Trane Technologies and Amazon said Monday that a joint effort using advanced artificial intelligence tools has produced notable energy savings in several Amazon Grocery fulfillment centers.
The initiative uses BrainBox AI—an HVAC optimization platform acquired by heating-cooling company Trane Technologies earlier this year—to autonomously adjust heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. In three North American pilot facilities, the system reduced energy use by nearly 15%, more than twice the original target, the companies said. The technology is designed to cut electricity consumption and emissions by continuously learning building patterns and adjusting operations in real time.
Following the pilot phase, Amazon plans to expand the system to more than 30 additional grocery fulfillment and distribution sites in the U.S. The companies also intend to test the technology in grocery stores beginning in 2026.
Company executives framed the project as part of broader efforts to limit emissions across Amazon’s real-estate portfolio. Amazon has set a goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 and has been pursuing both retrofits to existing buildings and lower-carbon approaches in new construction.
Riaz Raihan, Trane Technologies’ chief digital officer, said the partnership reflects the role of data-driven building systems in reducing energy use. Christina Minardi, who oversees real estate and store development for Amazon’s grocery business, said the company is looking for scalable approaches that can improve efficiency without disrupting operations.
BrainBox AI was one of 11 companies chosen in 2024 for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator Climate Tech Pilot, a program that allows selected start-ups to test their technologies inside Amazon facilities. The pilot used a suite of Amazon Web Services tools, including data-storage and generative-AI platforms, to support the deployment.