About Diego

Q&A

Q: Title:

A:  

• Student Assistant, Ka Moamoa Lab
• Student Representative, Sustainability Education Curriculum Committee
• Chair of Strategy, Seven Generations @ GT
• Secretary, Organization for Social Activism

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.   

About Justin

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

About Jake

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About Arianna

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

By: Kiran Kapileshwari

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.

About Wendy

Wendy has been an advocate for sustainability at Georgia Tech for more than 17 years. She has brought numerous sustainable initiatives to campus and has consistently been Georgia Tech’s strongest champion for green cleaning products and practices. Wendy has assisted the Building Services Department in achieving over eight national green cleaning awards and certifications, including the Green Seal Certification and the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Green Building Certification “with Honors,” a rare designation reserved for top performing organizations.     

In addition to her green cleaning work and focus on productivity improvements through standardization and training, Wendy goes above and beyond contributing to diverse sustainability efforts at Georgia Tech. She is a founding member of the Facilities Sustainability Committee; she served on working groups during the formation of the Sustainability Next plan; she has been a consistent contributor to the Georgia Tech Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) report; and she has recently brought attention to improving campus soil quality – to name just a few.

She is a CIMS Certified Expert and serves on the ISSA Sustainability Committee, participating in both the Sustainability Reporting and Sustainability Education groups. ISSA is an international Service Standards organization with an over 100-year history. It is the premier janitorial organization worldwide. Wendy is the only representative from the higher education sector on these working groups globally.

Wendy is dedicated to sustainability at Georgia Tech and has been an incredible asset towards advancing key initiatives. She has been the driving force behind many of the standards and trainings that Georgia Tech uses to embrace sustainability in our operational practices. We are lucky to have her as a champion!

Q&A

Q: Title:

A: Facility Operations Coordinator, Infrastructure and Sustainability

Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

A: 17 years this month

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

A:  I believe we are a part of this planet, not just living on it . When you realize this truth more deeply,  then the natural world is an extension of your own body and your own spirit, and as such, what could be more important?  The effortless functioning of nature provides us with all the necessities of life, fresh oxygen, clean water, healthy food. And, just as importantly, nature nourishes our spirits. When we walk through the quiet forest, swim in the ocean or gaze upon majestic mountains, our spirit soars with happiness and gratitude. 

Q: What is your favorite quote about sustainability?

A: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – (Multiple Attributions)

Q: What is your favorite daily sustainability practice?

A: Working in my edible garden.

From the nomination:

“On a daily basis, Leonard embraces the SDGs and through his leadership and service, he makes campus and our planet a better and happier place.

He is a true champion of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. He spends time before, during, and after our Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) events setting up composting bins and educating our guests on how they can divert items from the landfill. Leonard brings enthusiasm and care to the often overlooked and not pleasant process of what to do with the “trash.” Just today he delightfully shared with me that he helped someone use the compost bin correctly. He works to recycle paper and staples in our office space. In addition, IBB’s café reopened last month, and Leonard has been patiently working with the café vendor to get them to recycle and compost more. To Leonard, each paper towel composted or aluminum can recycled makes a difference.

In addition, Leonard’s efforts address other SDGs such as 2: Zero Hunger and 15: Life on Land. Last month, he started working on collecting leftover food from our events and ensuring those items are delivered to Klemis Kitchen. During spring and fall bird migration seasons, he educates our Petit Biotechnology Building occupants how they can reduce bird collisions by turning off research lab lights before they leave every night. He also cuts of Nadina berries in the IBB courtyard, since sadly those berries can poison birds.”

Q&A

Q: What is your title?

A: Building Coordinator

Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

A: Approximately 2 years

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

A:  It means a healthier oceanic life, atmospheric and quality of life. Sustainability allows mankind to take what was used to make it greener and to help reduce emissions and carbon footprints.

Q: What is your favorite saying about sustainability?

A: To compost and recycle matters!

Kendeda Fellows were invited to compose articles showcasing their community initiatives. Scroll down to find out more about their significant contributions.

By: Renee Alnoubani