Award: Data Center Transparency and Public Impact Award

Requirements:

How much can we learn about the largest data centers operating or approved in Virginia? What was known about the potential environmental impacts of these facilities before their approval? The Data Center Transparency and Public Impact Award supports student-led research to better understand the scale, siting, and environmental implications of large data center developments across Virginia. Building on prior work from the Piedmont Environmental Coalition, recipients will conduct a structured analysis of the state’s largest data center projects.

Recipients of this award will:

• Identify the twelve largest data centers in Virginia, ranked by anticipated electricity consumption
• Investigate the cooling methods used by each facility and estimate associated water use
• Map nearby schools, residences, parks, and sensitive environmental features
• Analyze the zoning and approval process for each project, including the level of public involvement
• Conduct a content analysis of local news coverage to assess how environmental impacts were communicated to the public prior to approval

This award advances the Foundation’s mission by supporting independent, student-driven research that increases transparency and public understanding of large-scale infrastructure development and its environmental impacts.

Type of Award: Grant and/or Scholarship