As demand ramps up, more AI data centres will need to use smart-building technologies in the future, says an ABB Canada automation specialist.

In other words, buildings that create AI will need to be managed with AI systems in order to become more sustainable.

Wissam Ghoussaini, ABB Canada’s building-automation leader told Connect that data centres’ electrification needs and rising energy demand are spurring their requirements for more smart-building technologies.

“The demand is definitely rising,” he said. “There is definitely challenges in meeting these demands. But also, the solution is innovation and helping industries adopt those solutions quickly.”

ABB Canada invests 40% of its scientific-research dollars into electrification areas critical for next-generation data centres, such as electrical architecture, protection, devices, distribution and cooling.

“We look into contributing through our innovation and services,” he said.

For years, many data centres have deployed smart-building solutions for heating, ventilation and air-condition (HVAC) as well as lighting. But the growth of next-generation AI and heightened demand for data centres are creating a greater need for more autonomous, more efficient and smarter facilities.

“There’s need for more data centres to be built, but also there’s need to retrofit old data centres, and retrofit old, for instance, data-centre computer racks, and equip them with the latest, top-notch technological innovations,” said Ghoussaini. “So, the focus from our end is to not just to cater for our customers in the new-build industry, but also help customers that are looking into retrofitting their data centres into the latest technologies. And, that only happens with interoperable solutions, making sure that we are collaborating in the market with other players as well.”

Canadian commercial real estate industry leaders expect data centres to be one of the strongest growth areas in the next two years as investors show preference for them over conventional assets in many cases.

ABB Canada operates in eight provinces, with 18 sales offices and 15 manufacturing sites while serving 9,500 buildings. The company focuses on developing solutions that improve building efficiency, reliability and productivity while supporting the global energy transition and a more sustainable world.

Photo: Courtesy of ABB Canada

Join 400-plus leaders at North America’s premier digital infrastructure & AI investment event. The most influential leaders in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and energy innovation are converging in Montreal on February 11 for Connect North American Investment in Digital Infrastructure & AI. This is one of the most important executive gatherings of the year—where conversations around Canada’s digital security, infrastructure resilience, and long-term competitive advantage are actively taking shape. To learn more, visit www.connectdigitalai2026.com.