Johnson Controls Named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World List for data center thermal management innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) has been named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World list for its innovative YORK® YVAM Air-Cooled Magnetic Bearing Chiller designed for hyperscale and AI data centers. The solution demonstrates significant environmental and operational benefits, including 40% lower annual power consumption, zero on-site water usage, and quiet operation at 65 decibels.

This marks JCI's third consecutive recognition on Fortune's prestigious list, following previous honors for heat pump technology in 2023 and the OpenBlue smart building platform in 2022. The company's commitment to data center efficiency is supported by its Advanced Development Engineering Center (JADEC) and Global Data Center Solutions organization.

Positive

• Innovative YVAM chiller reduces power consumption by 40% while maintaining cooling capacity
• Zero on-site water consumption supports environmental sustainability
• Low noise operation at 65 decibels enhances community compatibility
• Third consecutive recognition on Fortune's Change the World list demonstrates consistent innovation

Negative

• None.

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, has been named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World list for its breakthrough innovations in data center cooling. This year's recognition highlights the YORK^® YVAM Air-Cooled Magnetic Bearing Chiller, a solution engineered specifically for hyperscale and AI-intensive data centers. The YVAM chiller's market-leading capabilities reduce power consumption, consume zero on-site water and operate at low noise levels, demonstrating how advanced technology can drive sustainability and deliver meaningful societal benefits.

"As AI reshapes the world, data centers are increasingly vital to modern life and economic growth," said Johnson Controls CEO Joakim Weidemanis. "Tackling the energy and carbon associated with data centers is both a challenge and an opportunity. Cutting the energy used for cooling in data centers unlocks more capacity to power advanced AI workloads. That's a strategic edge that drives the AI-enabled transformation of human society. We're proud to partner with our customers and proud to be recognized for the impact we're making."

Data center cooling systems are critical for maintaining safe operating temperatures for high-performance chips, yet they can account for more than 30% of a facility's total energy. To address rising power demands and reduce daily water usage—which can reach millions of gallons—modern data centers are increasingly adopting energy- and water-efficient cooling technologies. At the same time, they are implementing noise-reduction strategies to minimize impact on surrounding communities. 

The cutting-edge functionalities of the YORK YVAM are tackling these challenges head on by:

• Consuming 40% less power annually while still delivering the same cooling capacity as conventional solutions
• Using zero on-site water, supporting water conservation and improved water usage effectiveness
• Operating quietly at just 65 decibels at 10 meters, equivalent to background music in a restaurant

Johnson Controls' commitment to more efficient, socially responsible data center operations is reflected through transformative investments in thermal management solutions, such as a state-of-the-art Advanced Development Engineering Center (JADEC) to continuously raise the performance standard of chillers, air handlers and their subcomponents, and a dedicated Global Data Center Solutions organization to ensure that Johnson Controls delivers innovation, scale and consistency to its customers worldwide.

This marks the third time Johnson Controls has been recognized on Fortune's Change the World list. The company was honored in 2023 for its heat pump technology innovations, which have been shown to reduce operating costs by more than 50% and cut carbon emissions by 60%. In 2022, Johnson Controls was recognized for its OpenBlue smart building platform, which transforms buildings from climate and financial burdens into dynamic, agile assets. Each year, Johnson Controls has been one of just 50 companies selected by Fortune's editors and writers from among hundreds of global nominees.

To view the full 2025 Fortune Change the World list, visit https://fortune.com/change-the-world/.

About Johnson Controls: 
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on social platforms. 

Media Contact: media@jci.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson-controls-named-to-fortunes-2025-change-the-world-list-for-data-center-thermal-management-innovation-302565980.html

SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc

FAQ

What innovation earned Johnson Controls (JCI) a spot on Fortune's 2025 Change the World list?

Johnson Controls was recognized for its YORK® YVAM Air-Cooled Magnetic Bearing Chiller, which reduces power consumption by 40%, uses zero on-site water, and operates quietly for hyperscale and AI data centers.

How much energy does the new JCI YVAM chiller save compared to conventional solutions?

The YORK YVAM chiller consumes 40% less power annually while delivering the same cooling capacity as conventional solutions.

What are the environmental benefits of Johnson Controls' YVAM data center cooling system?

The system offers zero on-site water consumption, 40% lower power usage, and quiet operation at 65 decibels, supporting water conservation and energy efficiency while minimizing community impact.

How many times has JCI been named to Fortune's Change the World list?

This is Johnson Controls' third recognition on Fortune's Change the World list, following previous honors in 2023 for heat pump technology and 2022 for the OpenBlue smart building platform.

What is the noise level of JCI's new YVAM chiller for data centers?

The YORK YVAM chiller operates at 65 decibels at 10 meters, which is equivalent to background music in a restaurant.