Projects
Students participating in the Carbon Reduction Challenge have designed projects with a wide range of organizations. Explore a list of carbon reduction projects below.
Summer 2024
Partner organization
Cascade Corporation
Project description
Use a HVLS fan in the warehouse ceiling to decrease the A/C use in the company warehouse
Carbon reduction
106,900 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$5,590
Partner organization
Electrify-gt-stingerette
Project description
Replace current gas-powered Ford Transit Stingerettes with Ford E-transit Stringerettes on GT campus.
Carbon reduction
174,428 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$48,606
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Replace apt light systems with strategic installation of different types of motion sensors.
Carbon reduction
492,015 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$66,950
Partner organization
GT - Office of Sustainability
Project description
Increase the efficiency of the surplus process to keep resources on campus and minimize waste through zone-based Swap to Sustain events
Carbon reduction
14,458,383 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$6,757,765
Partner organization
SAIA
Project description
Recommendation to strategically purchase 10 trucks that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and source fuel for such trucks from dairy-harvested renewable natural gas (RNG).
Carbon reduction
8,000,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$116,788
Partner organization
Spirit AeroSystems
Project description
Update physical infrastructure for more reliable employee alternative transportation
Carbon reduction
0 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Yamaha
Project description
Development of a large scale off site solar farm designed to offset all of Yamaha’s scope 2 carbon emissions while simultaneously creating business opportunities for Yamaha Motor Corporation
Carbon reduction
65,591,259 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$30,000,000
Summer 2023
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Incorporate ingredients sourced from regenerative agriculture into Delta’s in-flight meals.
Carbon reduction
22,580,626 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
gt-hvac
Carbon reduction
1,022,958 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$127,369
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Outsource local computing jobs to PACE data center
Carbon reduction
137,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$11,426
Partner organization
Mortenson Construction
Project description
Replace on-site and rental car fleet with electric vehicles; replace plastic water bottles with reusable bottles.
Carbon reduction
7,725,218 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,160,000
Partner organization
Sam's Club
Project description
Install faster-closing doors on refrigerated areas in warehouses
Carbon reduction
21,600,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$310,000
Partner organization
Truist
Project description
Offer free garage parking to employees who carpool in order to incentivize less carbon intensive transportation behavior.
Carbon reduction
188,495 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$8,750
Summer 2022
Partner organization
AAA Auto Club Group
Project description
Create an easy-to-use tool for travelers to calculate the carbon impact of their vacations, encouraging more sustainable travel amongst AAA Members
Carbon reduction
1,764 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,000
Partner organization
Boeing
Project description
Establish an aerospace-grade carbon fiber recycling program in the United States
Carbon reduction
650,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$540,000
Partner organization
City of Norcross
Project description
HVAC Retrofit for City Hall and thermostat set points adjustments for City Hall, Public Works, & the Norcross Cultural and Community Arts Center(NCCAC)
Carbon reduction
53,141 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$7,053
Partner organization
Electrify GT
Project description
Replacing Ford F-150s, Rangers, and Transits (~190 vehicles) with equivalent electric alternatives over a 20-year study duration
Carbon reduction
239,926 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$47,552
Partner organization
Houston Galveston Area Council
Project description
Update building facilities to reduce carbon footprint
Carbon reduction
29,365,400 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
KPMG
Project description
Ship packages using FedEx Express Saver and Host a Welcome Event for interns to pick up supplies
Carbon reduction
123,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$990,000
Partner organization
Project Flux
Project description
A Google Chrome extension that helps to minimize Digital Carbon Footprints (DCF) emitted from websites
Carbon reduction
0 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Summer 2021
Partner organization
ABEC
Project description
Procure bubble wrap from a new, more sustainable vendor
Carbon reduction
11,200 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,700
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Reduce the amount of least purchased alcoholic beverages on flights
Carbon reduction
3,510,470 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$334,409
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Electrify Delta's baggage tractor fleet at one airport
Carbon reduction
3,747,858 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$7,000,000
Partner organization
Freeport
Project description
Establish a ridesharing program for employees
Carbon reduction
1,848,394 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$314,159
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Install an in-house composter
Carbon reduction
6,646,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$110,000
Partner organization
Marsh Mclennan Agency
Project description
Update work-from-home policy to allow working from home 4 days per week; Install indoor aeroponic growing systems
Carbon reduction
10,710,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$11,150
Partner organization
Solvay
Project description
Update air conditioning setpoints at one facility during the summer
Carbon reduction
3,932,372 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$565,561
Spring 2021
Partner organization
ACLU
Project description
Update the ACLU's work-from-home policy to allow working from home on Fridays. Update HVAC setpoint ranges.
