ACC marked Earth Day on April 22, but the celebration isn’t over. The Office of Sustainability is holding a contest to select a sustainability-themed design that will go on a reusable bag and be displayed at ACC campuses. Voting is open to students and employees and runs through Friday, April 26. Cast your vote on the sustainability webpage. (Note: you must be signed into ACCmail to vote.) One lucky voter will win a Timbuk2 backpack.

Students check out info tables during the sustainability fair at Round Rock Campus.

Earth Day celebrations kicked off with a ceremony at Round Rock Campus that honored ACC’s sustainability achievements, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)Â certification for the campus.

“Round  Rock is our first LEED-certified campus, and it reflects of our commitment to sustainable practices,” said Andy Kim, director of environmental stewardship. “Sustainability is a part of everything we do at ACC, from construction to operations and more.”

The ceremony also noted the installation of an extensive solar panel system at Round Rock Campus that saves on energy costs. The panel (which joins systems at Riverside, Eastview, and Northridge campuses) reduces green-house gas emissions by 352 metric tons of carbon dioxide – equivalent to 819 barrels of oil not consumed.

“What ACC is doing is important to our future, and this is a great place to learn about sustainability as well as practice it,” said Diego Lopez, who is graduating this spring with an associate degree in environmental science.

R.B. joins students for activities on the lawn, like tug of war.

Following the ceremony, the college hosted a sustainability fair. It featured activities on the lawn, prizes for Green Pass holders, and information tables. Other Round Rock Campus Earth Day events included the Step Up 5k walk/run and a screening of the film “Thin Ice.” Meanwhile, Rio Grande Campus hosted an Earth Day celebration on the main lawn, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about the environment, enjoy snacks, and decorate a reusable shopping bag.

On Wednesday, April 24, Eastview Campus will honor Earth Day with a special lunch in the Culinary Arts Department. The student-run Le Bistrette lunchtime café will highlight local ingredients in its menu (serving hours 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Le Bistrette is open to the public and located at 3401 Webberville Rd. (Building 3000, Room 3158).

For more information on ways to go green at ACC, visit austincc.edu/sustainability.

Slideshow of Earth Day activities: