Fresh Air News
Spring 2022
What is the Clean Air Force of Central Texas?
We work to keep Central Texas’ Air Healthy
Did you know that Austin is the ONLY large city in America that has always met the EPA’s National Air Quality Standards and never fallen out of attainment? The region is not just lucky. The Clean Air Force of Central Texas works hard to keep air pollution under control and air clean!
Founded in 1993, the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to working with industry, government, and organizations to safeguard and improve air quality in Central Texas. We are a collaborative resource advocating for clean air in Central Texas, from San Antonio to Waco. We look to inform, educate, and promote proactive air pollution-reducing activities in Central Texas.
Clean Air Partner Profile: Austin Community College
A commitment to Air Quality and sustainability is nothing new to Clean Air Partner Austin Community College (ACC). Since 2009 the college has focused on green and sustainable practices.
According to ACC Director of Energy and Sustainability Andy Kim, a Clean Air Force Board Member, the new Highland Campus Phase 2 is an excellent example of the college’s commitment to improving the Central Texas environment.
Partner Profile: Andy Kim, Austin Community College
A commitment to Air Quality and sustainability is nothing new to Clean Air Partner Austin Community College (ACC). Since 2009 the college has focused on green and sustainable practices.
According to ACC Director of Energy and Sustainability Andy Kim, a Clean Air Force Board Member, the new Highland Campus is an excellent example of the college’s commitment to improving the Central Texas environment. Phase 1 of the Highland Campus had already earned LEED Gold certification, and now, with Phase 2 completed, it also has achieved Gold Certification.
LEED, or “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” certification, is awarded to environmentally sustainable buildings. “I am proud of the work ACC continues to do to protect the environment and reduce costs through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water-saving efforts,” said Kim.
Throughout the campus construction, air quality and other sustainable efforts were kept front and center. Nearly sixty percent of the old Highland Mall building was reused. Much of the new materials came from recycled or locally harvested materials. The facility includes 200kW solar panels, plus light-colored paving and roof to minimize the heat island effect.
Building green is one of the priorities for ACC. Two other campuses — ACC ELGIN and Round Rock, use 100% renewable energy from Texas wind. Electric Vehicle charging stations are available on all campuses. Most ACC campuses feature solar panels, alternative transportation offerings, and LED lighting.
Kim has been at ACC for 13 years and directs its sustainability efforts. Trained as an environmentally focused architect, he leads a staff of up to six people who focus on helping ACC meet its sustainability goals. “ACC is committed to becoming a leader in sustainability. That means using less energy and fewer resources while minimizing waste. The district has set the goal of being Zero Waste by 2040 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050 while continuing to grow to meet demand for ACC programs and services, “said Kim.
The Clean Air Force of Central Texas salutes Austin Community College for its efforts and thanks Andy Kim for the leadership he provides both at ACC and for our organization.
For more information on ACC, visit the Office of Energy and Sustainability.
Measuring VOCs with the Mobile ‘Sniffer Lab’
The Quarterly Air Quality Professionals Forum brings together air quality specialists and managers at our Clean Air Partner companies.
The January meeting featured University of Texas Professor Dr. Pawel Misztal talking about his “Sniffer Lab” research on measuring VOCs, Volatile Organic Compounds, and their negative impact on air quality.
Dr. Misztal is an assistant professor in the Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering Department in the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University. He reported on his mobile air quality “sniffer,” which can measure minute quantities of air pollution that may not show up on conventional sensors. This is important because some air pollutants may be toxic to the human body even at very low concentrations. Dr. Misztal’s sensor can be placed on a vehicle and driven to locations where sources of air pollution are suspected.
View his slide presentation (downloadable PDF).
Air Quality Awareness Week
Air Quality Awareness Week was the first week of May, but being air aware is a year-round focus for the Clean Air Force. Learn about what the Clean Air Force and our Partners are doing to keep Central Texas air quality high all year long.
Working closely with Air Central Texas, a part of our Clean Air Partner CAPCOG (Capital Area Council of Governments) “and the City of Austin, each day of Air Quality Awareness Week focused on a different aspect of the problem of air pollution:
- Monday: Wildfires and agricultural burning. Smoke contains both Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds.
- Tuesday: Air pollution can trigger asthma and worse attacks
- Wednesday: Air sensors can provide localized air quality levels
- Thursday: Environmental Justice. Some communities are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, especially low-income communities and communities of color.
- Friday: While the Central Texas area generally has excellent air quality, around the world, WHO estimates that 99% of the population lives in an area that exceeds air quality guidelines.
3 Alerts Already!
Ozone season started on March 1, and by April, we already had three Ozone Action Days. When an Ozone Action Day is announced, how do you know about it? What should you do?
Start by signing up for our free Ozone Alert emails, and be prepared to take action!
To sign up for Ozone Action Day alerts, visit our home page and click the bright blue “Sign UP for Ozone Action Alerts” button
Take time, too, to visit our “Texas Top Ten” page and get pointers on 10 simple things you can do when an Ozone Action Day is announced.
Considering an EV?
Is there an electric vehicle in your future? We know they are kinder to the environment, but motorists are increasingly turning to hybrids and EVs with the rising cost of gas and diesel. But which is best for you, how much do they cost? What’s available?
Austin Energy has a great resource! It includes EVs available in our area, charging stations, incentives, and more!
The Austin Energy EV Buyers Guide provides a wealth of information for those considering the purchase of an electric vehicle. You can shop for local Evs), research EVs, find out about local, state, and federal incentives, find where the local charging stations can be located, and even compare the cost of driving compared to purchasing a standard gas or diesel vehicle.
You Can Help Us!
The Clean Air Force is part of the Amazon Smile program. If you designate us as your charity of choice, you can help keep our air clean every time you order from Amazon! There is no extra cost to you at all! We also participate in the Randall’s Supermarkets Good Neighbor Program.
Four ways to help keep our air clean
- Encourage your company/workplace to become a Clean Air Partner
- Volunteer at our special events
- Donate to offset our expenses
- Designate the Clean Air Force of Central Texas as your “Amazon Smile” or “Randall’s Good Neighbor” recipient. A percentage of each purchase will be donated to us at no additional cost to you. Let us know if you need help on how to do this.
P.O. Box 29295
Austin, TX 78755
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