Carbon reduction
73,780 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$18,238
Partner organization
Food4Lives
Project description
Plant fruit and oak trees on 5 acres of land.
Carbon reduction
19,238 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
General Electric
Project description
Install light sensors in common areas of GE's data center facility
Carbon reduction
35,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,448
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Install a composting system on campus
Carbon reduction
20,644,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$50,000
Partner organization
Imperial Dade
Project description
Reduce the amount of time trucks can spend idling
Carbon reduction
2,160,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$314,000
Summer 2020
Partner organization
Agnes Scott College
Project description
Update Agnes Scott College's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 3 days per week
Carbon reduction
2,346,408 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$228,774
Partner organization
Atlanta Green Theater Alliance
Project description
Employ local talent instead of casting talent from NYC. Two theaters share space with other groups instead of maintaining their own venue.
Carbon reduction
1,480,227 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$7,600
Partner organization
Georgia Tech Research Institute
Project description
Update GTRI's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 3 days per week
Carbon reduction
9,500,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$5,500,000
Partner organization
Georgia Tech Water Lab
Project description
Enable virtual access to future meetings of the Electrochemical Society so that lab members can participate remotely
Carbon reduction
661 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$7,340
Partner organization
HubSpot
Project description
Update Hubspot's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 2 days per week
Carbon reduction
1,697,559 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Medtronic
Project description
Update Medtronic's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 2-3 days per week.
Carbon reduction
2,700,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$200,000
Partner organization
Microsoft
Project description
Update Microsoft's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 5 days per week. Provide software engineers with an extension to display data center emissions and make suggestions for more efficient code.
Carbon reduction
5,167,470 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$481,269
Partner organization
Park Pride
Project description
Move in-person meetings and events into virtual formats. Update Park Pride's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 3 days per week.
Carbon reduction
22 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$4,948
Partner organization
Quinfica S.A.
Project description
Install cool roofs on all of Quinfica's warehouses to reduce energy consumption. Conduct sales meetings with clients virtually 3 days a week.
Carbon reduction
161,310 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$126,080
Partner organization
UPS
Project description
Update UPS's work-from-home policy to allow working from home 4 days per week. Add 'Most sustainable' notation to shipping options to encourage customers to choose ground shipping.
Carbon reduction
33,180,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,180,000
Spring 2020
Partner organization
Bank of America
Project description
Change the High Pressure Sodium Lights to LED Lights. Change the High Pressure Sodium Lights to LED Lights.
Carbon reduction
67,304 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$4,640
Partner organization
Catholic Relief Services
Project description
Update most common vehicle models with newer models, replace 75% of sedans with hybrid electric vehicles, and remove unused vehicles. Reduce vehicle idling during drop off by 70%.
Carbon reduction
4,600,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$247,000
Partner organization
Habitat for Humanity
Project description
Join Habitat for Humanity with Georgia Tech Housing to collect gently-used furniture and sell at ReStores
Carbon reduction
120,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Waffle House
Project description
Implementing a parking lot LED lighting retrofit program.
Carbon reduction
161,307 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$20,120
Summer 2019
Partner organization
Agnes Scott College
Project description
Implementing sustainable retrofits on ASC-owned, single family homes in Decatur
Carbon reduction
1,939 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$82
Partner organization
AT&T
Project description
Product life cycle extension for company laptops to minimize e-waste
Carbon reduction
789,100 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,733,000
Partner organization
Boeing
Project description
Develop an optimal factory lighting schedule
Carbon reduction
6,170,325 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$705,180
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Replace fluorescent bulbs in IBB with LEDS. Use batch autoclave loads to limit the number of times the autoclave is run. Implement a pipette tip washing machine to reuse pipette tips.
