Austin Community College is 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.
Look for the LEED plaque at the entrance of your campus building, it’s a sign of ACC’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
Elgin Campus
In 2014, the Elgin Campus earned LEED Silver certification for Building 1000, followed by another LEED Silver certification in 2020 for Building 2000. Both buildings excelled in the categories of Indoor Environmental Quality and Materials. The campus collects rainwater and HVAC condensate in a 35,000-gallon storage tank, which is used for landscape irrigation across the site.
Hays Campus
In 2014 the Hays Campus received a LEED Silver certification for building 1000, and the Public Safety Training Center was certified in 2018.
Highland Campus
In 2015, the Highland Campus received the first of its three LEED building certifications. A key achievement of Building 1000 was the reuse and major renovation of the former JCPenney building in the old Highland Mall. This adaptive reuse helped ACC avoid the environmental impact of raw material extraction and transportation, while also minimizing construction waste. Building 2000 was certified in 2022, followed by Building 3000 in 2023, both earning LEED Gold certification.
Round Rock Campus
In 2012, the Round Rock Campus was awarded LEED NC v2.2 Silver certification for Building 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000 and 9000 followed by certification of Building 8000 in 2019. The campus also benefits from renewable energy generated by installed solar panels.
Rio Grande Campus
In 2022, the Rio Grande Campus received LEED Platinum certification, the highest possible rating, for its water and energy efficient design. The campus also promotes alternative transportation options, including EV charging stations, a carpool program and green passes.
The Rio Grande Campus parking facilities are Parksmart Certified and received a 3-star rating from Austin Energy’s Green Building Program. These recognitions reflect the use of sustainable design, eco-friendly materials, water and energy conservation, efficient lighting, and support for alternative transportation such as bike parking and EV charging stations.
San Gabriel Campus
In 2019, the newly constructed San Gabriel Campus became the second campus within the ACC District to receive a LEED Gold certification.
District-wide Sustainability Practices
Since 2010, ACC has implemented green cleaning practices using environmentally friendly products like GreenSeal-certified cleaners, EPA-preferred disinfectants, and reusable microfiber cloths. Touchless dispensers reduce waste and improve hygiene, supporting a healthier campus environment.
Sustainable landscaping and efficient irrigation practices are in place to reduce water usage. By incorporating native plants, the landscape not only requires less water and helps prevent soil erosion, but also attracts native wildlife, contributing to the restoration of the natural ecosystem.
ACC supports sustainable transportation through its Green Pass Program, available at all campuses. Each campus also provides EV charging stations and promotes alternative transportation options, including carpooling and facilities for bikes.
Single-Stream Recycling & Composting
ACC offers single-stream recycling across all campuses, no sorting needed. Select locations also feature compost bins for food waste and soiled paper, helping divert organic waste from landfills.
Learn more about ACC’s Zero Waste initiatives and how to properly recycle on campus.
Awards
ACC has won multiple awards for sustainable construction and innovative environmental design. See the full list of awards on the Campus Planning, Construction, and Sustainability website.
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