue to help businesses manage EVs alongside their traditional fleet of vehicles.

The announcement signifies the general availability of WEX’s en route charging and at-home reimbursement capabilities and bolsters WEX’s role in closing the commercial EV adoption gap, says the company.

Jay Collins, SVP and GM of EV and Mobility at WEX, added:

There are few EV solutions that simplify charging for commercial drivers and allow fleet managers access to line item charging detail, vehicle performance, and unified billing regardless of brand — and even fewer regardless of charging location. That WEX’s EV solutions accomplish this — while also integrating with metrics from traditional fuel vehicles across a single credit line, invoice, and backend software portal — is illustrative of WEX’s leadership and technical expertise in the commercial mixed fleet space. WEX’s continued innovation signifies a true commercial mixed fleet experience — offering fleet managers the ability to easily add EVs without sacrificing their needs for security, control and unified reporting all in one place.

WEX EV At-Home

WEX EV At-Home is a transformational electric vehicle solution that combines EV charging insights, payments, and reimbursement functionality to simplify the complex scenario of when employees bring their work vehicles home to charge overnight. WEX EV At-Home issues a direct reimbursement to the employee via the business’ line of credit and a complementary employee-facing mobile app making it possible to issue payment in near real-time based on the true utility cost of the charge, while transmitting line item charging metrics to the business. Drivers can fully charge their work vehicles overnight for use the next day with insights into charging behavior and other vital fleet management metrics provided to the fleet manager.

WEX En Route

WEX EV At-Home joins WEX’s other commercial fleet payments products in the U.S., including WEX En Route for public EV charging. Through WEX’s DriverDash app and RFID card, WEX En Route leverages WEX’s proprietary closed loop payments network to increase the security of each transaction and to transmit charging behavior, driver identification information and vehicle mileage to the fleet manager. WEX’s DriverDash app and RFID are accepted across the U.S. at ChargePoint-branded EV chargers and at ChargePoint’s roaming partner brands: EVConnect, EVGo and FLO, with additional accepting merchants expected in the coming months.

These advancements enable large enterprises and small businesses to incorporate EVs into their commercial fleets alongside existing traditionally fueled vehicles, illustrating WEX’s strategic commitment to closing the commercial EV adoption gap by integrating EV functionality into existing products and empowering organizations to manage EVs alongside traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles fueled with gasoline, as part of a mixed fleet.

Learn more about WEX’s EV and mixed fleet solutions at WEX.

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The collaboration represents a new segment and a new revenue stream for one of ChargePoint’s most innovative products. GATE will be the first commercial application of the software ChargePoint currently deploys with global passenger fleet providers and OEMs. GATE’s vision and foresight will apply the ChargePoint solution within its rental offer, helping meet their strategic objective of simplifying the transition to sustainable commercial mobility.

André ten Bloemendal, senior vice president for Europe at ChargePoint, said:

Our partnership with GATE will help more fleets to realize their e-mobility and decarbonization goals. ChargePoint has proven experience, which will enable this implementation at a faster pace across multiple customer applications and use cases. Together, ChargePoint and GATE will provide industry-leading infrastructure and technologies for forward-thinking fleets.

Roberto Mauro, head of Partnerships at GATE, commented on the new collaboration:

GATE is working on creating strategic partnerships that, by combining internal skills with partner specializations, accelerate the introduction of new technologies to the market for sustainable mobility. The partnership between GATE and ChargePoint fits into this context with a clear objective: to offer the best possible charging experience for customers, with solutions that are built on the specific needs of the individual user.

In the context of the collaboration, ChargePoint will provide integrated charging services to simplify the electrification journey for GATE’s customers. These ChargePoint services include consulting for the supply and installation of charging stations, technical assistance before and after sale, as well as software to manage the charging stations on an ongoing basis. The aim of the offering is to help streamline installation and operation of EV charging services, making the move to electric propulsion more attractive. The offerings are now available in Italy and will roll out across Europe in sync with GATE’s own operations.

ChargePoint’s extensive operating system underpins the variety of configurations GATE will offer its customers. For fleet managers, the software enables stations monitoring in real time, the automation of charging, and control of energy costs. The flexibility of the open system enables this whether the fleet charges with ChargePoint hardware, a third party solution, or a combination of the two. For drivers, the GATE eCharge Card enables customers to charge via access to hundreds of thousands of public charging points. Find out more about ChargePoint fleet solutions here.

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