The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech is the southeast United States’ first Living Building, earning the world’s most ambitious green building certification in 2021.This pioneering structure, made possible by a $30 million grant, showcases regenerative design principles and serves as a model for environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic development. With features like a 330-kilowatt solar canopy providing 225% of its energy needs, rainwater harvesting, and chemical-free materials, the Kendeda Building treats stormwater, conserves potable water, and lowers flood risks. It also promotes universal access through an accessible ramp design.

The building hosts exhibitions celebrating gender equality, sustainability, and diverse perspectives, fostering a space for reimagining the future through art and technology. Its biophilic design connects occupants with nature, incorporating elements like exposed wood, natural light, and a rooftop garden with beehives and pollinator plants. As a living laboratory, the Kendeda Building inspires students and industry professionals to continually innovate and raise the bar for sustainable, equitable, and regenerative design.

The Kendeda Building’s innovative design and commitment to sustainability make it the perfect venue to host the upcoming TEDxAtlanta Salon focused on the transition to clean energy. We are thrilled to partner with the Georgia Tech community to facilitate thought-provoking discussions that will inspire attendees and further the important work of sustainability.

This event is a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the remarkable features of the southeast’s first Living Building, from its 330-kilowatt solar canopy to its rooftop beehives, and to explore the complexities of the clean energy transition.

To see more photos of the building, visit our Flickr.

Thank you to our sponsors, ATDC and PIN.

Founded in 1980, ATDC has played a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta and Georgia’s startup ecosystem and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, for founders with technology-focused businesses.

Over the years, it has evolved into one of the nation’s leading technology incubators, supporting hundreds of startups across a wide range of industries, from healthcare and fintech to cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.

Having graduated more than 200 companies since its founding, ATDC, an offering of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, has served as a catalyst and space that allows founders to turn their passions into companies that have impact action.

Its mission is to give aspiring entrepreneurs the confidence to embrace risk and the possibility of failure. But ATDC has created an ecosystem that supports and encourages founders to believe their ideas can change the world in meaningful ways.

Among its successes are founders who created companies that improve the standard of care for babies born prematurely who have feeding troubles and technologies that allow patients suffering from heart failure or chronic diseases to be closely monitored by their physicians without having to leave home.

Through innovative programs and initiatives, ATDC empowers entrepreneurs to create their own futures to become problem solvers and pioneers that bring solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership), led by founding Executive Director Debra Lam, a TEDxAtlanta 2023 Atlanta conference speaker, was founded to catalyze communities and individuals into creating solutions and pursuing innovations that solve problems and maximize individual potential.

A collaboration of leading private companies across Georgia and learning institutions including Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, the Partnership leverages its resources to advance technology and innovation in an equitable manner statewide.

As Lam said in her talk, innovation is not just about creating cutting-edge technologies or revolutionary products; it’s also about ensuring that these advancements benefit everyone in society.

Central to its mission is a philosophy that innovation and great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere. Actively promoting diversity and ensuring that all voices are heard creates a future framework for more successful outcomes because all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

It’s why since its formation in 2020, the Partnership has been focused on breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. It’s about recognizing the unique perspectives and talents that each person brings to the table and harnessing those strengths to drive collective progress.

Leveraging technology innovations and being intentional about problem solving, has led to local communities to harness artificial intelligence to improve healthcare outcomes and prevent water drownings, and use research to deploy solutions that improve air quality and address climate change.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders, promoting collaboration to harness the power of technology for social good, the Partnership has garnered international recognition for creating a model centered on driving meaningful progress toward more equitable and sustainable futures.