Join Illinois Green Alliance for a panel discussion with researchers, policy advocates, and design practitioners exploring how the data center boom is reshaping both the sustainability landscape and engineering practice at an unprecedented pace. As AI-driven demand accelerates hyperscale growth, questions around energy, water, and GHG impacts are becoming urgent for the green building community. Together, we'll separate myth from reality, examine the local and national policy frameworks taking shape, and imagine what a sustainable future with data centers could look like. 

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze the macro-scale environmental impacts and demands of data center growth, including emissions, water use, and power demand, and distinguish evidence-based findings from common misconceptions. 
2. Identify emerging city and state policy initiatives safeguarding local interests and evaluate successful advocacy models. 
3. Evaluate market barriers and best practices for designing energy- and water-efficient data centers, including the role of building certifications in setting performance goals. 
4. Assess how rapid data center expansion is transforming engineering and project delivery practices and identify strategies for application in future projects. 

Speakers: 

Mohammadreza Heidari, Assistant Professor—Research Faculty, Northwestern University 

Edith Makra, Director of Environmental Initiatives, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus 

Jonathan Mesik, National Mission Critical Leader, DLR Group 

Rajat Wadhwa, Associate—Mechanical Engineer, HED