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Office of Sustainability Submits Inaugural Report for Atlanta Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance

Georgia Tech’s Ivy League is building up community and bolstering local ecosystems by removing one invasive vine at a time.

Office of Sustainability Submits Inaugural Report for Atlanta Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance

Image of Georgia Tech's Krone Engineered Biosystems Building with students walking in front on a sunny day. Georgia Tech submitted energy data for this building and others on campus in compliance with the City of Atlanta's Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance. Georgia Tech has historically been exempt from participating in the program.

Energy data from the Krone Engineered Biosystems Building, pictured, was included in Georgia Tech’s submission to the City of Atlanta’s Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance. 

Aug. 27, 2024 — In August, the Office of Sustainability submitted campus energy efficiency data to the City of Atlanta for the first time in compliance with the city’s Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance, which requires public reporting of energy consumption in buildings over 25,000 square feet.

As a state institution, Georgia Tech has historically been exempt from participating in the program. The voluntary decision to participate this year aims to increase data transparency and support energy efficiency initiatives on and off campus.

“By sharing our data with the City of Atlanta, Georgia Tech can contribute to a citywide effort to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality,” said Jermaine Clonts, associate director of utilities in the Office of Sustainability. “This collaboration will not only support the university’s commitment to sustainability as described in the Climate Action Plan but will also inspire other institutions and universities to follow suit.”

This year, Georgia Tech selected energy efficiency data from a representative subset of property types which includes wet and dry labs, office buildings and classrooms. Future submissions will include more buildings on campus. 

The ordinance was originally enacted in 2015 and spearheaded by Georgia Tech’s Jairo Garcia. During his tenure as the Director of Climate Policies with the City of Atlanta, Jairo Garcia worked with the rest of the City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability, in educating numerous city stakeholders including building managers, developers, and Council members, for the adoption of the policy. Garcia is working with the Office of Sustainability during the fall 2024 semester to complete a Resilience Plan for Georgia Tech. 

“The voluntary participation of Georgia Tech to meet the City of Atlanta Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance, championed by Office of Sustainability, is a clear demonstration of the leadership of the institution to continue being a role model in energy efficiency in the country and around the world,” Garcia said. “This ordinance, approved unanimously by Atlanta’s City Council, was the first ordinance of this type in the Southeast. The ordinance has been recognized as one of the most progressive energy efficiency ordinances in the country by many prestigious organizations including the US Green Building Council, the Institute for Market Transformation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Atlanta Regional Commission among others.”

Data collection efforts were supported by Amy Nguyen, Business Administration ‘26, who worked with the Office of Sustainability over the summer through the Serve-Learn-Sustain Sustainable Communities Summer Internship Program.    

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Living Learning Campus Student Successes

Student Success Stories

The Office of Sustainability is extremely proud of our student employees. Our students are transferring skills learned in the office to sustainability-related positions throughout the Southeast. The two students highlighted were part of the Living Learning Campus Student Fellowship.

Luke Riley

Luke Riley, BA (‘25) recently accepted a full-time position as a Sustainability Data Analyst with CCL Industries (packaging & labeling company) supporting public reporting on GHG emissions and conducting audits across the company’s manufacturing plants.

“I wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to work at the Office of Sustainability because I truly would not have been able to land this role without the experience and education garnered during my time at the Office,” Luke said. “The support and hands on participation in sustainability initiatives was invaluable to my career and personal development.”

Likewise, Abraham Werner (CE ‘26), is interning with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Transportation Management Center this summer.

“Working with the Office of Sustainability as a Living Campus Fellow for the past year has been a career-defining experience! After switching my major to Civil Engineering, I joined the office eager to learn more about transportation engineering and sustainable mobility options. When I explained my interests, I was assigned a challenging project: revamping our campus micromobility. With guidance from the staff at Institute Infrastructure and Sustainability, I drafted a safety oriented shared-micromobility initiative and presented it to transportation consultants and executive administration at Georgia Tech. This experience helped me demonstrate my capabilities to recruiters, leading to an internship offer from GDOT’s Transportation Management Center for the summer.”

Meet all of our Fall student employees and see the projects they worked on here. 

Abraham Werner

Air Quality at Georgia Tech

Air Quality at Georgia Tech

By John Schmidt, Office of Sustainability Student Assistant, Computer Science ’25

Why is air quality important?

When tracking emissions, carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) are often given the most attention, and rightfully so; finding ways to reduce GHG emissions is essential for avoiding the most harmful effects of climate change. At the same time, many of the same activities that produce GHGs also produce air pollutants that can be harmful to human health. For example, internal combustion engine vehicles produce tailpipe emissions in addition to the tire and brake wear that all vehicles generate. Burning fossil fuels like natural gas or propane also emits harmful pollutants, and Georgia Tech – like most universities – relies on these fuels for transportation, generating electricity, and heating or cooling campus buildings. Air pollutants have long been shown to cause premature deaths along with harmful effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory system (https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/air-pollution-current-and-future-challenges), so measuring and aiming to reduce these pollutants is important for the health of the entire Georgia Tech community and its surroundings.

Air Monitoring

Monitoring air quality can be difficult, however, primarily because professional grade equipment is expensive. While low-cost sensors are becoming more and more prevalent, they tend to only monitor for a few common pollutants, and their accuracy can be affected by a variety of external factors, including weather. Georgia Tech does have a regulatory ambient air sensor on campus managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/) which sends data to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of its AirNow data collection and forecasting program. The data from that sensor is publicly accessible and a source of highly accurate data. Monitoring air quality with physical sensors comes with one huge disadvantage though: there’s no way to quantify where the pollutants are coming from.

Ambient (outdoor) air quality can be affected by any number of sources, some of which may not be caused by human activity or located nearby. Weather conditions including wind, pressure, and humidity; distant wildfires producing huge quantities of smoke; and dust or wind erosion are a few examples. As an Institute that does emit air pollutants, this presents a problem for trying to measure the impact we make through direct air measurement. Instead, we can take an inventory of activities that are significant sources of air pollutants and make estimates utilizing our Greenhouse Gas Inventory. By collecting data on usage and relying on published emissions factors from groups like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we can get a better sense of how activities on campus may be impacting the air quality (and thus health) of our community.

Georgia Tech's Pollutants

Visualization of Air Pollutants measured in pounds (lbs) by the air quality inventory of FY 2023

We classify the pollutants in our inventory into two groups, each with sub-categories:

1. On-Campus pollutants (gold)
• Major Stationary Sources
• Natural gas boilers used for heating campus
• Mobile Sources
• Institute-owned fleet vehicles
• Stinger Buses

2. Off-Campus pollutants (blue)
• Off-site electricity production
• Driven by Georgia Power’s energy mix, see figure below
• Commuting

In general, Off-Campus pollutants make up a larger portion of total emissions and are affected by infrastructure and policies outside of the Institute. For this reason, we focus our analysis on the On-Campus sources, where Georgia Tech has more control over reducing air pollutants.

Georgia Power’s Energy Mix

Georgia Power Energy Mix, 2023: While changing every year, the electricity that Georgia Tech currently uses combusts fossil fuels like natural gas and coal during generation. Electrifying campus fleet vehicles and heating systems will still reduce emissions and pollutants, and those reductions grow as Georgia Power’s energy mix increases its percentage of renewable energy.

We can further separate the On-Campus sources into their respective share of pollutants. The four pollutants we focus on are:

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) constitutes a large portion of tailpipe pollutants and is generally released whenever something is combusted. Due in large part to stricter emissions standards, ambient amounts of CO have largely fallen to levels that are not seen as harmful to most people or the environment, though elevated levels can still be problematic for individuals with heart disease. Indoor levels can be very dangerous and need to be monitored.

