- Round Rock Campus, Building 3000
It is the first ACC campus built to LEED standards, the college’s approach for new construction and major renovations since the 2009 establishment of a Board of Trustees policy on sustainable practices.
“LEED certification is an internationally known recognition that demonstrates ACC’s commitment to protecting the environment,” says Andy Kim, the college’s director of environmental stewardship. “This is a great honor for ACC.”
Round Rock Campus opened in fall 2010, with many features reflecting the college’s sustainability practices:
- 43 percent of the campus site is open green space.
- 5 percent of campus parking is reserved for low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Water-saving irrigation and plumbing.
- Extensive solar panel system on Building 5000 has helped the college save 25 percent on Round Rock Campus energy costs.
- The construction process included 22 percent recycled material and 51 percent regional material. Almost 80 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
- Campus furniture is certified for low chemical emissions.
Round Rock Campus is the third ACC structure to receive recognition for sustainability principles. The parking garage at Rio Grande Campus earned a three-star green building rating from Austin Energy, and in 2010, the college’s renovation of Building 3000 at Rio Grande Campus earned the Heritage Society of Austin’s Adaptive Use Award.
Aerial view of the Round Rock Campus solar panel system.
ACC was among 10 institutions to receive the 2012 Climate Leadership Award from Second Nature and the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The college’s other sustainability initiatives include Green Pass (Capital Metro bus and rail passes for students and employees), Green Car (priority parking for fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles), electric vehicle charging stations, installation of energy-efficient lighting, and water bottle filling stations.
ACC’s commitment to sustainable practices is also reflected in many career training programs – such as solar panel systems (photovoltaics), wind power, energy-efficient structures, green building, weatherization, alternative fuel vehicles, and managing for sustainability.
“ACC is helping move Central Texas to a sustainable future,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “We are on the forefront of this movement – in our operations and through preparing students for green-economy careers.”
For more information on ACC’s sustainability efforts, visit austincc.edu/sustainability.
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