• Company ranks No. 1 among energy peers
  • Recognition given to Baker Hughes for its positive impact on communities, workers and the environment across the globe

HOUSTON and LONDON, September 22, 2026 /3BL/ – Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2026 — ranking first in the energy category and 37th overall. 

This prestigious ranking has scored the largest publicly traded U.S. companies since 1999 to recognize leaders in non-financial disclosure and positive impact on communities, workers, and the environment worldwide.

Now published by 3BL, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens is based on a continuously evolving methodology developed in partnership with ISS STOXX and with extensive stakeholder feedback. Less than 20% of all Russell 1000 companies have placed among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens over the past five years. 

100 Best Energy Baker Hughes #1 in Energy

“Baker Hughes has long viewed sustainability as a core to our business strategy and a fundamental part of our culture,” said Baker Hughes Chief Sustainability Officer Allyson Book. “Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact as our guide, we remain focused on turning our commitments into meaningful action through the decisions we make, the technologies we develop and the way we operate every day. Our place on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list reflects the dedication of our employees in more than 120 countries who bring our values of integrity, transparency and accountability to life throughout our sustainability journey.”

In 2025, Baker Hughes achieved a 36.9% absolute emissions reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to its 2019 baseline, marking the largest emissions reduction to date. Utilization of renewable energy and operational efficiencies contributed to a 49.0% reduction in combined scope 1 and 2 facility emissions from its 2019 base. 

In addition to its progress on emissions reduction, Baker Hughes also supported over 900 charities worldwide in 2025, and more than 2,100 employees contributed over 45,000 volunteer hours in the communities where Baker Hughes conducts business.

“The companies on this list stood by transparency, even when doing so became more difficult,” said Charlie Wilkie, CEO of 3BL. “Now in its 28th year, the 100 Best is the longest-running ranking of the Russell 1000 Index built entirely on publicly available information. There’s no way to lobby or pay for a spot. Recognition has to be earned. We congratulate all of the organizations recognized for their leadership and ongoing commitment to positively impact people and our planet.”

The 2026 ranking methodology considers 221 factors across seven pillars, including climate change, employee relations and human rights. Unlike other rankings, all data considered for the 100 Best Corporate Citizens must be publicly available, and there is no fee for companies to be considered. The data and information used for the 2026 ranking were published between June 2025 and June 2026.

For access to the complete 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2026 ranking and methodology visit: https://100best.3blmedia.com/  

To learn more about Baker Hughes sustainability journey, access its 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report here.

About Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com. 

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations 

Kirk Eggleston
+1 346.521.8438
Kirk.Eggleston@bakerhughes.com

Originally published on 3M News Center

After a tornado struck Meridian Elementary School in Blue Mound, Illinois, the school community faced significant property damage, including roof loss, collapsed ceilings and major disruption across several classrooms. Fortunately, no students or staff were injured.

As teachers and staff began assessing the damage, one unexpected detail stood out: In several classrooms, student work, learning targets, decorations and other materials attached to walls with ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape remained in place.

“What might seem like a small detail became a meaningful symbol of resilience as we worked through the aftermath of the storm,” said Sarah Major, principal of Meridian Elementary School. She went on to thank 3M for “producing products that educators can rely on every day.”

An everyday product in an extraordinary moment

Principal Major shared the discovery in a note to 3M, explaining that in some classrooms, bulletin boards and items secured with staples had been destroyed by the storm, while decorations and instructional materials attached with ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape were still intact.

For educators, classroom walls often serve as more than display space. They hold lesson plans, student achievements, visual reminders and signs of progress. After the tornado, seeing some of those materials still in place offered a small but meaningful point of encouragement during a difficult recovery.

“What stood out in this story is how everyday innovation can make a meaningful difference. Our Painter’s Tape is designed to provide reliable adhesion while still removing cleanly, which comes from carefully engineered adhesive technologies,” said Karina Chavez, Group President 3M Consumer Business Group. “While it is not intended for extreme-weather applications, in this case, we’re pleased those same adhesive performance characteristics helped classroom materials remain in place and uplift the community during a challenging event.”