Particulate Matter

Particulate Matter (PM) is a broader category of all airborne particles falling into the <2.5 ug or <10 ug categories (referred to as PM 2.5 or PM 10). Many air monitors only measure these particles because of their strong relation to negative health effects and their utility as an aggregate measure of different pollutant types. Primary sources of PM include smoke, dust, and power plants. Many types of pollutants, including Sulfur Oxides (Sox) and NOx, also react with other compounds in the air to create PM and are referred to as a secondary source of the pollutant category.

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) constitute the largest share of pollutants on campus by a significant margin. NOx comes from Major Stationary Sources, as NO2 is a primary output from burning many fossil fuels. It can cause a variety of negative health effects on the human respiratory system.

Sulfur Oxides

Sulfur Oxides (SOx) are typically emitted by power plants and large industrial facilities. They can have negative respiratory effects on humans and can cause damage to ecosystems.

Visualization of On-Campus Air Pollutants measured in lbs. and split into shares of Pollutant type

Reducing Pollutants with the Climate Action Plan

Georgia Tech’s Climate Action Plan, published in 2024, provides concrete strategies to cut GHG emissions and integrate climate education, advance climate research, and ensure cost-effective solutions. While the plan specifically highlights air quality improvement as part of the Mobility strategy, considering the significant correlation between greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, many of the other CAP goals will also substantially reduce the amount of pollutants emitted on campus. Goals 1.1 and 3.1, for instance, call for transitioning both combustion-based heating systems and the campus vehicle fleet to electrified, zero-emissions sources. Doing so would eliminate the largest emitters of on-campus air pollutants in natural gas boilers and internal combustion engines, with the potential to reduce mobile source pollutants by 96% and major stationary pollutants by 100%*. There are also goals that can help reduce the Off-Campus pollutants. Goals 2.1 and 2.3 call for increasing onsite renewables and purchasing electricity from zero-emissions sources, and goal 3.2 aims to increase commuting options that are more affordable and more sustainable.

*Note that, assuming the same energy mix, some of this share of pollutants shifts to off-site electricity production as campus energy demand increases.

1.1 Transition to electrification of combustion-based heating systems
2.1 Increase onsite renewable energy production
2.3 Procure electricity generated from renewable and zero-emissions sources
3.1 Transition the campus vehicle fleet to zero-emission vehicles and equipment
3.2 Increase sustainable and affordable commuting options

Climate Action Plan

Limitations

Because of limited data and because the scope of this work was significantly smaller than GHG inventory efforts, some air pollutant sources are not captured as part of this report. Results here should not be considered conclusive or exhaustive; rather, consider this a starting point for identifying ways to make our campus greener and healthier.

Plastic-Free for a Day

Plastic-Free for a Day

By Carina Valdivia, Office of Sustainability Student Assistant, EnvE ’27

My intention with this experiment was to go a day without using plastic and document how it went. I did some planning the night before to make sure that my plastic free day went smoothly. I planned ahead to ensure that I wasn’t going to be eating out at any fast-food places, was going to make my coffee at home, and that my snacks for the day were whole foods that weren’t plastic wrapped.

I woke up the following morning excited for my plastic free day. The whole plan then hit a speed bump when I crawled out of bed and turned on the light switch which is made of plastic. I then got dressed and put on a T-shirt which, upon further inspection, was made of polyester a type of plastic. This was leading me to notice just how much plastic is around us. Realistically, it is unavoidable. I mean, even my contacts that I need to see are made of… yep, you guessed it, plastic.

As the day continued, I made an effort to stay true to my original goal by consciously avoiding single-use plastics. I packed fresh fruits and homemade snacks, drank from a reusable water bottle, and declined a straw with my lunch. Even with these efforts, I couldn’t help noticing the plastic that surrounds us — from product packaging to personal care items. It’s a constant presence.  

My experience isn’t exactly unique. In general, higher income countries consume more plastic per capita than lower income regions. According to Earth.org, the United States produces more plastic than any other nation at a whopping 42 million metric tons every year. Our plastic waste habits have deadly consequences by putting economic burdens on already marginalized groups, endangering marine life, and polluting water that humans depend on for livelihood. On average, one person in the United States produces 287 pounds of plastic a year.   

When I consider these facts, it can feel overwhelming and lead to feeling helpless. The problem is expansive, and individual responsibility can feel small in the face of systemic waste. So, what can the individual do to mitigate plastic use?   

While going plastic free may not be completely feasible, here are some ways to cut down on plastic use.  

  1. Bring reusable bags and water bottles: These simple swaps, while they may seem small still make a difference. 
  2. Opt out of plastic packaging when possible: Avoid items like straws, coffee lids, and plastic bags when possible.
  3. Support local, sustainable brands: Seek out brands that prioritize minimal and sustainable packaging.
  4. Use plastic free alternative personal care items: You can substitute normal bottles of shampoo for shampoo bars. These products also tend to last longer and be more cost effective.
  5. Advocate for change: Systemic change requires policy action. Participate in community cleanup initiatives and advocate for more restrictions on plastic use.

My attempt at a plastic free day reminded me how deeply this material is embedded in our lives. As individuals, our actions might seem small, but each conscious choice builds momentum toward a collective shift. I encourage people to try out their own plastic free day and to consider what changes can be made in their own lives!   

 

Plastic Waste by Country (Source: Science Advances)

Plastic Pollution in the Chattahoochee River (Source: T Technique)

Common Plastic Free Alternatives (Source: Fair Trade Winds)

References 

Five Easy Plastic-Free Alternatives

Atlanta sued by Chattahoochee conservationists

https://one5c.com/plastic-pollution-by-country-136931514/ 

https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/plastic-pollution-statistics-facts 

https://earth.org/plastic-pollution-statistics/ 

Holiday Sustainability Guide

Holiday Sustainability Guide

By Nicole Nuñez (with support from Paige Suk), Office of Sustainability Student Assistants, EnvE ’25

The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate with family and friends. They are also an opportunity to be mindful. Here’s a guide to enjoy the holidays in an eco-friendly, affordable, and memorable way!

Sustainable Gifting

This holiday season, why not give the gift of creativity and sustainability? Instead of buying new items, consider upcycling materials you already have at home to create thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Not only is this approach more eco-friendly, but it also adds a personal touch that store-bought items can’t match. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste or just want to try something different, this guide is packed with ideas to help you craft unique presents that friends and family will love. 

Gifts Using Fabric Scraps 

Have old clothes, sheets, or curtains lying around? Don’t let them go to waste! Fabric scraps can be repurposed into thoughtful, handmade gifts that are both practical and stylish. From tote bags and decorative pillows to festive ornaments and bookmarks, there are endless possibilities for turning unused fabric into unique presents. Need some ideas to get started? Check out this photo for inspiration! 

Fabric Scrap Project Gift Ideas

Choose Local, Seasonal Ingredients

  • Why it Matters: Buying local and seasonal ingredients supports your community and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. It’s also an opportunity to explore fresh, high-quality produce!
  • Where to Shop: Atlanta is full of vibrant markets:
    • Piedmont Park Green Market: Open on Saturdays, this market is a fantastic spot for finding fresh vegetables, fruit, and even Thanksgiving pies.
    • The Community Market at Georgia Tech: This on-campus market is open to the public and features local vendors offering seasonal ingredients and baked goods.
    • East Atlanta Village Farmers Market: Held on Thursdays, East Atlanta Village Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh produce from local farms.
  • Pro-Tip: When shopping for fall seasonal ingredients, look for squash, sweet potatoes, collard greens, carrots, and pumpkins—all locally grown and perfect for holiday meals.

Georgia Proud Provisions at GT’s Community Market (Source: GT Community Market)

Use Reusable and Compostable Serveware

  • Why it Matters: Disposable plates and utensils contribute significantly to landfill waste. Using reusable serveware or opting for compostable alternatives keeps waste down and is often more cost-effective in the long run.
  • Tips:
    • Reusable Plates & Cutlery: If you’re hosting friends, gather reusable plates, utensils, and glasses. Borrow from friends or roommates if needed. Thrifting dishware can also be an affordable option.
    • Compostable Options: If reusable isn’t an option, consider compostable plates, utensils, and napkins, which are available at stores like Whole Foods and Target.
  • Pro-Tip: Compostable options should go into compost bins, not recycling. Georgia Tech’s Kendeda Building and dining halls have composting bins you can use if you’re on campus!

