The average American spends 90% of their lives indoors (). This means that the quality of indoor environments can have an impact on our health. With much of Austin’s population in our buildings, A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ strives to provide healthy indoor environments for learning, teaching, and working.
Sustainable Green Building Design for Healthy Schools
Austin °¼Í¹ÊÓƵ construction projects integrate sustainable design so our facilities prioritize people's health and well-being, enhance student learning outcomes, and conserve resources through a reduced reliance on water and energy. Indoor Environmental Quality is a key pillar of Green Building at A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ.
Green Cleaning
The goal of green cleaning is to keep our indoor environment healthy and free of toxins.
The school district has a that requires use of products that have been reformulated to eliminate toxic ingredients to keep our students, teachers, staff, and visitors safe. Custodial Services in the Facilities Maintenance Department provides regular training for all custodial staff in green cleaning and safe use of products. Utilization of unapproved cleaning products, chemicals, and air fresheners is prohibited.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ practices and uses the least-toxic solution to pest problems. Glyphosate products like Roundup are prohibited at A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ schools. The IPM program is managed by the Facilities Maintenance Department. Any application of pesticides, herbicides, or termiticides must be done by an Austin °¼Í¹ÊÓƵ licensed pest manager or licensed, approved vendor in a manner prescribed by law and the District’s integrated pest management program. Please report pest issues in and do your part to prevent pests:
- Keep clutter to a minimum, off the floor, and within fire code standards
- Clean up after breakfast and lunch and dispose of food in the trash can
- Remove refrigerators and microwaves from classrooms
- Store science food items in plastic or metal containers with lids
- Do not store any food/food products in the classroom
- Store animal feed in metal containers with lids
Building Automation & HVAC Upgrade
Thanks to Austin voters who passed the 2017 and 2022 bonds, A°¼Í¹ÊÓƵ is to make lasting improvements. Building automation enhances HVAC by using real-time sensors to monitor conditions, maintain healthy indoor environments, improve energy efficiency, and boost occupant comfort. Some of the funding will come through past, current, and future bond programs,and some will need to be identified through other sources, such as the current for solar and building automation.