Carbon Connect: An Ecosystem for Sustainable Computing

U.S. National Science Foundation Expedition in Computing

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Grand Challenge

Computing is at a moment of profound opportunity. Emerging applications drive unprecedented demand for computing yet, despite advances to achieve net zero carbon emissions, computing’s gross energy use continues to rise at an alarming rate, outpacing growth of carbon-free energy supply.

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Technical Approach

We will create transparent, accurate methods for carbon accounting. We will develop strategies for carbon-efficient system design, intelligent power management, and hardware life cycle management. We will deliver sustainable performance for artificial intelligence and virtual reality platforms.

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Broader Impacts

Our focus on sustainability may spark a transformation in how computer systems are manufactured, allocated, and consumed. Our methods for carbon accounting may influence energy policy. Our research will foster technical communities, training the next generation of innovators.

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Additional Reading

Energy & policy for deep learning [2019]

White Paper for NSF Expedition [2024]

Designing carbon aware datacenters [2023]

Reinforcement learning for sustainable energy systems [2023]

An architectural carbon modeling tool [2022]

Computing’s carbon footprint [2021]