Compostable Serveware (Source: Shutterstock)

Sustainable Decorations

  • Why it Matters: Instead of buying disposable decorations, use natural or second-hand items that are reusable and compostable.
  • Ideas for Decorations:
    • Nature-Inspired Decor: Use pinecones, dried leaves, and fresh flowers for a rustic touch. These can be composted afterward.
    • Second-Hand Finds: Goodwill, Georgia Tech’s Green Goodbyes Store, and other thrift shops often have decorations, tablecloths, and seasonal items at budget-friendly prices.
    • DIY Options: Turn old paper or fabric into decorative garlands or centerpieces.
  • Pro-Tip: When done, compost any natural decorations to reduce waste further.

Sustainable Decorations (Source: Green Choice Lifestyle)

Go Meatless or Reduce Portions

  • Why it Matters: Meat production is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and energy. Reducing or omitting meat is a great way to lower your meal’s environmental impact.
  • Alternatives to Try:
    • Roasted Vegetable Platters
    • Mushroom Wellington
    • Lentil Loaf
    • Savory Bread Pudding with Kale and Mushrooms
    • Harvest Salad
  • Smaller Meat Portions: If you do choose to include turkey, aim for a smaller size to reduce leftovers. Consider getting a pasture-raised or locally-sourced bird to support sustainable farming practices.

Roasted Vegetable Platter (Source: The Food Network)

Recycle and Compost

  • Why it Matters: Proper recycling and composting can reduce landfill waste and help close the loop by turning food scraps into compost.
  • How to Do It:
    • Campus Recycling Locations: Georgia Tech has numerous recycling stations across campus. Look for these to dispose of paper, plastics, and metals properly.
    • Composting at Kendeda: For items like food scraps and compostable serveware, Georgia Tech’s Kendeda Building has designated compost bins.
    • Specialty Bins at Kendeda: Unique recycling bins for hard-to-recycle materials like e-waste, plastic bags, textiles, and foam are available, so make use of these bins for any non-food items.
  • Pro-Tip: Unsure if something is recyclable? Check out the Infrastructure and Sustainability’s interactive map and recycling guidelines to be sure you’re recycling right!

Recycling and Compost Bins at Kendeda

Extend Gratitude to Your Community

  • Why it Matters: Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give back. Supporting your community can be as rewarding as the holiday itself.
  • Ideas:
    • Volunteer: Many organizations welcome holiday volunteers. Atlanta Community Food Bank or Hands On Atlanta offer volunteering opportunities where you can help distribute food to those in need.
    • Mindful Giving: Focus on eco-friendly gifts and meaningful gestures instead of new items. Share time, stories, experiences, and skills with friends and family.
  • Pro-Tip: Small actions make a big impact. Keep the giving spirit alive by practicing sustainability throughout the year, from mindful consumption to volunteering regularly.

November 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

Arianna Robinson, assistant director for business operations in the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for August 2024.

Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion: November 2024

Diego Shipmon, Undergraduate Biology Student

Georgia Tech Class of 2027

Photo of Arianna Robinson, associate director of business operations at the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business.

Diego Shipmon, Undergraduate Biology Student, is the November 2024 Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion.

About Diego

Diego is an undergraduate biology student involved with Students Organizing for Sustainability (SOS) and RCE Greater Atlanta. He plays active roles in the Ka Moamoa Lab, the Sustainability Education Curriculum Committee, Seven Generations @ GT, and the Organization for Social Activism.        

                                                                                              
From the nomination: “I heard him speak at an Indigenous Heritage Month event, and I was inspired by his mention of the Seventh Generation Principle, which emphasizes our responsibility to future generations. Diego is also an avid gardener, working to reintroduce indigenous plants and sustainable practices to campus.”

Q&A

Q: Title:

A:

Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

A: I’ve been at Georgia Tech for two years.

Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

A: To me, sustainability is a commitment to the ecosystems and human-built environments of future generations. In my work with Ka Moamoa and Seven Generations, I hope to secure a better future for the students who come after me. 

Q: What is your favorite quote (sustainability related or not)?

A: “Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer

Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

A: At least once a week, I make a point of walking through the Eco-Commons and seeing how many plants I can name by memory. It’s just as important to check in with our non-human neighbors. If we don’t, we lose sight of what we’re fighting for.   

Know a Sustainability Champion at Tech? Nominate them here!

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Student Energy Clubs at Georgia Tech

Student Energy Clubs at Georgia Tech

By Sanam Patel, Office of Sustainability Student Assistant

At Georgia Tech, the future of energy is being shaped by a passionate community of students committed to sustainability and clean energy innovation. Clubs including  ElectrifyGT, GT Energy Club, and Re-Volv serve as hubs for collaboration, education, and cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy and sustainable technology.  

We checked in with several clubs about their priorities and what makes their communities special. 

*Note: There are many student organizations doing great work at Georgia Tech. We couldn’t highlight them all in this article, but we try to feature them on our Student Sustainability Organizations page. Don’t see your org listed? Let us know by emailing sustain@gatech.edu.

ElectrifyGT Logo. Features the words Electrify GT and a lighting bolt with a plug.

ElectrifyGT

Who They Are: ElectrifyGT is a student-led organization at Georgia Tech dedicated to promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and advancing electrification technologies. 

What They Do: The group hosts events, workshops, and discussions to educate students about the benefits of EVs, sustainable transportation, and the broader impact of electrification on reducing carbon emissions. ElectrifyGT also collaborates with industry experts and faculty to explore innovations in electric mobility and clean energy, creating opportunities for students to engage with research and real-world applications in the field.

Current Initiatives: Sasipa Viravan, president of ElectrifyGT, reflected on several of the projects she is spearheading this semester, noting initiatives to create “campus electric vehicle charging” and “explore solar panel incorporation at Georgia Tech.”

View their Instagram here.  

Georgia Tech Energy Club

Who They Are: The GT Energy Club is another passion-driven club, known for their Hackathon and annual Southeastern Energy Conference. 

What They Do: Tejaswi Manoj, president of the GT Energy Club, shared that the club hosts everything from energy chats to networking events. The group is even working on an initiative to electrify sidewalks at GT with a technology known as piezoelectric sensors. One of their standout initiatives is the annual Energy Expo—a signature event that brings together experts, innovators, and students to explore the latest trends and breakthroughs in the energy sector.

Current Initiatives: The club’s Energy Hackathon provides a platform for tech enthusiasts to team up and develop creative solutions to real-world energy challenges, blending sustainability with cutting-edge technology in a competitive environment. Applications are open now for the event, which will take place Jan. 17 – 19, 2025. 

View their Instagram here.

southeastern energy conference
Energy Club @ Georgia Tech Logo

“Being part of one of the largest interdisciplinary clubs on campus, which a lot of people don’t always associate with energy, is something that’s always been really important to me,” said Braden Nathaniel, VP of Communications for the GT Energy Club. “When you’re working in different fields and careers, you’re going to be crossing paths with other engineers, other majors, other fields. I think that’s something our club does a great job with, being involved with policy, economics, the engineering, everything and just combining those all.”

Getting involved in energy and sustainability clubs at Georgia Tech is a great way for students to explore their passion for environmental impact and clean energy solutions. Organizations such as the Energy Club, ElectrifyGT, Re-Volv, and Solar at GT offer hands-on projects, networking opportunities, and industry connections that empower students to make a difference on campus and beyond. Whether you’re interested in renewable energy, electric vehicles, or sustainability in business, these clubs provide a platform to learn, collaborate, and drive meaningful change.  

