Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the cooling and conditioning of air heated in a process, in particular of machine exhaust air which is cooled through heat exchange by means of a cooling medium, whereby water is preferably used as the cooling medium. It is provided that open waters, well and/or tap water of the water supply network are used for the heat exchange, whereby this water is used after utilization in the heat exchange at other locations for the cooling of the process and/or as hot water for further utilization in the process.