ACC is committed to becoming a leader in sustainability. That means using less energy and fewer resources while minimizing waste. ACC’s Office of Energy & Sustainability hosts sustainable initiatives designed to shrink the college’s ecological footprint and increase environmental awareness. Austin Community College District has set the goal of Zero Waste by 2040 and Climate Neutrality by 2050, while continuing to grow to meet the demand for ACC programs and services.
The blueprint for implementing college-wide sustainability reforms was created in 2009 by the ACC Board of Trustees with the C-9 Sustainable Practices Policy and the Sustainable Construction and College Operations Guidelines/Procedures. That same year, ACC joined the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC, now Carbon Commitment). By signing the pledge, ACC agreed to take actions to move the college toward climate neutrality. The ACC Climate Action Plan is a key step in that goal.
Get involved in Sustainability at ACC and enjoy the perks – free public transportation, cold filtered drinking water, a clean environment, and more.
ACC’s Sustainability Dashboard displays electricity usage, solar energy production, water and gas consumption, and sustainability announcements across the district in real-time.
At ACC, we don’t just talk about going green – we are making it happen! ACC’s sustainability fee funds our energy and sustainability efforts.
How much is the fee?
The fee is $1 per semester credit hour, with the average student paying $8 a semester.
How does ACC use the fee?
From recycling to free bus and rail services, ACC is taking steps to help make carbon neutrality a reality.
How much will the sustainability fee raise?
ACC estimates the sustainability fee will generate $750,000 a year.
Our Team
- Andy Kim, Director, Energy & Sustainability
- Amber Orr, Sustainability Manager
- Jessica Munoz, Green Building Project Manager
- Grace Hsieh, Energy Conservation Manager
Learn more about the Office of Energy & Sustainability
Be a part of Sustainable ACC — ACC offers many ways for students, faculty, and staff to get involved in sustainable initiatives on and off campus.
- Join a Green Team
- Sign up for the Sustainability Newsletter
- Get your hands dirty in the ACC Learning Gardens
- Apply for an Eco Conference Grant
- Engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Learn more about Environmental Education & Stewardship at ACC
Earth Week & Campus Sustainability Month
Celebrate sustainability at ACC by joining annual Campus Sustainability Month events in October and Earth Week events in April!
Whether traveling between home and one of the ACC campuses all over the Austin-metropolitan area, to work, or for fun, choosing a more sustainable commute option can be cheaper, safer, and better for the environment.
ACC students and employees are encouraged to take advantage of the FREE ACC Green Pass to ride CapMetro bus and rail, sign up for the ACC EV Charging pilot rate, and to explore bike resources in partnership with ACC Police.
Learn more about Sustainable Transportation resources at ACC
At ACC, we’re committed to building and maintaining sustainable campuses that reduce environmental impact and promote well-being. Our facilities are designed and operated to conserve energy and water, reduce waste, and create a healthier learning environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
Since 2009 ACC buildings (all new construction and major renovation projects) have been pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification, a global standard for green buildings.
ACC has implemented several initiatives to save energy and water to make the district’s buildings more sustainable.
Austin Community College District has set the goal of becoming a Zero Waste (more than 90% diversion from the landfill) institution by 2040 through various efforts to minimize waste generated, as well as prioritizing compostable and recyclable materials rather than using single-use items.
Contact Us
green@austincc.edu
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