The Austin Climate Equity Plan has set the goal of equitably achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions throughout the community by 2040, which means that the Austin community would reduce our use of fossil fuels to almost zero. Austin's commitment to sustainability reflects Page's philosophy and design approach, Dunnam Tita says, noting that in the past 10 years, the company has not designed a single multifamily project in Austin without a LEED or Austin Energy Green Building rating. While the office tracks performance in 10 main areas, Athens says the most significant advances have occurred in climate change and resilience, sustainable food systems and sustainable neighborhoods called “EcoDistricts”. Austin has prioritized sustainability initiatives for decades, ensuring that current and future Austinites have the best possible quality of life.
Since then, Austin has invested in research centers, supported nonprofit organizations focused on sustainability, and implemented progressive codes and policies. CapMetro is committed to operating its transportation system in a sustainable manner by reducing its environmental impact and helping to improve the environment in the communities in which it operates. Through its Sustainability Office and the work of local architects, Austin offers a well-thought-out framework that other cities can consider when developing sustainability initiatives that promote more comprehensive development and help cities achieve economic prosperity. Although widely known as a center for creativity and art, Austin is experiencing rapid growth in other industries.
The President's Sustainability Steering Committee (PSSC) is committed to regularly updating the Sustainability Plan to guide UT's sustainability efforts in the coming years. The Office of Sustainability's programming includes a specific focus on equity, livability and creativity, and AIA Austin leaders meet monthly with the mayor's office to encourage design thinking as a way to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for the city. Austin has set national standards for a sustainable built environment, recognizing that buildings, public space, and infrastructure make a fundamental contribution to a thriving population. The following goals for 2030 are aimed at making buildings more sustainable in Austin while increasing equity. It will be led by the Sustainability Officer and the Sustainability Leadership Committee, comprised of senior staff from CapMetro and the Austin Transportation Partnership.
With an economic growth rate of 6 percent over five years and around 150 people moving to the city daily, Austin has been identified as the fastest-growing city in United States.
