Most of the progress on reducing emissions was due to cleaner electricity, as well as a decrease in driving.

The hulking, land-hogging complexes already occupy millions of square feet in Ashburn, Virginia, which is nicknamed Data Center Alley.

“If we get five or six people, that’s worth us doing this every other Saturday, showing you the basics, showing you how to install solar, so that you can get a job,” says Sharon Wise.

The reward was received today at the 2015 C40 Cities Awards.