Throughout this fall, members of the Office of Sustainability team have had the opportunity to join other national and global climate leaders in events centered on learning from one another, sharing challenges, and celebrating successes. These opportunities offer the Office of Sustainability a chance to share our work on a larger scale and develop lasting relationships with those in similar roles, all working towards a more just and sustainable future. Read on to hear about where we’ve been!

Representing at New York Climate Week

This September, Chief Sustainability Officer Zach Baumer was invited to present on a panel as part of…

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by transforming discarded materials into vibrant art and empowering community through creativity.

Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero: Carmen Rangel. Carmen is a community artist and co-founder of The Mosaic Workshop. The Mosaic Workshop teaches people of all ages the art of mosaic and leads the d…

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by being authentic and teaching people how to better relate to their relatives in the outdoors.

The Office of Sustainability recognizes that climate change is inextricably linked to humanity’s long history of inequality and injustice perpetuated by legacies of colonialism and slavery, based on the explo…

Join us in welcoming our newest team member: Molly Ellsworth! Molly is stepping into the role of Environmental Program Coordinator, where she will be working to support climate resilience efforts and advancing the goals of Austin's Climate Equity Plan. We asked Molly a few questions to learn more about her passions, her journey to this work, and wha…

We're excited to welcome Braden Latham-Jones, the newest team member at the Office of Climate Action and Resilience! Braden joins our team in the role of Climate Program Manager, where he will lead the City's Climate team and build partnerships in support of the Austin Climate Equity Plan. We asked Braden a few questions to learn more about him, his passions, and…

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by supporting eco-conscious organizations through social, financial, and, most importantly, hands-on work within our community.

As we enter a new school year, we’re excited to celebrate student innovation and local youth climate action — and Elijah Scott is a shining example! Last year, Elijah joined the Austin Youth Climate Equi…

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by working to change the carbon footprint of the wine industry!

Summer is a time of celebrations and relaxation and, in this spirit, we’re excited to introduce our newest Net-Zero Hero: Sammy Lam. Sammy has built a reputation as “the Wine Cowboy.” He is the founder of Wanderlust Wine Co., the world’s largest on-tap winery, a board member of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, and is currently a candidate for the Master of Wine title, which, if received, would make h…

School gardens provide campuses and students with so much more than fresh food or beautiful landscaping. Gardens serve as an extension of the classroom, a living laboratory, and a place for quiet respite. At the Office of Sustainability, we know school gardens — and the benefits they provide — would not be possible without the dedicated work of campus volunteers who go above and beyond to build, maintain, and support these spaces.

The Friends in Gardening (FiG) Award was created in 2023 by the Central Texas School Garden Network to recognize the efforts of an outstandi…

Austin is known as the "live music capital of the world"—and for good reasons! Music has been central to the growth of our city and the culture we've created. Music venues are an essential part of this moniker. So many Austinites have memories of seeing an unforgettable show, discovering a new band, or hearing tunes greet them on sidewalks as they walk by.

Moody Center is one of the newer venues on the scene, but no less memorable. It is a multi-purpose arena on the University of Texas at Austin campus that replaced the 47-year-old Frank Erwin Center in 2022. Beyond bringing in global talent, Moody Center is leading the way…

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by becoming a naturalist and letting it inspire my actions, art, and community.

Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero: Danny Martin. Danny is an artist and Texas Master Naturalist who has always been inspired by the natural world. Through his art and volunteer actions, Danny seeks to pull together threads, build connections, and support…