Renewable Energy at Georgia Tech

Harnessing Renewable Energy at Georgia Tech

By Nicole Nuñez, Office of Sustainability Student Assistant, EnvE ’25

Georgia Tech is working to increase clean energy supply across campus. Since the mid-1990s, on-site solar has played a role in powering campus operations.  Here’s a look at the current state of campus renewable energy at Georgia Tech and where we’re headed.   

On-Campus Renewable Energy: Sites and Impact

In 2024, Georgia Tech surpassed 1 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy capacity on campus. Solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays have been installed across several buildings, contributing to our renewable energy generation. In Fiscal Year 2023, these systems produced 895,663 kilowatt-hours (kWh), equivalent to powering over 80 average U.S. homes for a year. 

Sites and Their Solar Energy Capacities

  • Carbon Neutral Energy Solutions Building – 388 kilowatts (kW)
  • Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons – 120 kW
  • Engineered Biosystems Building – 40 kW
  • Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design – 330 kW
  • Dalney Street Office Building – 81 kW
  • John Lewis Student Center – 80 kW
  • Reck Garage – 12 kW

    Percentage of Solar Energy Generated by Sites on Campus

    On-Site Solar Energy Produced (kWh) and Dollars Saved As a Result

    Slide 1: Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons (Source: Paul Warchol), Slide 2: Kendeda Building, Slide 3: Reck Garage (Source: Paul Warchol)

    Off-Campus Renewable Energy

    While we’ve made progress with on-site renewable energy, most of the energy used at Georgia Tech comes from Georgia Power’s electricity grid. Approximately 59% of campus’ energy is electricity purchased from Georgia Power, where approximately 7% of the energy mix in 2023 came from renewable sources such as solar and wind, as well as low-emission sources including nuclear (23%) and hydropower (2%).  

    With the publication of Georgia Tech’s Climate Action Plan in 2024, the Institute is investigating pathways for investing in off-campus renewable energy through the following strategies: 

    1. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): By purchasing RECs, we can support renewable energy projects supplying clean energy to the grid. 
    2. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) & Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs): These agreements allow us to purchase clean energy from on or off-campus sources. 
    3. Energy Storage and Resilience Hubs: As part of our long-term sustainability vision, we’re exploring energy storage solutions and planning for the implementation of Resilience Hubs – self-sustaining facilities that will serve the campus and community in times of power outages or other emergencies. 

      Procuring Clean Energy through RECs, PPAs, and VPPAs

      Looking Forward: A Carbon-Neutral Future

      Projections from the Climate Action Plan show that if Georgia Tech installs solar in all currently feasible locations, we can reach approximately 7 MW of solar capacity. This figure is expected to fluctuate as our campus grows and changes and as new technologies become more economically feasible.  

      On-site solar alone cannot meet our energy needs; a combined strategy approach is needed for Georgia Tech to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. 

      Emissions Reductions From Each Focus Area in the Year 2050

      October 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

      Arianna Robinson, assistant director for business operations in the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for August 2024.

      Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion: October 2024

      Justin Bowen, Volunteer Services Intern at Trees Atlanta and GT Undergraduate Psychology Student

      Georgia Tech Class of 2026

      Photo of Arianna Robinson, associate director of business operations at the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business.

      Justin Bowen, Volunteer Services Intern at Trees Atlanta and GT Undergraduate Psychology Student, is the October 2024 Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion.

      About Justin

      Justin, a dedicated advocate for sustainability at Georgia Tech, has made lasting contributions both on campus and in the broader Atlanta community. As a leader in the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) and the Ethics Bowl, Justin has organized numerous events aimed at promoting sustainable infrastructures that benefit not only students but also the plant and animal species sharing the campus. Justin’s efforts extend beyond advocacy—they actively connect students with sustainability organizations like Trees Atlanta, providing transportation and resources to foster deeper engagement. 
                                                              
      From the nomination: “In their time at Georgia Tech, Justin has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. They’ve organized impactful events, such as a public transit activism panel and a platform for survivors of the Bhopal disaster, to raise awareness about sustainability. Justin’s dedication to connecting students with sustainability initiatives and resources, both on and off-campus, truly sets them apart.”

      Q&A

      Q: Title:

      A:  Volunteer Services Intern at Trees Atlanta and GT Undergraduate Psychology Student

      Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

      A: I am in my third year at Georgia Tech.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

      A: To me, sustainability means acting in the best way for the health of people, plants, and animals in your local community and being a responsible steward for future generations. Sustainability means not just avoiding ecological harm, but also proactively becoming involved in your environment and improving it through individual actions, movements, and policy so we can achieve gains rather than neutrality in our lifetimes.

      Q: What is your favorite quote (sustainability related or not)?

      A: “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” – Anonymous 

      Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

      A: I ride my bike to my lab and classes on weekdays, and on weekends I plant street trees or care for established trees through pruning, invasive species removal, and mulching with Trees Atlanta. 

      Know a Sustainability Champion at Tech? Nominate them here!

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      Fall 2024 Living Campus Fellows

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Living Campus Fellows

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Mary Meeks

      Degree Program: Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Biodiversity

      About Mary

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am currently conducting a campus-wide biodiversity study classifying all plants located on Georgia Tech’s campus as either a native, non-native, or invasive species. The goal of this assessment is to be able to create a report with comprehensive recommendations on how to transition the landscaping on campus to native plants.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: For me, sustainability means having a future-focused mindset, and acting in ways that will have positive future ramifications.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite way to practice sustainability is by shopping locally – especially at nearby farmer’s markets.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Kolinkar Roy

      Degree Program: Business Administration with a Concentration in Information Technology Management

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Resilience

      About Kolinkar

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: This semester, I am conducting a Battery Storage and Resiliency Assessment aimed at transforming McCamish Pavilion into Georgia Tech’s first Resilience Hub. The hub will be powered by a solar grid integrated with batteries for long-term energy storage, aiding in the shift toward green energy and providing an emergency power source for the campus.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, sustainability means living within our means over the long run, whether it involves the consumption of water, electricity, food, or other resources. Being sustainable requires prioritizing long-term stability over short-term convenience to ensure that resources remain available for everyone.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practice is turning off all the lights in my apartment when they’re not needed. It’s a simple yet often overlooked habit that I enjoy incorporating into my routine to live more sustainably.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Luke Riley

      Degree Program: Business Administration with a Concentration in Information Technology Management

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Utilities & Procurement

      About Luke

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am working on a Scope 3 GHG Purchasing Assessment for Georgia Tech.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability to me means truly taking part in and promoting for practices that leave the world in a better place than we found it.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practice is using a reusable water bottle.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Isabel Torres

      Degree Program: Operations & Supply Chain Management

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Food Procurement

      About Isabel

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am calculating Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions related to food procurement, with a focus on supplier emissions and transportation. By analyzing procurement data from over 30 suppliers, I am tracking food purchases made by GT Dining during the last fiscal year. Additionally, I will be identifying high-emission food categories and developing a comprehensive action plan to reduce Scope 3 emissions, aligning my efforts with Georgia Tech’s Climate Action Plan.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability means taking a holistic approach to problem-solving, understanding that every decision we make, whether in business, policy, or personal life, has long-term consequences for the planet and society. Living sustainably means that people try to manage their needs in a way that will allow future generations to do the same.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability practice is bringing reusable grocery bags every time I go to the store. It’s a simple habit, but it reduces the need for single-use plastic or paper bags, which helps cut down on waste and lowers my environmental footprint.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Abraham Werner

      Degree Program: Civil Engineering and Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027 

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Micromobility

      About Abraham

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am working on completing a campus micromobility assessment and proposing potential mobility solutions with an assortment of feasibility reports.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, sustainability means creating a world focused on progress that lasts.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practices are walking and biking.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Jack Elliott

      Degree Program: Economics & International Affairs

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Pedestrianization 

      About Jack

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’m creating a plan to celebrate the progress toward a car-free GT while helping students safely navigate its changing layout. 

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To be sustainable is a responsibility; it’s a promise to future generations. 

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practice is shopping second-hand.