Supporting the return to learning

As Meridian Elementary School continues its recovery, 3M is donating a selection of classroom-ready products to help teachers and staff restore learning spaces and prepare for students’ return.

From organizing materials to refreshing classrooms, these items are meant to help the educators focus on what matters most: welcoming students back to a safe, supportive learning environment.

FAQ

What happened at Meridian Elementary School?

Meridian Elementary School in Blue Mound, Illinois, experienced significant property damage after a tornado struck the school. Damage included roof loss, collapsed ceilings and disruption across several classrooms. No students or staff were injured.

How was ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape involved?

After the storm, school staff observed that some student work, learning targets, decorations and instructional materials attached to walls with ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape remained in place, even in classrooms where other wall materials had been torn down.

Is ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape designed for extreme weather?

No. ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape is not intended for extreme-weather applications. It is designed to provide reliable adhesion while removing cleanly from appropriate surfaces. In this instance, the product’s adhesive performance contributed to a meaningful observation during the school’s recovery.

How is 3M supporting the school?

3M is donating a selection of classroom-ready products to support Meridian Elementary School as teachers and staff restore learning spaces and prepare for students’ return.

 

LINCOLN, Neb., September 22, 2026 /3BL/ – Peter Prengaman, Global Climate and Environmental News Director of the Associated Press (AP) joins the Arbor Day Foundation in episode 9 of its podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.” Over the course of his career, Prengaman has reported from more than 15 countries across the world. Now, he and his team are bringing global environmental challenges into sharper focus for millions of readers.

In a conversation with CEO and host Dan Lambe, Prengaman shares how environmental journalism can help inform a new understanding of people and the planet.

“Peter has a talent for making the global feel personal. In this episode, he connects the dots in ways that help listeners see the human impact of environmental challenges and the possibilities for progress,” said Lambe. “In a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by the problems facing the planet, this podcast is a way for people to embrace optimism. We’re grateful for the many listeners who are joining us on this journey.”

“Unearthing Optimism” is a new kind of climate conversation, featuring a series of influential and trusted voices shaping culture, science, and how we understand our changing world. It’s available to stream or download on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

The podcast is produced in part by the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest tree planting nonprofit. Since its founding in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

KYIV, Ukraine, September 22, 2026 /3BL/ – Mary Kay in Ukraine is launching Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™, a global initiative that celebrates the strength of women who support, inspire, and empower one another. The platform reflects a longstanding Mary Kay belief that beauty is about more than appearance. It is about confidence, kindness, and the positive impact created when women share their time, knowledge, and encouragement with others.

The Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ campaign serves as a reminder that meaningful relationships remain at the heart of personal growth and well-being. Through stories, experiences, and community engagement, Mary Kay Ukraine seeks to create opportunities for women to connect. The initiative reflects Mary Kay Ukraine’s commitment to helping women discover their potential, pursue their goals, and succeed together.

" "
Mary Kay’s Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ campaign launches in Ukraine in which social initiatives will be an important component of the campaign. (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Ukraine)

“Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ reflects who we are and what has always mattered to Mary Kay: women supporting women,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mary Kay Inc. “As we enter our next phase of growth, we celebrate and empower every Mary Kay woman, from our Independent Beauty Consultants to their customers. Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ is more than a campaign; it is a movement.”

“In Ukraine, beauty has always meant more than what we see in the mirror. It is a source of confidence, resilience, and opportunity that empowers women to move forward, even in the face of challenges,” said Viktoriia Zoria-Iatsenko, General Manager of Mary Kay Ukraine. “That is why the Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ campaign resonates so strongly with us. When women share encouragement, knowledge, and opportunity, they create a powerful community that helps everyone thrive. Through entrepreneurship, education, and social initiatives, Mary Kay is committed to helping more women and girls unlock their potential and shape their futures with confidence.”

