Chelsea Davis from Atrius, a subsidiary of Acuity Brand, joins us today on ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast to discuss her role as Senior Sustainability Project Manager. The main topic for the episode was to be the proliferation of data centers and AI, sustainability as a selling point in office spaces, and the impact of regulations on companies.
Data Centers and AI Sustainability
Mike and Chelsea explored the environmental implications of the expanding number of data centers fueled by AI technology. Chelsea mentioned that despite AI’s potential to tackle ecological issues, the rapid growth of data centers is causing substantial carbon emissions and straining power grids. Tech giants are striving to make their data centers more eco-friendly, but the increasing energy demands might require greater investment in nuclear energy, as discussed at the latest IEA conference on Energy and AI.
Sustainability in Office Spaces Discussion
The conversation shifted to the evolving trends in office spaces, with a focus on sustainability. Chelsea pointed out that corporate tenants are increasingly seeking low-carbon work environments, with many individuals preferring to work in green buildings. She also highlighted that building owners are recognizing the cost-saving benefits of energy-efficient measures, especially with the rising insurance costs linked to climate change. Chelsea elaborated on how Acuity Brands’ Atrius software offers insights into energy usage and resource consumption, helping to detect anomalies and assess greenhouse gas emissions. Mike asked about the software’s ability to integrate various building systems, and Chelsea confirmed that Atreus is designed to be integration-agnostic, providing a comprehensive view across a building portfolio.
Environmental Reporting and Regulatory Changes
Chelsea and Mike discussed the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly in the US and EU, with a focus on environmental reporting. Chelsea highlighted the impending deadlines for EU-based companies to submit their first CSR reports in 2025 and emphasized the growing significance of local ordinances in the US. Mike noted that while European companies have been accustomed to reporting for some time, the new regulations are primarily impacting US companies. They concurred that US companies operating in Europe and vice versa will need to expedite their environmental reporting efforts. Chelsea also pointed out that smaller organizations, lacking dedicated sustainability teams, are finding it challenging to manage the new responsibilities associated with reporting.
Chelsea Bio:
Chelsea Davis is the Product Manager for Atrius, Acuity Brands. Motivated by a passion for the intersection of global sustainability, data and technology, she works on solutions for sustainable buildings, streamlined operations, and personal experiences. She holds a BA in Geography/Environmental Studies from UCLA and Master of Science in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management from USC Marshall School of Business.
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