      Gabriella Nguyen 

      Degree Program: Computer Science

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area: Living Campus Fellowship – Zero Waste & Recycling

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      Fall 2024 Kendeda Fellows

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Kendeda Fellows

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Renee Alnoubani

      Degree Program: Civil Engineering, Minor in Sustainable Cities

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Renee

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for giving tours to groups that visit the Kendeda Building as well as working on outreach and marketing for Kendeda’s various programs.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability means to have a deep appreciation for the natural world and to do everything in your power to protect it and live in harmony with it.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practice is to consciously use minimal water when making ablution to prepare for prayer.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Kiran Kapileshwari

      Degree Program: Mechanical Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Kiran

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for giving tours of the Kendeda Building, creating bridges between GT and our community, assisting the Office of Sustainability with whatever projects and events they put on for the student body and greater community, and creating social media content to promote campus sustainability initiatives and events.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability is about finding a healthy balance for all. It’s about creating systems that allow future generations to thrive, but also about making small, conscious choices in my daily life—like reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities—that collectively make a big impact. Sustainability is a mindset of respect for the planet and those who inhabit it, and it’s something I strive to practice both personally and in my work as a student. It means we are creating a better place than we found.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: I love biking literally everywhere, especially in a campus environment or on the beltline. It’s free, healthy, and makes me feel like I’m flying! Also, gardening often at the Kendeda Rooftop Garden with Urban Agriculture at Kendeda is always a highlight of my day. It covers almost every SDG, great place for community, fresh air, and yummy fresh food that I know comes from an environmentally and socially ethical source.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Lauren Otobor

      Degree Program: Civil Engineering: Construction Engineering & Management with a Sustainable Cities minor

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Lauren

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for leading Kendeda Tours, outreach, and internal programs.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, sustainability means that we are aiming to keep the world as it is and to stop further damage. However, I prefer the term regenerative or net positive which means that we are giving back more to the environment than we are taking.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practice is walking to class and in/around ATL! We are on a beautiful campus in a great city and its easier to explore the city on foot.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Annabelle Sarkissian

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Annabelle

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for giving tours, assisting with building events, and helping design a green events guide.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability to me means ensuring we do our best to protect our world and resources for future generations.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practices are recycling and reusing.

      Join Our List

      Office of Sustainability updates straight to your inbox each month.

      Sign Up

      Connect With Us

      Join the conversation by following us on social media. 

      Fall 2024 OOS Student Assistants

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Student Assistants

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Charles McHenry

      Degree Program: Computer Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2025

      Focus Area: Emissions Modeling

      About Charles

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ve been working on an interactive model that allows users to simulate the changes in greenhouse gas emissions based on different strategies that Georgia Tech could implement.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Nicole Nuñez

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area: Engagement 

      About Nicole

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’m focusing on communications with the OOS engagement team. I assist in managing our monthly newsletter, ensuring that the Georgia Tech community stays informed about upcoming events, initiatives, and sustainability updates. Additionally, I handle social media posts to spread awareness about sustainability efforts at GT, encouraging students and faculty to engage in sustainable practices and participate in events that promote environmental stewardship.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability, to me, means caring for the Earth by making conscious decisions that benefit both the environment and its inhabitants. It’s about ensuring that our actions today don’t harm the resources and ecosystems needed for future generations. Beyond protecting the environment for people, it’s also about preserving habitats and maintaining biodiversity so that all species can thrive.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability practice is using a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastics, and I make sure to recycle properly. 

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Sanam Patel

      Degree Program: Industrial Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

      Focus Area: Engagement 

      About Sanam

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ll be assisting with various engagement projects and cross-departmental projects.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: I think it means protecting the world for generations to come, so they can also enjoy the life we have today.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: I love to use reusable items everyday, like my waterbottle and lunch boxes.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      John Schmidt

      Degree Program: Computer Science, Minor in Sustainable Cities

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Utilities Management

      About John

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ll be responsible for putting together automated data analytics to help identify inefficiencies in our heating and cooling systems, evaluating some pilot sustainability initiatives, and potentially working to improve on-campus air quality data monitoring.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, in the most immediate sense, sustainability is about preventing and mitigating disastrous climate change outcomes. But in a broader sense, it’s a movement towards a more equitable, prosperous future through good stewardship of our planet’s resources.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: Eating plant-based foods, finding inventive ways to reuse things, and celebrating climate wins.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Paige Suk

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering, Minor in Industrial Design

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area: Zero Waste & Recycling

      About Paige

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: This semester, I’m assisting with coordinating student engagement activities that focus on waste management and recycling. My role includes designing new recycling signage, updating campus waste management data, and contributing to creative outreach projects that promote sustainability.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, environmental sustainability is a commitment to protecting the Earth’s natural resources and treating our planet in a way that will ensure success for future generations.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability practices that I engage in almost every day would be recycling, using reusable household products, and wearing sustainable clothing.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Carina Valdivia 

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

      Focus Area: Zero Waste & Recycling

      About Carina

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ll be responsible for inputting and managing data, binside education for students, and smaller miscellaneous tasks.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability at Tech means meeting the needs of our community while also considering and working to minimize our impact.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practice is trying to buy most of my clothes second hand.

      Cindy Huynh

      Degree Program: Architecture

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area: Vulnerability Assessment & Resilience Plan

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      Join the conversation by following us on social media. 

      September 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

      Arianna Robinson, assistant director for business operations in the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for August 2024.

      Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion: September 2024

      Jake LeJeune, Fire Safety Coordinator, Deputy Marshal

      Georgia Tech Fire Safety Office 

      Photo of Arianna Robinson, associate director of business operations at the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business.

      Jake LeJeune, Fire Safety Coordinator, is the September 2024 Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion.

      About Jake

      Jake, Georgia Tech’s Fire Safety Coordinator for over six years, has been a driving force behind transforming the Fire Safety Office into a paper-free environment. By implementing a web-based software program, Jake eliminated the need for large architectural plan submissions and led the transition away from paper-based inspection forms. Thanks to his leadership, the Fire Safety Office now operates entirely digitally, streamlining processes and reducing environmental impact. His efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. For Jake, sustainability means ensuring Georgia Tech thrives while creating a better world for future generations.
      From the nomination: “Jake was instrumental in making GT Fire Safety a paper free office. Jake implemented a web based software program to replace the submission of large architectural plans. Jake also assisted greatly and lead the way for removing and archiving existing power files and implementing new processes for GT Fire Safety team members to discontinue paper forms for inspections. GT Fire Safety is a paper free organization!”

      Q&A

      Q: Title:

      A: Fire Safety Coordinator

      Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

      A: Since April, 2028; so a little over 6 years

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

      A: Sustainability is important to me because good practices and effort towards common goals shared among co-workers allows Georgia Tech to thrive and be ready for the future generation; and during this process we can live and work in a world that is a better place.

      Q: What is your favorite quote (sustainability related or not)?

      A: The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.

      Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

      A:  I recycle everyday and collect tabs off of cans, and once I get a big enough collection I plan on donating to Ronald McDonald Charity.

      Know a Sustainability Champion at Tech? Nominate them here!

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      Office of Sustainability updates straight to your inbox each month.

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      Join the conversation by following us on social media. 

      Meet our Fall 2024 Students

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Meet the Office of Sustainability Students

      Student Assistants

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Charles McHenry

      Degree Program: Computer Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2025

      Focus Area: Emissions Modeling

      About Charles

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ve been working on an interactive model that allows users to simulate the changes in greenhouse gas emissions based on different strategies that Georgia Tech could implement.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Nicole Nuñez

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area: Engagement 

      About Nicole

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’m focusing on communications with the OOS engagement team. I assist in managing our monthly newsletter, ensuring that the Georgia Tech community stays informed about upcoming events, initiatives, and sustainability updates. Additionally, I handle social media posts to spread awareness about sustainability efforts at GT, encouraging students and faculty to engage in sustainable practices and participate in events that promote environmental stewardship.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability, to me, means caring for the Earth by making conscious decisions that benefit both the environment and its inhabitants. It’s about ensuring that our actions today don’t harm the resources and ecosystems needed for future generations. Beyond protecting the environment for people, it’s also about preserving habitats and maintaining biodiversity so that all species can thrive.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability practice is using a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastics, and I make sure to recycle properly. 

