University of Chicago Joins $12 Million NSF Initiative to Decarbonize Computing

Pioneering Computational Decarbonization: In a move to tackle climate change, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has granted $12 million to a consortium led by UMass Amherst to develop the field of computational decarbonization. The project called the National Science Foundation Expeditions in Computing for Computational Decarbonization of Societal Infrastructures at Mesoscales aims to reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions of infrastructure systems across computing, transportation, and the electric power grid.

UChicago’s Role in the Expedition

The University of Chicago (UChicago) is a key partner in this ambitious endeavor. Under the leadership of Andrew A. Chien, the William Eckhardt Distinguished Service Professor of Computer Science, UChicago will focus on optimizing the carbon footprint of computing devices and the power grid. Chien emphasizes the importance of addressing the environmental impacts created by the rapid success and expansion of computing technologies.

“All technologists and technology companies must take responsibility for the sustainability impact of their invention,” said Chien. “This project is a terrific opportunity to address key environmental sustainability challenges that the extraordinary success of computing has created.”

Also Read: Birmingham University Chancellor leads 'largest-ever' academic delegation to India

Tackling Grid Decarbonization

One significant aspect of the project is to explore ways to expedite the decarbonization of the power grid. UChicago researchers, including John Birge, the Hobart W. Williams Distinguished Service Professor of Operations Management at the Booth School of Business, and Ali Hortaçsu, the Ralph and Mary Otis Isham Professor in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, will investigate the intersection of computing, power grids, and market dynamics.

Chien and Birge have a longstanding research interest in the relationship between data centers and the power grid. They aim to identify innovative solutions to integrate renewable energy sources effectively, addressing issues like the increasing frequency of "stranded power"—negatively priced power that often goes unused. Their proposed “Zero-carbon Cloud” approach has already been adopted in several power grids, including ERCOT in Texas, demonstrating the potential for significant, flexible computing loads to harmonize with renewable energy sources.

Lifecycle Carbon of Consumer Devices

Another critical thrust of UChicago’s contribution is to analyze the lifecycle carbon emissions of consumer computing devices, such as smartphones. This effort, led by Hortaçsu and Chien, seeks to develop economic incentives that can extend the longevity of these devices, enhance their utility, and promote circular reuse and recycling practices.

“This project is a terrific opportunity to address key environmental sustainability challenges that the extraordinary success of computing has created,” said Chien.

Also Read: Columbia University Breaks Ground on Revolutionary Sustainable Biomedical Research Building

Multidisciplinary and Collaborative Efforts

The CoDec Expedition is a multidisciplinary initiative that brings together experts from various fields to develop novel computational techniques, algorithms, and AI methods tailored to decarbonization challenges. The project also includes faculty from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

These collaborative efforts aim not only to drive scientific breakthroughs but also to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future. The project will develop new educational programs and curricula to elevate computational decarbonization as a core topic in computing. By broadening participation through undergraduate research and K-12 outreach, the Expedition aims to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle complex societal challenges.

Building a Sustainable Future

The CoDec Expedition addresses the urgent need for decarbonization in the face of escalating energy demands driven by industries such as data centers, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles. The project’s comprehensive approach will optimize and reduce carbon emissions across various domains, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and societal well-being.

“No sustainability gains will persist long term without consistent economic incentives,” said Birge. “At UChicago, we are pleased to lead the CoDec research efforts to examine those incentives to ensure sustainable economic outcomes.”

Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow

Central to the CoDec initiative is the development of educational initiatives that will empower tomorrow's workforce. By introducing computational decarbonization as a critical component of computing education, the project aims to instill a deep understanding of carbon-efficient computing principles and practices at an early age.

The project will create new educational programs and activities to engage students at all levels, from K-12 to university. These initiatives will help build a pipeline of skilled professionals who are prepared to take charge of creating sustainable and carbon-efficient technologies.

Conclusion

The NSF’s $12 million grant for the CoDec Expedition marks a significant step toward addressing the environmental impacts of modern computing and infrastructure systems. With UChicago’s expertise and leadership, the project aims to develop innovative solutions that will pave the way for a low-carbon future. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and empowering the next generation of leaders, the CoDec Expedition is poised to make a profound impact on both scientific understanding and societal advancement.

As Chien aptly puts it, “This project is a terrific opportunity to address key environmental sustainability challenges that the extraordinary success of computing has created.” Through pioneering research and education, the CoDec Expedition is set to transform the landscape of computational decarbonization and drive sustainable change for years to come. Keep reading at Education Post News for more such articles.