Data Centers & a Sustainable Future

Data centers are rapidly expanding across Wisconsin, with numerous projects in various stages of planning, proposal, and construction. Together we will explore how the growth of data centers intersects with climate goals, university research and innovation, energy partnerships between industry and local communities, and what this growth could mean for Wisconsin.

We will discuss the following topics:

• A foundational insight into what are data centers and how they function
• Contextualize the growth of data centers with the growth of artificial intelligence
• Infrastructure, technology, and policy considerations surrounding data centers, with an eye towards sustainability
• Areas of innovation that harness data centers to align with our sustainability goals

Through case studies we will highlight the environmental and social impacts, policy considerations, and how considerations for communities on how to prepare and engage with data center developments.

Presenters include:

• Anna Haensch, Associate Research Professor at the Data Science Institute at UW-Madison
• Kathy Kuntz, Director of the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change
• Paul Robbins, Dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW-Madison

Tuesday, April 14, 8:30AM—9:30AM

We will meet in person at the Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor). Doors will open at 8 AM for networking.

Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor)

821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703

Agenda

• Breakfast & Networking 8:00—8:30 AM
• Program 8:30—9:30 AM
• Networking 9:30—10:00 AM

Anna Haensch holds a PhD in mathematics and is currently an Associate Research Professor at the Data Science Institute at University of Wisconsin - Madison. She is also the Associate Director of the Digital Scholarship Hub at the UW Libraries. Her research interests are in science and technology policy, especially the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector and critical infrastructure. Her recent work spans applications of artificial intelligence and statistical machine learning across social and complex systems, energy infrastructure, and law enforcement, with the goal of fairness, safety, and equity.

Kathy Kuntz is the Director of the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change in Madison, Wisconsin where she leads climate action efforts across Dane County. A strong advocate for action, Kathy has 30 years of experience implementing programs focused on resource efficiency and climate action. Prior to joining Dane County Kathy led Cool Choices, a nonprofit that worked with businesses and local governments on sustainable practices and prior to that Kathy led Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program.

Paul Robbins, a native of Denver Colorado and UW–Madison alumnus, holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, along with a master’s degree and doctorate in geography, both from Clark University. As dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, he guides the institute’s mission of serving as a world leader in addressing rapid global environmental change. His research addresses questions spanning conservation conflicts, urban ecology, and environment and health interactions.

Scholarships

Complimentary tickets to all staff of member organizations. Sliding scale/scholarships also available for nonmembers. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.

Access

Doors to the building open at 8 AM, enter the building through the breezeway / main entrance (it’s on the SW side). Registering here gets you on our guest list, please bring a photo ID for possible front door confirmation with security.

Parking

Paid parking is available in the South Livingston Parking Garage attached to the Arts + Literature Lab building. 111 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703. Free street parking is generally available nearby.

Bus Routes

The Spark Building is accessible via bus routes A and B.

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