This session explores the community, policy, and governance challenges created by the rapid growth of data centers across Georgia and globally. The goal is to equip Georgia Tech researchers with a clear understanding of:

• The lived impacts on communities
• Current debates in local/state policy arenas
• Regulatory and siting processes
• International models for responsible data center development
• Opportunities for research teams to shape evidence-based policy, community benefit strategies, and sustainability scorecards.

This conversation is crucial because Georgia is becoming a major hub for data center development. Communities, utilities, and policymakers are seeking guidance grounded in independent, interdisciplinary research—which positions Georgia Tech to lead.

Panelists:
 
Allen Hyde: Community Impacts, Public Debate, and Social Equity Considerations. 

 Tony Harding: State of Georgia Trends 

Joe Bozeman: Planning perspectives: regional planning, infrastructure policy, economic development, etc.

This inaugural session will center on circularity—including themes such as materials, bio-based systems, water, agriculture, and more.

Workshop Goals:

• Identify opportunities for additional impact and future outcomes from your research.
• Connect with other current and past Principal Investigators working in related areas.
• Provide guidance to the BBISS team on how we can support and help secure future research funding.
• Leave with actionable ideas, new collaborations, and a stronger connection to the broader research ecosystem.

Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 16
• Time: 1:00–2:30 PM
• Location: John Lewis Student Center - Peachtree Meeting Room (3rd Floor) 351 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30332

This event has limited seating and priority will be given to seed grant awardees. Please email Kristin Janacek to reserve your spot.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring discussion.

RSVP

With support from the Ray C. Anderson Foundation NextGen Fund and the Sheth Foundation, Professors Kim Cobb and Beril Toktay collaborated to expand Professor Cobb’s successful Carbon Reduction Challenge class to enable students participating in an internship or co-op to plan and implement a carbon reduction project with their employers. Individual students or a team took the initiative to identify and execute a plan that reduces their employer’s carbon emissions, most often saving their employer money, over the course of their internship. Project examples from the class range from creating employee challenges to reduce their personal carbon emissions, to changes in building lighting schedules, to more capital-intensive projects such as HVAC modifications.

The winners of the Carbon Reduction Challenge will be decided based on i) the amount of carbon emissions avoided (whether actual or potential), and ii) the level of awareness fostered through the project. The winning team(s) will be announced at the conclusion of the Finalist Poster Expo and awarded cash prizes for their work. First prize is $5,000, second place is $3,000 and third place is $1,000.

Read more about the Carbon Reduction Challenge Program on our website.

Refreshments will be available. 

Register at https://training.osp.gatech.edu/

Register at https://training.osp.gatech.edu/

Register at https://training.osp.gatech.edu/

Register at https://training.osp.gatech.edu/

Register at https://training.osp.gatech.edu/

Register at https://training.osp.gatech.edu/