The campaign will be brought to life globally through a variety of consumer engagement formats. At the core of all activities is the company’s belief that beauty has its greatest impact when it is shared through confidence, support, and new opportunities for others.

" "
In Ukraine, Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ will be part of Mary Kay’s presence at major city events and festivals through interactive beauty spaces. (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Ukraine)

In Ukraine, Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ will be part of Mary Kay’s presence at major city events and festivals through interactive beauty spaces, and it will introduce audiences to the campaign philosophy through partnerships with media organizations.

  • Social initiatives will be an important component of the campaign. As part of “The Real You: Shine with Mary Kay 2.0” project, implemented in partnership with the “Association of Mentoring for Children and Youth,” Civil Society Union teenage girls from vulnerable groups will gain practical knowledge and skills to help them feel more confident, develop their potential, and navigate today’s world more effectively. The program will cover topics such as self-care, makeup, digital literacy, online safety, and mental well-being. 
  • For women affected by breast cancer, Mary Kay will continue its “Pink Changing Lives®” social impact program. The initiative complements the rehabilitation process through beauty and self-care sessions while also creating a supportive community that helps restore self-confidence, emotional well-being, and a positive sense of beauty.
" "
Some team members of the Mary Kay Ukraine team at the launch of Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™ global campaign. (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Ukraine)

Did You Know?

  • Mary Kay Ukraine was recognized as Company of the Year in both 2023 and 2024 by the All-Ukrainian Industry and Analytical Center.
  • Mary Kay Ukraine received the National business award “Choice of the Year 2024” by international marketing company Ipsos in two categories: Lip Color Cosmetics of the Year and Anti-Aging Cosmetics of the Year. In 2023, “Choice of the Year 2023” awards were received in the categories Eye Color Cosmetics of the Year and Lip Color Cosmetics of the Year.
  • Mary Kay ranked 8th among 5,500 brands in the Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact 2026 ranking, moving up from the 9th place in 2025. Mary Kay is the only beauty brand in the Top 15 and the only direct selling company included in the ranking.
  • For the fourth consecutive year (2023–2026), Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics Worldwide by Euromonitor International.
  • Mary Kay ranked #2 in the Forbes Best Customer Service 2026 ranking, making a significant leap from 93rd. place in 2025³. Mary Kay is the only beauty brand in the Top 15 and the only direct selling company in the Top 50.
  • Mary Kay ranked 19th among the world’s top 100 beauty companies in Beauty Inc.’s Top 100 Beauty Companies 2025 ranking by Women’s Wear Daily, published in 2026.
  • Mary Kay operates in 40 markets worldwide.

 

 

***

About Mary Kay

For more than 60 years, Mary Kay has empowered generations of women around the world to discover beauty together, build meaningful futures and find a community of women who celebrate one another. Founded by Mary Kay Ash in 1963, the global beauty company has connected women across 40 markets through innovative skincare, color cosmetics, fragrances, and wellness products. Mary Kay transforms purpose into action by advancing causes that support women and families, investing in scientific innovation, and working toward a more sustainable future. At its core, Mary Kay is dedicated to enriching women’s lives and creating opportunities for women to thrive together. Learn more at www.marykay.ua. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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1. Alan Schwarz (March 17, 2026). Forbes – Best Brands For Social Impact 2026. https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-brands-social-impact/
2. “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2026 Edition, Value Sales at RSP, 2025 Data”
3. Alan Schwarz (October 14, 2025). Forbes – Best Customer Service 2026. https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-customer-service/

This article is authored by Mauro Atalla, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies

When it comes to the emerging needs in our built environment and infrastructure — such as complex challenges like data centers and growing energy demand — we can no longer afford to think in silos. The most effective solutions for sustainable innovation will come from connecting the dots with systems thinking and applying a broader, more integrated perspective.

Systems thinking requires a growth mindset, rooted in purpose and continuous learning. Today’s energy, infrastructure and data center demands look different when we stop seeing barriers and start seeing systems. Approaching sustainability with this lens can unlock new strategies and rewards. Innovation does not always come from isolated breakthroughs, but from connecting what already exists in smarter ways.