Carbon reduction
256,756 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$23,405
Partner organization
Hartsfield Jackson Airport
Project description
Divert food waste from restaurants at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport to either food donation, animal feed, or compost.
Carbon reduction
167 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Jacobs Engineering
Project description
Changing the rental car policy to a default sustainable selection. Reducing office paper consumption through the purchase of e-tablets.
Carbon reduction
4,943,648 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,616,190
Partner organization
Michaud Cooley Erickson
Project description
Replace metal halide light bulbs and fixtures with LED light fixtures on the exterior of SPS Tower
Carbon reduction
62,819 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$5,495
Partner organization
SunTrust
Project description
Update HVAC setpoint ranges at all SunTrust branches by increasing 3 degrees for the cooling range and decreasing by 3 degrees for the heating range
Carbon reduction
4,438,384 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$346,723
Partner organization
SunTrust
Project description
Reduce paper usage through electronic onboarding of interns and then through reducing printing initiative for all employees. Eliminiate all paper cups in the breakroom and implement a "Bring Your Own Bottle" policy company-wide. Create an awareness initiative around SunTrust's recycling policy and create incentive program to encourage employees to recycle.
Carbon reduction
7,763,324 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,207,723
Partner organization
SunTrust
Project description
Dispose of SunTrust signage with the transition to Truist in an environmentally and cost-friendly way
Carbon reduction
1,240,940 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$125,000
Partner organization
SunTrust
Project description
A client facing initiative that facilitates the investments in & protection of out environment
Carbon reduction
29,000,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$15,000,000
Partner organization
Westlake Highschool
Project description
Implement a recycling program and work with teachers on green learning manual.
Carbon reduction
211,644 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$2,579
Spring 2019
Partner organization
CB Power Group Americas Inc.
Project description
LED Lighting in Warehouse and Secondary offices. Upgrade current HVAC system with energy efficient thermostats.
Carbon reduction
51,427 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$6,459
Partner organization
EV Chargers
Project description
Increase EV charging stations at Greater Atlanta Apt complexes
Carbon reduction
102,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$5,860
Partner organization
Okabashi
Project description
Circular Economy Analysis of Okabashi PVC usage in shoes
Carbon reduction
54,727 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Sigvasis
Project description
Reduce companies sales transportation costs using high efficiency company cars.
Carbon reduction
147,419 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$304,167
Partner organization
Souper Jenny
Project description
Changing menus one day a week to all vegetarian at the Souper Jenny Buckhead Location.
Carbon reduction
17,423 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$28,971
Partner organization
University of North Georgia
Project description
Decrease energy usage by switching employees from desktops to laptops
Carbon reduction
708,300 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$74,920
Summer 2018
Partner organization
Brown Bag Marketing
Project description
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs. Give four free LED lights to employees. Run a campaign with incentives to replace additional incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs.
Carbon reduction
190,312 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$8,501
Partner organization
Chick-Fil-A
Project description
Install LED lightbulbs in 12 restaurant parking lots. Install dishwashers in 500 restaurants.
Carbon reduction
1,623,560 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,578,100
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Reduce the number and/or weight of in-flight skymall magazines to bring down total plane weight and reduce fuel consumption.
Carbon reduction
27,800,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,030,000
Partner organization
Emory
Project description
Introduce refrigerator management techniques in chemistry labs
Carbon reduction
927 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Ethicon
Project description
Raise thermostat in building by 2 degrees (F)
Carbon reduction
32,622 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$5,029
Partner organization
Sope Creek Elementary School
Project description
[1] Replace building lighting with LED lights. [2] Improve water consumption and heating. [3] Install compost bins.
Carbon reduction
166,800 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$16,140
Partner organization
Ultimate Software
Project description
Add indoor recycling bins in break rooms
Carbon reduction
1,449,082 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Spring 2018
Partner organization
Altisource
Project description
Update energy saver settings on desktop computers to enter sleep mode after one hour of inoperation to reduce phantom energy consumption.
Carbon reduction
187,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$273,523
Partner organization
Coca-Cola
Project description
Remove underused beverage coolers and vending machines
Carbon reduction
2,623 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$140
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Remove paper magazines from Delta flights in order to reduce weight and fuel consumption.