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Sanam Patel

      Degree Program: Industrial Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

      Focus Area: Engagement 

      About Sanam

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ll be assisting with various engagement projects and cross-departmental projects.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: I think it means protecting the world for generations to come, so they can also enjoy the life we have today.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: I love to use reusable items everyday, like my waterbottle and lunch boxes.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      John Schmidt

      Degree Program: Computer Science, Minor in Sustainable Cities

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Utilities Management

      About John

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ll be responsible for putting together automated data analytics to help identify inefficiencies in our heating and cooling systems, evaluating some pilot sustainability initiatives, and potentially working to improve on-campus air quality data monitoring.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, in the most immediate sense, sustainability is about preventing and mitigating disastrous climate change outcomes. But in a broader sense, it’s a movement towards a more equitable, prosperous future through good stewardship of our planet’s resources.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: Eating plant-based foods, finding inventive ways to reuse things, and celebrating climate wins.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Paige Suk

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering, Minor in Industrial Design

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area: Zero Waste & Recycling

      About Paige

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: This semester, I’m assisting with coordinating student engagement activities that focus on waste management and recycling. My role includes designing new recycling signage, updating campus waste management data, and contributing to creative outreach projects that promote sustainability.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, environmental sustainability is a commitment to protecting the Earth’s natural resources and treating our planet in a way that will ensure success for future generations.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability practices that I engage in almost every day would be recycling, using reusable household products, and wearing sustainable clothing.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Carina Valdivia 

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

      Focus Area: Zero Waste & Recycling

      About Carina

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’ll be responsible for inputting and managing data, binside education for students, and smaller miscellaneous tasks.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability at Tech means meeting the needs of our community while also considering and working to minimize our impact.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practice is trying to buy most of my clothes second hand.

      Cindy Huynh

      Degree Program: Architecture

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area: Vulnerability Assessment & Resilience Plan

      Kendeda Fellows

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Renee Alnoubani

      Degree Program: Civil Engineering, Minor in Sustainable Cities

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Renee

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for giving tours to groups that visit the Kendeda Building as well as working on outreach and marketing for Kendeda’s various programs.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability means to have a deep appreciation for the natural world and to do everything in your power to protect it and live in harmony with it.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practice is to consciously use minimal water when making ablution to prepare for prayer.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Kiran Kapileshwari

      Degree Program: Mechanical Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Kiran

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for giving tours of the Kendeda Building, creating bridges between GT and our community, assisting the Office of Sustainability with whatever projects and events they put on for the student body and greater community, and creating social media content to promote campus sustainability initiatives and events.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability is about finding a healthy balance for all. It’s about creating systems that allow future generations to thrive, but also about making small, conscious choices in my daily life—like reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities—that collectively make a big impact. Sustainability is a mindset of respect for the planet and those who inhabit it, and it’s something I strive to practice both personally and in my work as a student. It means we are creating a better place than we found.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: I love biking literally everywhere, especially in a campus environment or on the beltline. It’s free, healthy, and makes me feel like I’m flying! Also, gardening often at the Kendeda Rooftop Garden with Urban Agriculture at Kendeda is always a highlight of my day. It covers almost every SDG, great place for community, fresh air, and yummy fresh food that I know comes from an environmentally and socially ethical source.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Lauren Otobor

      Degree Program: Civil Engineering: Construction Engineering & Management with a Sustainable Cities minor

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Lauren

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for leading Kendeda Tours, outreach, and internal programs.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, sustainability means that we are aiming to keep the world as it is and to stop further damage. However, I prefer the term regenerative or net positive which means that we are giving back more to the environment than we are taking.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practice is walking to class and in/around ATL! We are on a beautiful campus in a great city and its easier to explore the city on foot.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Annabelle Sarkissian

      Degree Program: Environmental Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

      Focus Area:  Kendeda Fellowship

      About Annabelle

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am responsible for giving tours, assisting with building events, and helping design a green events guide.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability to me means ensuring we do our best to protect our world and resources for future generations.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practices are recycling and reusing.

      Living Campus Fellows

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Mary Meeks

      Degree Program: Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Biodiversity

      About Mary

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am currently conducting a campus-wide biodiversity study classifying all plants located on Georgia Tech’s campus as either a native, non-native, or invasive species. The goal of this assessment is to be able to create a report with comprehensive recommendations on how to transition the landscaping on campus to native plants.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: For me, sustainability means having a future-focused mindset, and acting in ways that will have positive future ramifications.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite way to practice sustainability is by shopping locally – especially at nearby farmer’s markets.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Kolinkar Roy

      Degree Program: Business Administration with a Concentration in Information Technology Management

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Resilience

      About Kolinkar

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: This semester, I am conducting a Battery Storage and Resiliency Assessment aimed at transforming McCamish Pavilion into Georgia Tech’s first Resilience Hub. The hub will be powered by a solar grid integrated with batteries for long-term energy storage, aiding in the shift toward green energy and providing an emergency power source for the campus.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, sustainability means living within our means over the long run, whether it involves the consumption of water, electricity, food, or other resources. Being sustainable requires prioritizing long-term stability over short-term convenience to ensure that resources remain available for everyone.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practice is turning off all the lights in my apartment when they’re not needed. It’s a simple yet often overlooked habit that I enjoy incorporating into my routine to live more sustainably.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Luke Riley

      Degree Program: Business Administration with a Concentration in Information Technology Management

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Utilities & Procurement

      About Luke

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am working on a Scope 3 GHG Purchasing Assessment for Georgia Tech.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability to me means truly taking part in and promoting for practices that leave the world in a better place than we found it.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability daily practice is using a reusable water bottle.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Isabel Torres

      Degree Program: Operations & Supply Chain Management

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Food Procurement

      About Isabel

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am calculating Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions related to food procurement, with a focus on supplier emissions and transportation. By analyzing procurement data from over 30 suppliers, I am tracking food purchases made by GT Dining during the last fiscal year. Additionally, I will be identifying high-emission food categories and developing a comprehensive action plan to reduce Scope 3 emissions, aligning my efforts with Georgia Tech’s Climate Action Plan.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: Sustainability means taking a holistic approach to problem-solving, understanding that every decision we make, whether in business, policy, or personal life, has long-term consequences for the planet and society. Living sustainably means that people try to manage their needs in a way that will allow future generations to do the same.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite sustainability practice is bringing reusable grocery bags every time I go to the store. It’s a simple habit, but it reduces the need for single-use plastic or paper bags, which helps cut down on waste and lowers my environmental footprint.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Abraham Werner

      Degree Program: Civil Engineering and Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2027 

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Micromobility

      About Abraham

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I am working on completing a campus micromobility assessment and proposing potential mobility solutions with an assortment of feasibility reports.

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To me, sustainability means creating a world focused on progress that lasts.

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practices are walking and biking.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Jack Elliott

      Degree Program: Economics & International Affairs

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area:  Living Campus Fellowship – Pedestrianization 

      About Jack

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this semester?

      A: I’m creating a plan to celebrate the progress toward a car-free GT while helping students safely navigate its changing layout. 

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

      A: To be sustainable is a responsibility; it’s a promise to future generations. 

      Q: What is your favorite sustainability daily practice?

      A: My favorite daily sustainability practice is shopping second-hand.

      Gabriella Nguyen 

      Degree Program: Computer Science

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

      Focus Area: Living Campus Fellowship – Zero Waste & Recycling

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      August 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

      Arianna Robinson, assistant director for business operations in the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for August 2024.

      Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion: August 2024

      Arianna Robinson, Assistant Director, Business Operations and Sustainability Educator

      Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business

      Photo of Arianna Robinson, associate director of business operations at the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business.