Rethinking the problem: perspective matters

Systems thinking helps uncover pathways and opportunities rather than obstacles. This shift in mindset and perspective is a foundation for innovation, opening the door to new approaches to value creation.

Complex energy and decarbonization issues can often feel overwhelming when viewed in isolation and there is no one technology or lever that “solves” sustainability. It is the sum of design choices, manufacturing processes, product performance and operational strategies. Meaningful impact occurs when these elements are considered together, connecting the dots to create innovative solutions. Systems thinking is the key to tackling those complex decarbonization challenges.

“When you look at sustainability, you need to think about the entire system — how you design products, how you manufacture them and how they perform in the field.”

Mauro J. Atalla
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies

Systems thinking is also a tool for better problem definition and resolution. Developing a discipline of asking better questions, continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration leads to smarter decisions and increases organizational resilience.

Systems thinking can transform waste into opportunity

One area where the benefits of systems thinking are easy to see is in energy optimization. For example, simultaneous heating and cooling within the same building has long been taken for granted. In a hotel, guest rooms may need to be cooled, and the excess heat from those rooms is vented outside. At the same time, in the same hotel building, fossil fuels are being burned to create the heat needed for kitchen and laundry facilities. Once we integrate systems thinking into this scenario, it becomes clear that we’re wasting costly energy when we could be recovering and using it.

Another example is found in data centers, which can generate enormous amounts of heat. Within many current data centers, the heat is just ejected into the atmosphere. But in some forward-thinking communities, that formerly wasted energy is being repurposed to warm homes and community facilities, or to heat water. What once looked like waste has become a valuable resource.

Beyond recovering previously wasted energy, there are systemic opportunities to make how we move and manage energy more efficient. Smart controls and connected intelligence allow us to leverage real-time data to make more informed decisions. From integrating weather forecasts to adjusting for peak electricity rates, better energy decisions lead to lower costs and improve environmental outcomes.

Efficiency gains like these come from looking at an entire system — a building, an industrial facility or a transport network — with fresh eyes, rather than just optimizing a single element. Stepping back to consider our systems holistically, then zooming out even further to consider what additional data could inform better decisions, can reveal valuable opportunities that siloed approaches miss.

A culture of purpose for sustainable innovation

Culture drives everything, from measurement systems to how employees feel when they come to work each day. What stands out at Trane Technologies is a healthy culture that is inclusive, open and supportive, creating an environment where systems thinking can thrive. That foundation supports industry-leading innovations that connect customer value, business growth and sustainability.

Our target of helping our customers avoid one gigaton of carbon emissions by 2030 is a unifying systems goal and a catalyst for change — it connects technological innovation with generating new value for our customers while helping create a culture of purpose, engagement and continuous learning within our company.

That culture manifests in other ways, too. The Trane Technologies Sustainability Ambassador Network is a nearly 1,000-member employee group driving progress toward our 2030 sustainability commitments. The voluntary group recently saw a 65% increase in engagement, proof that progress accelerates when purpose and action are clearly connected.

As we work to develop the next generation of sustainability leaders, our first cohort of managers is participating in a program that Trane Technologies co-developed with the Harvard Business School, focused on sustainable business leadership. Initiatives like these help create a deeply rooted culture around our mission, where everyone sees that they play a role in creating better outcomes for our company, our customers and the environment.

Sustainable innovation starts with systems thinking

Growth and sustainability are often framed as competing priorities. But as we’ve seen, systems thinking can help us find new opportunities to create value while also achieving sustainability objectives. From recapturing waste heat in hotels and data centers to leveraging smart controls to improve outcomes, rethinking the systems and processes we take for granted can deliver both better business outcomes and decarbonization progress.

Sustainable innovation is about building technologies and solutions that adapt and improve together, creating value while conserving resources. Systems thinking is an essential piece of that puzzle, fueling resilience, innovation and long-term growth. Opportunities emerge when we seek to understand the whole, not just the part in front of us.

