AISD’s Commitment to Equity and Sustainability
Equity is a key focus for the 2017 Bond Program, not only for the students and families the district serves, but for the many businesses and contractors involved in the planning and implementation of the bond work. Austin ISD actively encourages participation by historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) to support equity in contracting.
A HUB is a business that is 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by a minority or woman — groups that are historically underrepresented in architecture, construction and other professional services. AISD supports one of the most comprehensive public school HUB programs in the nation, providing tools for minority- and women-owned businesses to do business with the district.
As of October 2020, HUB companies are approaching 50 percent of the 2017 Bond Program’s architecture and engineering contracts and 20 percent of construction contracts. AISD’s gender and race-conscious approach to supplier diversity allows students to see themselves represented in industries like construction, engineering and architecture, inspiring their future careers.
To learn more about the district’s HUB Program department, visit AustinISD.org/hub.
Sustainability is also a driving force behind the district’s mission to provide a high-quality and comprehensive education, and cannot be achieved without equity. At its core, sustainability is a way to balance the needs of the natural environment, financial resources, and the needs of the community. It supports health and wellbeing through conservation and protection of natural ecosystems. In action, sustainability encompasses many activities and initiatives, including recycling and composting, energy and water conservation, preservation of trees and native species and reduced emissions. As a district-wide initiative, AISD is working to bring the latest green building innovations and technologies to all schools. These efforts not only make the district responsible stewards, but inspire students to make a positive contribution to our world.
Since 2004, all new schools and renovations have worked to achieve high green building ratings from Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB), LEED, or both. Modernization projects in the 2017 Bond Program are already earning green building awards, with many more on track as they reach full completion. Green features in all new bond projects include:
- Indoor and outdoor water use reduction.
- Native and adaptive landscaping.
- Light pollution reduction.
- 100% LED lighting and natural daylight.
- Local and regional produce in cafés.
- Outdoor learning areas such as butterfly gardens, creek beds, nature trails and more.
- Solar-ready roofs.
Visit AustinISD.org/sustainability to learn more.
