ACC celebrated its commitment to sustainability at the dedication of its first green-rated building.
The Green Ribbon Cutting at the Rio Grande Garage
The Rio Grande Campus parking garage, which opened this semester and provides more than 500 new spaces, earned a 3-star Green Building Rating from Austin Energy, which awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings.
Austin Energy presented ACC its 3-star recognition on Thursday at the college’s Great Big Green Get-Together, an event honoring the garage team’s achievement and the college’s pledge to reducing its impact on the environment.
ACC’s commitment to green actually started with blue.
Blue recycling containers began popping up in more places across ACC’s campuses last year, fueled by students encouraging the college to expand its recycling program and become more environmentally friendly.
That movement got a big boost in February, when the ACC Board of Trustees passed a policy directing the college to incorporate sustainability in all operations and projects. ACC hired a director of environmental stewardship, Andy Kim, to guide the initiatives.
Sustainable construction is one of Kim’s passions.
“I’m an architect, and architecture is living art that needs to coexist with the earth,” said Kim. “Sustainability will be an integral component of future ACC growth.”
It was definitely an integral component of the Rio Grande garage construction. The team managed to divert 80 percent of construction waste from landfills for reuse or recycling. Almost all of the construction materials came from within Texas, reducing transportation expenses, fuel consumption, and pollution. The construction materials included 40 percent recycled content.
ACC President Dr. Stephen Kinslow accepts the 3-star green building recognition from Dr. Liana Kallivoka of Austin Energy.
“A 3-star rating is very impressive,” said Dr. Liana Kallivoka, with Austin Energy’s Green Building program. “It shows a true dedication to sustainability. Austin Energy is excited to continue working with ACC as the college continues its sustainable construction efforts.”
ACC showcased other sustainability initiatives at the Green Get-Together as well. Students and faculty had a chance to find out more about Green Pass, a pilot program starting in January that gives Capital Metro bus passes to students, faculty, and staff at no cost to them. Capital Metro was on hand to help ACC students and employees determine the best ways to get from campus to campus.
“We need everyone’s help to create a sustainable ACC,” said Kim. “Green Pass is one easy way to get on board.”
Bicycle Sport Shop also took part in the event, with advice on how to efficiently and safely commute to campus on a bike. For those who drive low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles, ACC began the Green Car preferred parking program this fall.
Addie Broussard, an environmental science major, applauds the college for rolling out a variety of sustainability initiatives.
“It gives me another reason to boast about how great it is to be part of ACC,” said Broussard, a member of Students for Environmental Outreach. “What we’re doing helps raise awareness, and that’s the first step to protecting the planet.”
ACC does more than practice the sustainability message – the college also teaches it, offering courses in areas such as solar technology, wind power, green building, and weatherization.
“We are at the forefront of the push to educate Texans for these 21st century jobs,” said Dr. Hector Aguilar, a professor in ACC’s Electronics and Advanced Technologies Department.
Students provide information about sustainability initiatives at the Great Big Green Get-Together.
The college made information about its alternative energy education programs available during the Great Big Green Get-Together. Professor Dave Kollen was at the event to spread the word about his sustainable business practices course, which trains students in ways they can make companies environmentally-friendly.
“I think it will make students more marketable,” said Kollen. “People recognize the need for reducing their impact on the environment, and businesses play an important role in creating a more sustainable society.”
Colleges play an important role too, according to Addie Broussard.
“At ACC, we are making positive changes,” she said. “Education is key when it comes to getting people to go green, and colleges and universities have the ability to lead the way to environmental solutions. We can set examples and improve our communities.”
For ACC Board of Trustees Chairperson Nan McRaven, it’s all about responsibility.
“Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” said McRaven. “What we do today will have a lasting impact at ACC.”
To learn more about ACC’s commitment to environmental stewardship, visit austincc.edu/sustainability.
Posted in the ACC Newsroom, Banner Stories category on November 20th, 2009, No Comments »
Bike, bus, car or scooter? Tell us how you get to where you need the go. The Austin Community College District is conducting its annual transportation survey to better understand commuting patterns to ACC and plan for future transportation needs.
This year ACC demonstrated its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and raising environmental awareness by adopting the Sustainable Practices Policy C-9 and by becoming one of the signatory colleges for the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
On January 5, ACC will launch the Green Pass pilot program, providing free mass transit to the ACC community each semester. The goal is to reduce carbon emission and collect important data from Capitol Metro that may lead to improved routes between ACC campuses.
It starts with a survey and you. The transportation survey takes only minutes to complete and will help the college improve services for students, faculty, and staff. Thank you.
To learn more about sustainability initiatives, visit the sustainability website.
