BBISS Insights Series: Sustainable Data Centers and the Community

Georgia Tech’s Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) is launching the first session of the Spring 2026 Insights Series, a faculty-focused exploration of sustainability challenges and research opportunities in the fast‑evolving world of data centers.

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