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ACC becomes first community college in Texas to use 100% clean energy
Austin Community College now uses 100% renewable energy at two of its 11 campuses, including ACC Elgin, shown here.
Austin Community College is now the first community college district in Texas to use 100% clean, renewable energy at two of its campuses, in Round Rock and Elgin.
"By moving two of its campuses completely off of fossil fuels, ACC is significantly reducing its carbon footprint and helping ensure a safe, more livable climate for our community," Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger said in a press release issued Tuesday.
ACC began its efforts to convert to wind and solar power earlier this summer and plans to implement 100% renewable energy at its nine other Central Texas campuses.
The district is also working toward a goal of becoming zero waste by 2040 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
"ACC is committed to becoming a leader in sustainability," Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes said in the same release. "That means using less energy and fewer resources while minimizing waste.
Its board of trustees created a blueprint for district-wide sustainability in 2009 and began charging $1 per semester per credit hour sustainability fee in 2010, which generates around $750,000 a year to fund green initiatives.
Other green initiatives at the district include reclaiming rainwater and AC condensation; green transportation programs, such as preferring parking for fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles; and the introduction of a sustainability dashboard, which displays electricity usage, solar energy production and other consumption data.
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Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