Learn more about climate innovation on the Healthy Spaces Podcast.

Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies.

Originally published on Devex

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, yet in resource-limited settings, patients face severe barriers to early diagnosis—while TB is regularly identified and treated, signs and indications of lung cancer are often overlooked. 

In this interview, Dr. Nestory Masalu, Head of Oncology for the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences/Bugando Medical Center, explains how his team is dismantling these diagnostic bottlenecks in Tanzania. He discusses how integrating upfront molecular testing, precision medicine, and proactive community screening is shifting lung cancer diagnoses to earlier, and more treatable stages. 

Learn how this initiative—supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation—is partnering with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health and the National TB and Leprosy Programme to scale a life-saving care model, building the sustainable infrastructure needed to deliver improved cancer care for all. 

For more international development news, visit: http://www.devex.com.

Subscribe to the Devex YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c… 

Follow us on: 
Facebook: @Devex 
Instagram: @devex_com
LinkedIn: @Devex
 

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey to date.

Hi, I’m Tihomir Petrov — though most people call me Tim. I’m a System Engineer II based in Sofia, Bulgaria, and my path into engineering isn’t the traditional one. I studied Economics and Management, which on paper has very little to do with servers and infrastructure. But curiosity has always been what pushed me to keep learning.

Nearly a decade ago, that curiosity, paired with a genuine desire to help people, led me to my first role in customer support. I didn’t have a clear roadmap. I just kept showing up, listening, and wanting to understand more. That mindset carried me from Phone Support Representative to Senior, then into Technical Support, Senior Technical Support, and eventually System Engineering, where I’ve now been for more than two years. What I enjoy most about it is finding ways to automate repetitive work, improve reliability, and make life easier for the people who use the systems we build.

What non-technical skill has helped you succeed the most in a deeply technical role?

Empathy — and I say that without hesitation.

This skill was born on the phones. Years in customer support taught me something no technical course ever could: that how you make someone feel in a difficult moment matters just as much as the solution you provide. I carried that lesson with me when I moved into engineering, and I carry it still.

Behind every ticket and every alert that fires at midnight, there is a person waiting for things to work. Empathy pushes me to ask not only what broke, but who it affected and how we can prevent it from happening again. It naturally leads to better communication — which in incident response is often just as important as the technical fix itself. And it’s what drives me to document thoroughly and share knowledge openly, because I remember exactly what it felt like to be the one searching for answers.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing that you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Two things come to mind — and they couldn’t be more different from each other.

One of the most rewarding has been building an internal server toolkit now used daily by operators across multiple GoDaddy teams. I noticed a gap in how we were handling certain workflows — a lot of repetitive manual work — and decided to build a solution. What started as a small automation project became something people rely on every day, saving operators time across shifts.

The second is far less predictable — being part of critical incident response. When something breaks at scale, every second counts. There’s no script, no safety net — just a team that needs to move fast, communicate clearly, and trust each other completely. Those moments have taught me as much about people as they have about systems.

One taught me the power of ownership. The other taught me the power of trust.

How has your definition of “success” changed as you’ve grown in your career?

Early on, success was simple — resolve the call, satisfy the customer, hit the numbers. Clear, visible, immediate. That definition served me well at the time. It kept me sharp and hungry.

But somewhere along the way — in the middle of a career transition that felt bigger than my confidence at the time — I realized those visible markers weren’t enough anymore. I was doing work where the results were slower, less certain, harder to measure. And I had to learn to trust the process before I could see the outcome.

Today, success means leaving things better than I found them. Did I build something that makes the next person’s job easier? Did I share something that helped someone grow? One moment that really stayed with me was seeing people use something I’d built because it genuinely made their work easier — they didn’t need to know who created it for the impact to matter. That’s the standard I hold myself to now.

How has GoDaddy supported your personal growth and learning initiatives?

What stands out to me most isn’t any single program or resource — it’s the people.

