October is Campus Sustainability Month, and Austin Community College District (ACC) invites students, faculty, and staff to explore the many ways the College is building a sustainable future.

This year’s lineup includes tours of rooftop solar arrays, guided walks through LEED-certified buildings, Volunteer Fridays at the Elgin Student Farm, and solar-powered snow cone demonstrations. These hands-on activities highlight ACC’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy, green building design, and sustainable agriculture.

Highlighted Events:

Volunteer Friday at the Farm | Elgin Campus
Every Friday in October | 9 a.m. – Noon
Dig in at ACC’s Student Farm and learn how sustainable farming practices support healthier communities.

Green Building Tour | Highland Campus
Wednesday, October 1 | 10:30 –11 a.m.
Get a guided walk-through of ACC’s award-winning LEED-certified spaces and see how the Highland Campus was designed with sustainability in mind.

Solar Snow Cone Demonstration | Elgin Campus
Thursday, October 2 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (during Riverbat Bash)
Cool down with a sweet treat powered by the sun — literally.

Solar Tour & Solar Snow Cones | San Gabriel Campus
Tuesday, October 14 | 10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Take a peek at solar in action, then enjoy a solar-powered snack.

Green Building Tour & Solar Snow Cones | Hays Campus
Wednesday, October 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join a guided walk-through of ACC’s award-winning LEED-certified spaces and see how the Hays Campus was designed with sustainability in mind, then stop by the Solar Snow Cone Demonstration for a refreshing treat.

All events are free and open to ACC students, faculty, and staff.

For the full calendar of events and details, visit austincc.edu/sustainabilitymonth. 

ACC is committed to sustainability both on and off campus. From eco-friendly building design to renewable energy and sustainable farming, the College is leading by example:

• LEED-Certified Campuses: Multiple campuses have earned national recognition for their green design, including LEED Gold certification at Highland Phase 1 & 2 and San Gabriel, LEED Silver at Round Rock, Hays, and Elgin, and LEED Platinum at Rio Grande — the highest rating possible.
• Clean Energy: Campuses like Elgin and Round Rock are powered by 100% renewable Texas wind energy and ACC owns and operates rooftop solar systems in 8 out of 11 campuses.
• Green Features Everywhere: Expect solar panels, water-saving fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, and cool-roof designs across the district.

For more details, visit the ACC Energy and Sustainability Office website.

Tags: Campus Sustainability Month, Elgin, Energy and Sustainability Office, Highland, LEED, Solar, Student Farm, Sustainable