      Arianna Robinson, Assistant Director of Business Operations and Sustainability Educator in the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business, is the August 2024 Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion.

      About Arianna

      During her 10-year career at Georgia Tech, Arianna has been instrumental in the success of the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at the Scheller College of Business. In her current role as assistant director of business operations, she executes, coordinates, and supports the Center’s strategic projects, events, and ongoing programs and initiatives. She also manages the Center’s finances, its marketing and communications strategy, and its human resource activities.
       
      She has been involved in starting some of Georgia Tech’s most recognizable sustainable business programs and initiatives including the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact; the MBA (STEM) Sustainability Concentration; the Sustainable Business Certificate; and the Sustainability Fellows and Ambassadors Program. Arianna supports reporting of sustainability-related information for the various MBA Rankings and launched the Scheller College DEI Book Discussion Group.
       
      Arianna also goes above and beyond as a sustainability educator and mentor. She is the staff advisor to the Blacks in Business and Net Impact graduate student organizations; she has co-taught a Sustainable Development Goal-focused course for the Global Leadership Living Learning Community at Georgia Tech; and she has served as a mentor for the Serve-Learn-Sustain Sustainable Communities Summer Internship Program. Arianna brings her passion for racial equity, social justice, and well-being to everything she does and is always willing to collaborate across the Institute.
         
      From the nomination: “Arianna’s commitment to the Center and to making the world a better place is admirable. Her ability to think ahead and constantly look for what is needed in the long term makes her an incredible asset to our team and the Georgia Tech Community, I am honored to be her colleague.”  

      Q&A

      Q: Title:

      A: Assistant Director, Business Operations

      Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

      A: 10 years

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

      A: I look at sustainability as a desired state of well-being for people, the planet, and their peaceful co-existence. It’s important because it can guide decision making, from indiviuals to nation states, on practices and policies that balance economic goals with responsible consumption and societal benefits. 

      Q: What is your favorite quote (sustainability related or not)?

      A: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.  -Martin Luther King, Jr.

      Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

      A: My favorite daily practice would be meditation. I believe the connection between mental health and sustainability/susatinable development is grievously overlooked.

      Know a Sustainability Champion at Tech? Nominate them here!

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      July 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

      Greg Spiro, Executive Director of Infrastructure, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion: July 2024

      Greg Spiro, Executive Director of Infrastructure

      Professional headshot picturing Greg Spiro, Georgia Tech executive director of infrastructure, in front of greenery.

      Greg Spiro, Executive Director of Infrastructure, is the July 2024 Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion.

      About Greg

      Greg has been a champion for efficient resource use at Georgia Tech for more than 25 years. During his employment, Greg has worked on a wide variety of projects including mechanical building systems, state of the art research laboratories, and central plant and underground chilled water/steam utilities. He has served as a project manager, an engineer of record, facilities engineer, and has taken an active role in promoting and enforcing Georgia Tech’s standards and sustainability initiatives. 

      Additional projects includes the planning, development, and tracking for the The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, the implementation of Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance contracts, and a project management team member for the Campus Comprehensive Plan and the associated Climate Action Plan. Greg has also served as a voting member on the ASHRAE BACnet committee and the USG’s Design Criteria for Laboratories committee.

      Currently Greg is managing the development of the Campus Utility Master Plan, a 10-year plan informed by both the Campus Comprehensive Plan and the Climate Action Plan. It will define utility needs and improvements that align with Georgia Tech’s emission reduction goals as well as support campus construction prioritized for the next decade.

      He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tech and he is a licensed professional engineer, an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), as well as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

      From the Nomination: “It is fantastic to have someone in Greg’s position who is so knowledgeable and tirelessly dedicated to sustainability. Greg is always thinking about how to embrace new technologies and set up systems that improve the ways we think about and use energy and water. Greg has been an invaluable contributor to Georgia Tech, and campus emissions are lower than they would be otherwise due directly to his impacts.”  

      Q&A

      Q: Title:

      A: Executive Director of Infrastructure

      Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

      A: 25 years

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

      A: Sustainability is about adopting technologies and practices that allow future generations to thrive in perpetuity.

      Q: What is your favorite quote (sustainability related or not)?

      A: My grandmother always told me, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

      Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

      A: Probably driving my electric car because, even though I lost my carpool partner after 17 years, I can still use the HOV lane.

      Know a Sustainability Champion at Tech? Nominate them here!

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      Summer Sustainability Interns

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Meet the Summer Sustainability Interns

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Kirsten Francis

      School: Morehouse School of Medicine

      Degree Program: Master of Public Health Program

      Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

      About Kirsten

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this summer?

      A: I am assisting with developing an air quality calculator, learning Power BI, and tracking water leaks through utility bills.

      Q: What’s one thing you learned during your time with Office of Sustainability that you feel is important for others on campus to know? 

      A: It may be very simple, but I learned how important it is to have a climate action plan, as it serves as the blueprint for any organization’s actions toward sustainability. Attending institutions that, though not as far along in their climate action journey’s as Georgia Tech, are still developing their focus on climate action, has highlighted for me the importance of supporting them.

      Q: Do you plan to incorporate sustainability into your future career/how?

      A: Yes, I do plan to incorporate sustainability into my future career. I plan on combining my interests in sports medicine, air quality, and sustainability. There is already a clear intersection between the group, with air quality and sustainability through its impact on athlete health and performance. Working towards better air quality in sports facilities can enhance respiratory health and optimize performance outcomes for athletes. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices in facility management, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, not only reduces environmental impact but also supports overall athlete well-being.

      Q: Tell us about a hobby or interest of yours:

      A: I have studied how aquatic animals live since I was a little girl. Observing how they survive and think is fascinating to me. I’ve always thought that in a past life, I might have been a marine biologist because of my special love for aquatic animals. I have always been intrigued by the ocean’s animals, especially since most of the sea has not been explored yet, and the potential for discovering something new is very likely. When I am able to do so, I plan on supporting initiatives and funding efforts to protect the animals of the ocean, including those in captivity.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Charles McHenry

      School: Georgia Tech

      Degree Program: Computer Engineering

      Expected Graduation: Fall 2025

      About Charles

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this summer?

      A: I’ve been working on an interactive model that allows users to simulate the changes in greenhouse gas emissions based on different strategies that Georgia Tech could implement.

      Q: What’s one thing you learned during your time with the Office of Sustainability that you feel is important for others on campus to know?

      A: Student commute is a large contributor to the emissions produced by Georgia Tech. It’s important to understand the effect that our individual actions can have on the environment and attempt to reduce the emissions that we are responsible for. 

      Q: Do you plan to incorporate sustainability into your future career/how?

      A: I plan to utilize the sustainability mindset throughout my career to help create computer chips that are more energy efficient in order to reduce the impact of electrical energy use in an ever-increasingly technological world.

      Q: Tell us about a hobby or interest of yours:

      A: A hobby of mine is camping and visiting state or national parks. I recently took a trip to Yellowstone where I was lucky enough to see three grizzly bears!

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Eugene Mafah

      School: Georgia Tech

      Degree Program: M.S. International Security

      Expected Graduation: 2026

      About Eugene

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this summer?

      A:

      -Updating and Calculating metrics for 2024 Zero Waste Workbook (Recycling Diversion from Yard) materials.

      -Editing and Implementing more cost effective routes in GT’s campus Recycling and Waste Stream Flow Charts/Process Maps.

      -Capturing and Illustrating the before and after processes of the new waste material equipment being added to the waste stream on GT’s campus.

      -Learning and sharpening new technical skills with the programs: Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and PowerBI.

      Q: What’s one thing you learned during your time with the Office of Sustainability that you feel is important for others on campus to know?

      A: Others on campus need to know that the Office of Sustainability is working hard every day to make GT the most sustainable place to be on the planet (Kendeda Building is evident), and appreciate and do not take for granted all aspects of GT’s beautiful campus.

      Q: Do you plan to incorporate sustainability into your future career/how?