I think of the manager who, at a pivotal moment in my transition into engineering, didn’t point me toward the next step — he trusted me enough to let me find it myself. The teammates who shared their knowledge freely, not because they had to, but because that’s simply how things work here. The engineers who challenged my thinking in ways that made me uncomfortable at first, and sharper for it afterward.

Curiosity isn’t just welcomed here — it’s expected. Whether it’s mentorship, internal knowledge sharing, or simply being encouraged to take ownership of new challenges, the support is always there.

Even during moments of uncertainty — especially while transitioning from Technical Support into System Engineering — I never felt like I was figuring it out in a vacuum. That’s not something you find everywhere.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me on a trail, in a gym, or somewhere on a map I haven’t been to yet. Hiking, weightlifting, and traveling are the things that help me recharge.

Weightlifting keeps me disciplined and grounded — there are no shortcuts in the gym, and that mindset carries over into my work more than I expected.

What tends to surprise people is how deliberately off the beaten path I like to go — I’m less interested in the top ten tourist spots and much more drawn to the quieter, harder-to-reach places that most people walk past. Some of my best stories have come from exactly those kinds of detours. Every trip teaches me something new, whether it’s about another culture, a different way of thinking, or even about myself. I like bringing that same curiosity back into my work.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

 

 

ATLANTA, September 21, 2026 /3BL/ – As data center development accelerates across Georgia, Drawdown Georgia today released Data Centers in Georgia: What Should Communities Know and Ask?, a free toolkit designed to help residents, local officials, and community leaders understand data centers and engage knowledgeably in decisions happening in their own backyards.

 

 

Georgia’s largest metro area is now home to more new data center construction than anywhere else in the country: in September 2026, real estate firm CBRE reported that the Atlanta metro area has overtaken Northern Virginia as the nation’s top market for data centers under construction. In a May 2026 public filing, Georgia Power reported commitments from 31 large-load customers totaling 12,400 megawatts of demand through the mid-2030s. According to an analysis by Science for Georgia, that’s enough electricity to power every home in the state, with enough left over to power another million homes elsewhere.

Data centers are now operating, under construction, or proposed in at least 51 of Georgia’s 159 counties, according to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Local governments have taken notice: more than 80 Georgia cities and counties, roughly 36 cities and 46 counties, have passed moratoriums or adopted new ordinances addressing data center construction and operation, per Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s tracking as of September 2026.

That scale of growth means more Georgia communities than ever are facing questions about a proposed data center’s water use, electricity demand, and environmental and economic impacts, often with limited time to get informed before a local vote.

“Georgia’s data center boom is moving faster than most communities can keep up with, and every proposal carries its own mix of costs, benefits, and unanswered questions,” said John A. Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and a founding member of Drawdown Georgia. “This toolkit gives Georgians a clear road map to engage in the process and advocate for outcomes that work for their community.”

Instead of taking a position for or against any project, the toolkit explains basic concepts in plain language, points to where communities can find reliable local data, and compiles the questions residents, journalists, and local officials should be asking developers, utilities, and public officials before major decisions get made.

“Metro Atlanta has more new data centers under construction than any other major market in North America, but megaprojects are popping up all over Georgia,” said Maurice Carter, co-founder and president of Sustainable Newton, who advised on the toolkit’s development. “The size and speed of the buildout can be disorienting, but the communities that successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities will be those who initiate proactive, collaborative conversations with all of the key stakeholders. This toolkit provides informatiion and resources citizens, local officials, and business leaders need to engage with confidence from the very first conversation about a potential new project.”

The toolkit includes:

  • A six-part video series featuring Georgia atmospheric scientist and Emmy Award-winning communicator Melissa Nord, breaking down what a data center is, how much electricity and water it uses, how it can support clean energy, and how communities can have a voice in the process
  • An embedded, regularly updated map developed by Science for Georgia showing where data centers are operating, under construction, or proposed statewide
  • Plain-language answers to common questions about energy, water, environmental impact, jobs, and economic impacts
  • A full list of questions communities can ask developers and public officials at each stage of a project, from early announcement through permitting and beyond
  • A directory of Georgia organizations and state agencies that can help communities with legal, planning, water, and economic questions

The toolkit was developed by Drawdown Georgia with content and data support from the Southern Environmental Law Center and Science for Georgia.