Posted in the ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom category on November 20th, 2009, No Comments »
The Austin Community College District declared its commitment to environmental stewardship on Thursday, November 19, with the Great Big Green Get-Together at Rio Grande Campus. The event provided details on the college’s sustainability initiatives, renewable energy courses, and other ways the community can reduce its impact on the environment.
ACC dedicates its first green building, the Rio Grande garage.
“The Green Get-Together gave us an opportunity to spread the word about the work we are doing at ACC to promote sustainability,” says Andy Kim, the college’s director of environmental stewardship. “We are proud of the initiatives we’ve implemented so far and look forward to upholding our commitment to go green.”
Austin Energy recognized ACC for earning a 3-star Green Building rating for the Rio Grande Campus parking garage, which opened this semester. Austin Energy awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings.
The garage team managed to divert 80 percent of construction waste from landfills for reuse or recycling. Almost all of the construction materials came from within Texas, reducing transportation expenses, fuel consumption, and pollution. The construction materials included 40 percent recycled content. A south-facing glass storefront reduces the need for electric lighting and saves energy.
“A 3-star rating is very impressive for a parking garage,” says Liana Kallivoka, with Austin Energy’s Green Building program. “It shows real dedication to sustainability. Austin Energy is excited to work with ACC as the college continues its sustainable construction efforts.”
The college’s other sustainability initiatives include Green Pass, a pilot program that begins in January and provides Capital Metro bus passes to students and employees at no cost to them. Capital Metro was on hand at the November 19 event to answer questions about its service and help students determine the best ways to get campus to campus. Austin’s Bicycle Sport Shop was also there to talk with students about how to efficiently and safely navigate the roads.
Posted in the ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases category on November 19th, 2009, No Comments »
ACC’s Library Services, along with the entire Austin Community College District, is committed to becoming a leader in sustainability. That means using less energy and fewer resources while minimizing waste. Library Services offers these tips to help conserve ink and paper:
- Print PowerPoint slides in handout format.
- Save email and documents to portable drives instead of printing when possible.
- Use the Print Preview function to ensure you are printing only necessary pages.
- If you don’t see your print job, see the librarian before hitting the printer button again. Library Services may be able to check the print queue or diagnose the problem before you print unneeded copies.
For more information and step-by-step hints, visit the Go Green @ the Library website.
Posted in the ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom category on November 19th, 2009, No Comments »
The Austin Community College District is declaring its commitment to environmental stewardship on Thursday, November 19, with the Great Big Green Get-Together at Rio Grande Campus. The event will provide details on the college’s sustainability initiatives, renewable energy courses, and other ways the community can reduce its impact on the environment.
“Every small step can make a big difference,” says Andy Kim, ACC’s director of environmental stewardship. “We want to do our part to promote sustainability and to make it easy for students, faculty, and staff to get on board. We need everyone’s help to create a sustainable ACC.”
The college’s efforts include Green Pass, a pilot program that begins in January and provides Capital Metro bus passes to students and employees at no cost to them. Capital Metro will be on hand at the November 19 event to answer questions about its service and help students determine the best ways to get campus to campus. Want to commute to ACC on a bike? Austin’s Bicycle Sport Shop will be there to talk with students about how to efficiently and safely navigate the roads.
During the Great Big Green Get-Together, Austin Energy will recognize ACC for earning a 3-star Green Building rating for the Rio Grande Campus parking garage, which opened this semester. Austin Energy awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings.
Click here to find out find out more about ACC’s commitment to sustainability. You can also visit austincc.edu/sustainability.
Posted in the ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases category on November 18th, 2009, 2 Comments »
Austin Community College’s Mobile Go Center is headed to San Marcos. The center, equipped to supply information on the college’s programs and even register students for classes, will visit the H-E-B store at 641 East Hopkins St. on Thursday, November 19, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Through a partnership with H-E-B, the Mobile Go Center enables ACC to share information about its services directly with the communities the college serves. ACC representatives staffing the Mobile Go Center can provide details about college programs and degrees, registration, and financial aid (including installment payment plans). Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or you’re ready to train for a new career, ACC can help you achieve your goals.
The Mobile Go Center is making stops across the area in the coming months, including a second stop in San Marcos in March 2010.
Posted in the ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom, Official ACC Press Releases category on November 18th, 2009, No Comments »
Radio station KUT Austin featured members of ACC’s Choral Department ahead of the choir’s production of the Broadway musical “The 1940’s Radio Hour.”
Listen to the report on the KUT website.
The choir will present “The 1940’s Radio Hour” at Austin’s One World Theatre November 17-19. The show replicates a 1942 live radio broadcast, complete with vocal jazz numbers, an onstage big band, commercials, and mystery theater.
Proceeds will help students cover the cost of a trip to New York next spring. ACC is among a select few community college ensembles that will perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2010.
