Golden Isles Conservation Center Being Constructed in Brantley County

R&D Facility to Remove Materials from Waste Stream, Generate Clean Energy

Seven Islands Environmental Solutions, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, has announced plans to create the Golden Isles Conservation Center as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. Located in Nahunta, Ga., the Center is being built by local contractors and construction teams and is expected to be fully operational by end of year.  The Center is initially expected to create five new high-tech jobs.

Seven Islands incubates new technologies that can be replicated to create environmental solutions.

“Cox Enterprises and Seven Islands are headquartered in Georgia, and we’re excited to operate innovative businesses throughout the state,” said Cox Enterprises’ Senior Vice President of Finance Lacey Lewis, who oversees the company’s sustainability program. “It will benefit both the local economy and the environment, while utilizing Brantley County’s infrastructure, technology and port access.”

Nahunta has close proximity to Brunswick’s deep water port, boasts interstate interconnectivity and is near rail and air service. The area also has fiber optic technology. As it develops new applications, the Center will host leaders from multiple industries and corporations to share best practices.

The Center will initially focus on recycling tires. A front-end system will utilize organic materials such as wood chips to generate heat. The heat breaks down tires into their three original components - carbon black, synthesis oil and synthesis gas - while producing no harmful emissions. The synthesis oil and carbon black will be repurposed for many uses, including the creation of filtration systems, rubber hoses and inks, among others. The synthesis gas will generate energy for the closed-loop Center and will be fed back into the grid, creating clean energy for the community.

“Cox Enterprises is well known for its commitment to sustainability, and we’re excited they are joining our community,” said Brantley County Commissioner Mike Edgy. “They are bringing new technology and jobs to our area, while also preserving the environment. It’s a win-win for Brantley County.”

The Center will have the capacity to recycle 480 tires per day, equivalent to removing five tons from local landfills and water systems.

As part of the Center’s development, Seven Islands also purchased more than 100 acres of neighboring wetlands with the intent to conserve the area and develop an educational walking trail for local students. The concept is inspired by a solar power trail that accompanies Cox’s alternative energy installation in New England. Schools will also be able to tour the Center to teach students about technology and sustainability.

Cox Enterprises’ national sustainability program is called Cox Conserves. Through the program, the company seeks to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044. The company is utilizing innovative technologies, such as those being created by Seven Islands at the Center, to help achieve these ambitious goals.

About Seven Islands Environmental Solutions

Created in 2014, Seven Islands Environmental Solutions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company identifies and implements new technologies and programs to create environmental solutions.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

For further information: Elizabeth Olmstead, 678-645-0762, elizabeth.olmstead@coxinc.com