Great Big-Green award

The parking garage at Austin Community College's Rio Grande Campus was officially awarded a three star rating by the Austin Energy Green Building Program on Thursday, Nov. 19, at ACC's Great Big Green Get-Together. The garage is ACC's first green building.

Austin Energy awards the rating for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings. Some factors that led to the garages rating were the use of local construction material, recycled material,  and the use south-facing glass storefronts reducing the need for electric lighting, among other things.

"Sustainability isn't a trend here, it's a policy," Media Relations Coordinator Alexis Patterson said.

Students, staff, and faculty were invited to enjoy a morning of environmental celebration.

The event started with the presentation of the award to ACC President Stephen Kinslow.

Kinslow expressed his satisfaction with the handling of waste created by building the parking garage. Eighty percent of construction debris were diverted from the landfill and used for recycling.

"This shows the power of focusing on sustainability design," Kinslow said.

Kinslow hopes the future of ACC will follow suit. In five years ACC could be the largest community college in Texas, with more campuses being built and current campuses undergoing renovation, Kinslow said.

"These are all opportunities to incorporate green energy standards," Kinslow said. "I think it's really timely for us to be practicing this."

Student John Pifer was impressed by the event.

"This shows that an affordable community college can have a green facility," Pifer said.

After the award ceremony, attendees were encouraged to visit booths set up by various organizations. These organizations shared one central purpose: to help the environment.

Bill Morrison, Adjunct Professor of electronics and advanced technology, stood at a table to spread the word about Riverside's Renewable Energy Program. Passers-by were tempted closer to their table by a wind turban, solar thermal modules, and photovoltaic systems the group had put on display.

Capital Metro also had a table at the event. They came to talk about the new Green Pass that allows ACC students to ride for free starting Jan. 5. Maria Garza, Capital Metro community involvement specialist, invited students to use the new program.

"ACC students can take advantage of free rides even if it's just to go to the store," Garza said.

The celebration also attempted to teach students how they can make a difference.

"We will inform our faculty and students why the building is green," said Andy Kim, ACC Environmental Stewardship Director, "and they will be able to take this knowledge and go out and practice in the real world."