Click here for “1940’s Radio Hour” times and ticket information.
Posted in the ACC Homepage Announcements, ACC Newsroom category on November 16th, 2009, No Comments »
Members of ACC’s Choral Department performed on KEYE-TV’s “We Are Austin Live” show on Thursday to promote the choir’s production of the Broadway musical “The 1940’s Radio Hour.”
The performance may be seen on the We Are Austin Live website.
The choir will present “The 1940’s Radio Hour” at Austin’s One World Theatre November 17-19. The show replicates a 1942 live radio broadcast, complete with vocal jazz numbers, an onstage big band, commercials, and a mystery theater.
Proceeds will help students cover the cost of a trip to New York next spring. ACC is among a select few community college ensembles that will perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2010.
Click here for times and ticket information.
Posted in the ACC Newsroom category on November 13th, 2009, No Comments »
ACC’s commitment to green started with blue.
Blue recycling containers began popping up in more places across ACC’s campuses last year, fueled by students encouraging the college to expand its recycling program and reduce its impact on the environment.
That movement got a big boost in February, when the ACC Board of Trustees passed a policy directing the college to incorporate sustainability in all operations and projects.
Now, green is growing everywhere at ACC. The college hired a director of environmental stewardship. ACC joined the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The Green Car program established preferred parking for low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles. And that’s just the beginning.
The college will officially proclaim its pledge of environmental stewardship on Thursday, November 19, with the Great Big Green Get-Together at Rio Grande Campus. ACC students, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate the college’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint – and learn what else can be done to help ACC go green.
After all, sustainability starts here!
“We need everyone’s help to create a sustainable ACC,” says Andy Kim, who came on board as the college’s director of environmental stewardship in April. “Every step adds up to make a big difference.”
The November 19 event will provide further information about the college’s sustainability initiatives, including Green Pass, a pilot program starting in January that gives Capital Metro bus passes to students, faculty, and staff at no cost to them. Capital Metro will be on hand to answer questions about its service and help students determine the best ways to get from campus to campus. Want to commute to ACC on a bike? Austin’s Bicycle Sport Shop will be there to show you how to efficiently and safely navigate the roads.
During the Great Big Green Get-Together, Austin Energy will recognize ACC for earning a 3-star Green Building rating for the Rio Grande Campus parking garage, which opened this semester. Austin Energy awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings.
Addie Broussard, an environmental science major, applauds the college for rolling out a variety of sustainability initiatives.
“It gives me another reason to boast about how great it is to be part of ACC,” says Broussard, a member of Students for Environmental Outreach. “What we’re doing helps raise awareness, and that’s the first step to protecting the planet.”
ACC does more than practice the sustainability message – the college also teaches it, offering courses in areas such as solar technology, wind power, green building, and weatherization.
“We are at the forefront of the push to educate Texans for these 21st century jobs,” says Dr. Hector Aguilar, a professor in ACC’s Electronics and Advanced Technologies Department.
The college will make information about its alternative energy education programs available during the Great Big Green Get-Together. Professor Dave Kollen will also be at the event to spread the word about his sustainable business practices course, which trains students in ways they can make companies environmentally-friendly.
“I think it will make students more marketable,” says Kollen. “People recognize the need for reducing their impact on the environment, and businesses play an important role in creating a more sustainable society.”
Colleges play an important role too, according to Addie Broussard.
“At ACC, we are making positive changes,” says Broussard. “Education is key when it comes to getting people to go green, and colleges and universities have the ability to lead the way to environmental solutions. We can set examples and improve our communities.”
Join ACC for the Great Big Green Get-Together on Thursday, November 19, from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Rio Grande Campus (at the corner of West Avenue & 12th Street). The college will offer refreshments and gifts while supplies last.
To learn more about ACC’s commitment to environmental stewardship, visit austincc.edu/sustainability.
Posted in the ACC Newsroom, Banner Stories category on November 13th, 2009, 2 Comments »
Members of ACC’s Choral Department will perform on KEYE-TV’s “We Are Austin Live” show this Thursday, November 12, to promote its production of the Broadway musical “The 1940’s Radio Hour.”
The show airs 4-5 p.m. on KEYE (channel 42; channel 5 on Time Warner Cable). The performance may also be seen on the We Are Austin Live website after it airs.
The choir will present “The 1940’s Radio Hour” at Austin’s One World Theatre November 17-19. The show replicates a 1942 live radio broadcast, complete with vocal jazz numbers, an onstage big band, commercials, and a mystery theater.
Proceeds will help students cover the cost of a trip to New York next spring. ACC is among a select few community college ensembles that will perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2010.
Click here for times and ticket information.
Posted in the ACC Newsroom category on November 10th, 2009, No Comments »