 

The full toolkit, video series, and downloadable resources are available at DrawdownGA.org/data-centers.

About Drawdown Georgia

Drawdown Georgia is a statewide research-based initiative launched in 2020 that was born from a multi-university collaboration, funded by the Ray C. Anderson Foundation. Taking inspiration from Project Drawdown®, the world’s leading resource for taking action on climate change, Drawdown Georgia localized that work by identifying the 20 highest-impact solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our state over the next decade.

This framework focuses on climate solutions in five sectors: transportation, buildings & materials, food & agriculture, electricity, and land sinks. It considers how these solutions can reduce emissions and advance “beyond carbon” priorities, including equity, economic development, public health, and nurturing the larger environment.

Drawdown Georgia has grown into a “leader-full” movement, bringing together many organizations, universities, companies, leaders, and funders who are working to advance climate solutions in Georgia, including Drawdown Georgia Research, the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact, Drawdown Georgia Congregations, and Drawdown Georgia Higher Education. Learn more at drawdownga.org.

View photos and video of the event

HARRISON, N.J., September 21, 2026 /3BL/ – A new mini soccer space at Harrison High School will give children, families and student-athletes a permanent place to play, learn and connect, extending the community impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ beyond the tournament.

Through a collaboration with the NYNJ Host Committee and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, PSEG is proud to have helped bring the new soccer space, known as a “mini pitch,” to Harrison, serving  students and student-athletes while expanding access to soccer for the broader community. Installed at no cost to the community, the initiative is bringing new play spaces to communities across the region.

These mini pitches reflect PSEG’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we serve, while creating new opportunities for recreation and wellness, connection and community engagement,” said Sara Pena, PSEG Director of External Affairs. “We’re grateful to partner with local leaders to create spaces that will inspire the next generation of athletes, teammates and community leaders.

Members of the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams at Harrison High School participated in a ceremonial first kick to mark the grand opening of the space, which will be used by students and athletic teams. 

“The success of this World Cup should be measured not only by what we delivered during the tournament, but by what it leaves behind,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “This mini pitch gives young people in Harrison a place to play, compete and come together for years to come. That kind of lasting community impact was central to our vision from the very beginning, and we’re proud to see it continue through partners like PSEG and the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

“This mini pitch creates an exciting new opportunity for our students to learn, compete and enjoy the game of soccer right here at Harrison High School,” said Dr. Maureen Kroog, Superintendent of Schools, Harrison Public Schools. “It will be a valuable resource for our student-athletes and physical education programs, while also helping foster teamwork, wellness and school pride. We are proud that our students will be able to carry the spirit of the World Cup forward and make this space their own for years to come.

“This new soccer field gives Harrison’s young people and families another place to play, spend time together and connect with their community,” said Harrison Mayor James Fife. “Projects like this happen when local organizations and community partners work together, and we appreciate PSEG’s partnership, along with FIFA and US Soccer, in helping bring this new space to Harrison.”

“At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we believe every child deserves a safe place to play, be active and build confidence through sport,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This new mini pitch at Harrison High School is more than a space to play soccer. It’s a place where young people can come together, develop lifelong skills and strengthen connections with their teammates, families and community. We’re grateful to partner with PSEG and the NYNJ Host Committee to ensure the excitement and inspiration of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues to create opportunities for children in Harrison for years to come.”

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About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company operating New Jersey’s largest transmission and distribution utility, serving approximately 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers.  PSEG also owns an independent fleet of 3,758 MW of carbon-free, baseload nuclear power generating units in NJ and PA. PSEG aims to power a future where people use energy more efficiently, and it’s safer and delivered more reliably than ever. PSEG is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Best in Class North America Index for 18 consecutive years. PSEG’s businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island (https://corporate.pseg.com). 

 

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