Carbon Connect: An Ecosystem for Sustainable Computing | Computer Science Department at Princeton University

Date and Time

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Location

Computer Science Large Auditorium (Room 104)

Type

Talk

Speaker

Benjamin Lee, from University of Pennsylvania

Host

Margaret Martonosi

As the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to proliferate, computer architects must assess and mitigate its environmental impact. This talk will survey strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of AI computation and datacenter infrastructure, drawing on data and experiences from industrial, hyperscale systems. First, we analyze the embodied and operational carbon implications of super-linear AI growth. Second, we re-think datacenter infrastructure and define a solution space for carbon-free computation with renewable energy, utility-scale batteries, and job scheduling. Finally, we develop strategies for datacenter demand response, incentivizing both batch and real-time workloads to modulate power usage in ways that reflect their performance costs. In summary, the talk provides a broad perspective on sustainable computing and outlines the many remaining directions for future work.

Bio: Benjamin C. Lee is a Professor of Electrical and Systems Engineering and of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a visiting researcher at Google in the Global Infrastructure Group. Dr. Lee’s research focuses on computer architecture (microprocessors, memories, datacenters), energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He builds interdisciplinary links to machine learning and algorithmic economics to better design and manage computer systems. His research on sustainable computing, in collaboration with Harvard, received an Expedition in Computing award from the National Science Foundation in 2024.

He received his post-doctorate from Stanford University, Ph.D. from Harvard University, and B.S. from the University of California at Berkeley. He has also held visiting positions at Meta AI, Microsoft Research, Intel Labs, and Lawrence Livermore National Lab. He is an IEEE Fellow and ACM Distinguished Scientist.

Cosponsored by the School of Engineering and Applied Science William Pierson Field Fund and the Department of Computer Science

In-person attendance is open to Princeton University faculty, staff and students

To request accommodations for a disability please contact Donna Ghilino, dg3548@princeton.edu

Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any event does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.