Please join us in welcoming the newest team member: Rohan Lilauwala! Rohan is stepping into the role of Environmental Program Coordinator. He'll be focusing on supporting climate resilience and advancing Austin's Climate Equity Plan. As Rohan settles into his new role, we asked him some gett…
I’m helping to make Austin net-zero by ensuring AISD Food Service considers sustainability in every decision we make — from cafeterias to procurement, recipes to menus, and catering to concessions.
Meet Diane Grodek, our newest Net-Zero Hero! As Executive Chef with the…
Alert! Tree emergency!
You may have seen our recent posts where we warned you about an invasive insect, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This pest could kill all our ash trees within a few years, so we need to prepare now! In the earlier posts, we encouraged you to help us find Ash trees and map them using …
Alert! Tree emergency!
You may have seen our recent post where we warned you about an invasive insect, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This pest could kill all our ash trees within a few years, so we need to prepare now! In the earlier post, we encouraged you to help us find Ash trees and map them using …
Through November 12, leaders from around the world are gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, for the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, known as COP26. Throughout these weeks, the global community turns its eyes towards the commitments coming out of Glasgow as countries work together to accelerate climate action.
COP26 created goals focused on four…
I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by contributing to my community and raising people's voices to make an impact.
Meet Sheridan Ray, our newest Net-Zero Hero! At only 19, Sheridan is becoming a fixture in sustainability circles across Austin. Inspired by a high school practicum course with Austin’s Park Rangers, Sheridan has sought out opportunities to raise her voice — and those from her com…
Solving climate change requires both individual and collective action. In creating the Austin Climate Equity Plan, we were reminded of the barriers to action many community members face and the critical role institutions can play in leading by example. Businesses and organizations across our region can have a big impact when it comes to addressing the climate crisis.
With this in mind, we are pleased to introduce the Austin Climate Leaders. These organizations, including small and large businesses and local nonprofits, have all pledged their support for the vision and goals of the Austin Climat…
For Austin to be a thriving, equitable, and ecologically resilient community, we must have a system for growing, selling, and consuming food that works for everyone. To work toward this vision, the Office of Sustainability launched a new Food Justice Mini Grant program. The program sought to provide flexible funding of up to $3,000 to organizations supporting those in our community most negatively impacted by food-related injustice…
Trees provide important benefits to our community and are difficult to replace. It is important to keep them healthy. Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Austin trees is lack of water. When trees don’t receive the water that they need for a long period of time, they become stressed. Stressed trees are more prone to pests or diseases, and this leads to their decline and death.
When to water
Most trees need to be watered if we have not received at least one inch of rain for one week. This varies with tree age, tree species, and the type of soil. In west Austin, the soil layer is thin and loses moisture quickly. In many parts of east Austin, the soil has…
We’re pleased to introduce you to Aimee Aubin, our office's new Senior Public Information Specialist. Aimee will be working on design and community storytelling.
We asked Aimee a few get-to-know-you questions so you can learn more about her and her background.
Q: Where are you from, and what do you like best about your hometown?
A: I’m from Bay Shore, New York, which is on the south shore of Long Island. It was a great place to grow up. I always f…