Carbon reduction
27,856,144 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,012,702
Partner organization
Ethicon
Project description
Increase set temperatures on lab thermostats to prevent over-cooling. Install sensors that turn lights off when rooms are not occupied.
Carbon reduction
424,927 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$11,573
Partner organization
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources
Project description
Upgrade Georgia Dept of Natural Resources vehicles with more fuel efficient or hybrid power-train models.
Carbon reduction
1,350,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$21,000
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Integrate one electric bus into Georgia Tech's fleet.
Carbon reduction
98,231 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$73,400
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Install smart power strips in student areas to reduce energy consumption during idle times
Carbon reduction
92,221 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,971
Partner organization
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
Project description
Install LED lightbulbs throughout the building.
Carbon reduction
434,311 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$65,321
Partner organization
Three Alliance Center
Project description
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs. Install a demand control ventilation system to adjust fresh air supply based on occupancy.
Carbon reduction
2,289,062 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$783,145
Summer 2017
Partner organization
Alcon
Project description
Install programmable light switch timers in office hallways
Carbon reduction
349,656 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$15,625
Partner organization
Bostik
Project description
Install sensors that turn lights off when rooms are not occupied
Carbon reduction
40,800 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
BP
Project description
Conduct a challenge where participants switch from using foam food containers in the office cafe to reusable containers.
Carbon reduction
130,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$17,700
Partner organization
City of Atlanta
Project description
Provide free seeds to encourage communities to plant pollinator-attracting plants
Carbon reduction
250,361 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Add planes to a jet engine washing program so that they run more efficiently and consume less fuel.
Carbon reduction
25,888,470 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,578,714
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Conduct a challenge where participants shut the sash of fume hoods when they were not being used.
Carbon reduction
786,722 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$47,366
Partner organization
Southface
Project description
Conduct a challenge where participants give up hot water showers and retrofitted lamps.
Carbon reduction
5,505 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$492
Partner organization
SunTrust Banks
Project description
Switch from an intermediate car to an economy car as the default option in the company's rental car booking system. Equip employees with audio headsets to encourage video calls over travel. Switch from Delta Air Lines to Southwest as the default option in the company's flight reservation system.
Carbon reduction
370,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$258,000
Partner organization
The Home Depot
Carbon reduction
237,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$10,560
Partner organization
Volkswagen
Project description
Replace fluorescent bulbs in an assembly plant with LED bulbs
Carbon reduction
1,015,449 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$44,553
Spring 2017
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Replace natural gas water boilers with solar water boilers. Boiled water is used for washing plane engine parts.
Carbon reduction
297,968 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$14,605
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Replace fluorescent bulbs with LED fixtures in the basement hallways of a university building.
Carbon reduction
30,884 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,823
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Convert a constant air volume HVAC system to a variable air volume HVAC system.
Carbon reduction
241,445 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$9,060
Partner organization
Households
Project description
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs
Carbon reduction
125,485 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$3,889
Partner organization
Savannah River Site
Project description
Development of a solar energy farm on 132 acres of closed waste units at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina
Carbon reduction
149,912,800 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$8,000,000
Partner organization
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Project description
Replace single-pane windows with double-pane ENERGY STAR windows. Conduct a challenge where participants give up red meat, walk or bike to work, and give up using plastic bottles.
Carbon reduction
23,743 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,088
Spring 2023
Partner organization
Delta Air Lines
Project description
Incorporate ingredients sourced from regenerative agriculture into Delta’s in-flight meals.
Carbon reduction
22,580,626 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$0
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
gt-hvac
Carbon reduction
1,022,958 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$127,369
Partner organization
Georgia Tech
Project description
Outsource local computing jobs to PACE data center
Carbon reduction
137,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$11,426
Partner organization
Mortenson Construction
Project description
Replace on-site and rental car fleet with electric vehicles; replace plastic water bottles with reusable bottles.
Carbon reduction
7,725,218 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$1,160,000
Partner organization
Sam's Club
Project description
Install faster-closing doors on refrigerated areas in warehouses
Carbon reduction
21,600,000 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$310,000
Partner organization
Truist
Project description
Offer free garage parking to employees who carpool in order to incentivize less carbon intensive transportation behavior.
Carbon reduction
188,495 lbs CO2
Cost savings
$8,750