The Office of Sustainability: Our story
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You probably already know a thing or two about our office. (You're on our mailing list after all!) But, you might not be aware of the wide variety of sustainability-related initiatives we've helped to create, implement, or support.
From launching sustainability programs that help businesses go green and students become lifelong environmental stewards, to helping to transition the City's fleet vehicles to hybrid or all-electric, to guiding and supporting initiatives that have strengthened Austin's food system, we have helped shape green projects that touch every corner of our great city.
Take a look at the timeline we built that helps tell our story.
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Meet Net-Zero Hero: Laura Huffman
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Meet Laura Huffman, Texas state director of The Nature Conservancy. In her role at TNC, Laura heads a statewide team of scientists, conservation experts, and support staff whose work protects Texas’ vast natural resources and most iconic landscapes. Laura has led the TNC in developing and passing conservation-related legislation and negotiating key land purchases that have resulted in the protection of our state's land and drinking water.
We spoke with Laura about her commitment to Net-Zero, how she got inspired to take action, and what advice she has for others looking to live Net-Zero.
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Do you know a sustainable superstar who should be recognized as a Net-Zero Hero? Send your nominations to sustainability@austintexas.gov.
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Sustainability Office releases Climate Resilience Action Plan
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In light of Hurricane Harvey’s catastrophic impacts in the Texas Gulf Coast last summer, as well as record-breaking extreme weather events in Austin — including an intense drought (2010-2015), prolonged heat wave (2011), deadly wildfires (2011), and costly flooding (2013 and 2015) — proactive strategies to increase resilience are both relevant and timely.
In 2014, the Office of Sustainability partnered with climate scientist Dr. Katherine Hayhoe to develop Austin-specific climate projections up to the year 2100. Using this data as the basis for identifying risks and vulnerabilities, the Office of Sustainability worked with staff from multiple departments to develop a Climate Resilience Action Plan for City of Austin Assets and Operations. A diverse team of asset and facilities managers, engineers, and planners have identified strategies designed to increase the City’s resilience to extreme weather events and climate change. These strategies include:
- Strengthening emergency response
- Expanding staff safety plans
- Evaluating and upgrading existing facilities and infrastructure
- Future proofing new facilities and infrastructure
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Welcome, new Austin Green Business Leaders!
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Green business is good business, especially in Austin. Many local businesses are helping to protect the environment, reduce their carbon footprint, and make Austin a more livable place by reducing waste, using alternative transportation, conserving water and energy, offering employee health programs, and giving back to the community.
This year, 33 new businesses have been recognized for their commitment to sustainability as Austin Green Business Leaders, bringing the program total to 228 member businesses, representing more than 40,000 employees and 15 million square feet of office space.
The program is open to companies of all sizes, including small, home-based businesses. In addition, the Austin Green Business Leaders program attracts organizations of all types, including corporate offices, restaurants, dry cleaners, grocery stores, architecture firms, florists, and high-tech companies
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