      A: I plan to incorporate sustainability into my future/career by promoting the present and future SDGSs goals and becoming an advocate by taking action and speaking vocally.

      Q: Tell us about a hobby or interest of yours:

      A: I like to go to the gym, watch documentaries, volunteer, and learn about cybersecurity.

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.
      Amy Nguyen

      School: Georgia Tech

      Degree Program: Business Administration Major with a Minor in Industrial Design

      Expected Graduation: May 2026

      About Amy

      Q: What are you working on with the Office of Sustainability this summer?

      A: This summer, it has been super interesting to be able to look at all of the data collected about how much it actually takes to run the campus. I have been able to learn a lot about energy consumption and how the Office of Sustainability collects and reports this information.

      Q: What’s one thing you learned during your time with the Office of Sustainability that you feel is important for others on campus to know?

      A: Sustainability is much easier to get involved with than you think! If you begin to think about your daily habits and how to improve them, you are directly impacting the sustainability of the campus. Behind the scenes, the school is working hard to get to make sustainability more attainable but by being proactive about sustainability, you are doing a wonder for yourself and the environment!

      Q: Do you plan to incorporate sustainability into your future career/how?

      A: I have been interested in potentially working in the airlines industry and I believe that there would be many ways to incorporate sustainability within the airlines industry. 

      Q: Tell us about a hobby or interest of yours:

      A: Most of my hobbies and interests are related to crafts including jewelry-making, pottery, thrifting, and clothing upcycling.

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      Meet the “Ivy League” protecting native species on campus

      Georgia Tech’s Ivy League is building up community and bolstering local ecosystems by removing one invasive vine at a time.

      Meet the "Ivy League" protecting native species on campus

      By: Kiran Kapileshwari

      If you ever find yourself walking past the Kendeda Building on a Friday afternoon, chances are that you’ll probably see a motley group of students across Ferst Drive, toiling away in a slow but steady battle against non-native plants. Each Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a handful of students and faculty suit up, armed with just gloves and small garden tools, launching a guerilla-style attack upon invasive species that had once taken control of part of campus. With no natural, native predators, invasive plant species can cover up, push down, or choke out native plant species with nothing stopping them, getting rid of good sources and habitats for local animals and insects. Once these invasive species are removed, the health and biodiversity of the entire local ecosystem thrives. 

      When the ivy pull effort was founded by former Kendeda Horticulturalist, Steve Place, and former Georgia Tech Eagle Scouts Leaders Donald Gee and Jacob Verner, the group focused almost exclusively on English Ivy, hence the name. Soon to be officially renamed the ‘Ivy League’, the program became a collaborative effort between Trailblazers, Students Organizing for Sustainability, and the Scouts. Since its founding, the Ivy League has maintained a close working relationship with those organizations.

      As the group continued to uproot and eliminate the ivy, they expanded their scope to include other invasive plants such as Chinese holly, cherry laurel, and privet. Task assignments each week are fluid, generally based on what tools are available. Some weeks, some volunteers may be hacking away at Chinese holly with loppers while others are either sawing down cherry laurels or digging them out with weed wrenches and shovels. 

      While day-to-day operations may vary, the Ivy League boasts a consistent and passionate base of student volunteers, which is what draws in Brooke Vacovsky, Building Manager for the Kendeda Building and staff facilitator for the ivy pull.

      “For me, Georgia Tech is all about working with the students,” Vacovsky said. “Recruitment is never a problem, and as the same group of students return each week, it becomes a community thing too.”

      Students stand around a cart full of invasive ivy that they have pulled.

      The Ivy League is an extension of the Kendeda Building’s ongoing environmental and conservation efforts, with Vacovsky in charge of identifying, measuring, and assessing the success of their objectives such as determining which areas and species of the first to focus on and how effectively the efforts are preventing the local trees from being weighed down and killed by ivy and other large invasives. While Vacovsky has an important role, she emphasizes that Ivy League remains largely a student-run program. Gehrig Harris, a fourth-year Business Administration, Strategy, and Innovation student, is organizing efforts this semester since the official student lead, Gavin Baker, has been away due to a co-op. 

      Although progress may at times be slow and interrupted by setbacks, such as when English Ivy makes an unwelcome reappearance in spring, it never seems to dampen the team’s resolve.

      “We’re motivated by a desire to have a clearly visible impact on the environment in our own small way, and it’s always fun to de-stress with some time outside,” Harris said. “We went from zero American hollies to one. That’s an increase of well over 100 percent.” 

      One of his favorite experiences at the Ivy League is when they have ‘ivy battles’, where volunteers see who can get the longest ivy vine.

      “We have managed to get some truly remarkable roots!” Harris said. “Plus, we all love some friendly competition.”

      Even when faced with bad weather, the leadership team ensures there is still a place for their community to come together through something called “Trash to Treasure”, where students can cut and paint scrap slate slabs.  

      The most effective way to get people involved with conservation and volunteering, Baker and Harris found, is to build relationships and make connections with them.

      “Not only have we been successful in bringing back native species to this area of campus (in fact, we just found an American holly!), but we have also been able to forge some great connections and expand Trailblazers’ membership thanks to the friends we’ve made,” they said.

      In addition to weekly sessions, Ivy League hosted a site cleanup and native species planting day during Tech Beautification Day last year. Relationships have continued to foster the program’s growth. In recent years, applied physiology professors have begun offering extra credit for students who join the ivy pull, highlighting the wellness benefits of the activity.   

      As the Ivy League looks to the future, there might not be much to see- but not in the way you’d think: as invasive species get removed and natives are planted, the end goal is for the area to seem like just another forest in north Georgia: full of American hollys, native azalea, oak and paw-paw trees, mountain laurel shrub, and others.

      “I would love us to clear out the entire forest, making it nice and brown every winter like it’s supposed to be,” Harris said.

      Ivy League hopes to inspire others and spread its message, integrating these ideas into the Georgia Tech Community. “I hope that our efforts and example could serve as inspiration for Georgia Tech Landscaping in general to end the use of invasive plants in campus landscaping,” Vacovsky said. 

      For more information on upcoming events or to get involved with the Ivy League, join the Invasive Species Removal GroupMe. 

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      June 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is Georgia Tech’s Sustainability Champion for June 2024.

      Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion: June 2024

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning

      A headshot showing Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning.

      Jason Wang, Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning, is the June 2024 Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion.

      About Jason

      As a triple Jacket, Jason Wang has a strong dedication to Georgia Tech. For the past several years, he has lent his expertise in managing data from across the Institute to support sustainability reporting efforts. Sustainability reports enable Georgia Tech to identify opportunities for improvement and highlight progress. The Office of Sustainability is extremely appreciative of Jason’s contributions.    

      From the nomination:

      “Jason has helped the Office of Sustainability and Sustainability Next collect data for numerous projects including serving on the team for the The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) Report for over a year. Jason is always willing to connect on how data can be most efficiently shared and used to connect folks from across campus.”

      “Despite his demanding job, Jason repeatedly and graciously makes time to support requests from the sustainability team. This helps us ensure our reports are consistent with data reporting from other units in the Institute.” 

      Q&A

      Q: Title:

      A: Senior Director, Institutional Research and Planning

      Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

      A: Over 5 years in GT IRP, but I first started at Tech as an undergraduate in Fall 2004

      Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

      A:  Sustainability to me means taking responsibility for our actions and acting intentionally to build or enhance systems and processes that will ensure the “next” is possible. When I think about the IRP office as a living system, I ask myself whether or not what I am doing now is going to help this system to continue to thrive after I am gone.

      Q: What is your favorite quote about sustainability?

      A: Coincidentally sustainability related, lol. From the movie Gladiator, “What we do in life… echoes in eternity.”

      Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

      A: Growing as much of my own food as I can! We have a variety of fruit growing on my property and also are members of a CSA where we get local fruit, vegetables, milk, and eggs.

      Know a Sustainability Champion at Tech? Nominate them here!