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Chiara "Sunshine" Beaumont stands in front of a mural at Red Salmon Arts. Text reads, "Chiara 'Sunshine' Beaumont: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by being authentic and teaching people how to better relate to their relatives in the outdoors.

The Office of Sustainability recognizes that climate change is inextricably linked to humanity’s long history of inequality and injustice perpetuated by legac…

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A photo of Molly Ellsworth smiling in front of local plants. Behind her are trees and buildings, one with a green roof.

Join us in welcoming our newest team member: Molly Ellsworth! Molly is stepping into the role of Environmental Program Coordinator, where she will be working to support climate resilience efforts and advancing the goals of Austin's Climate Equity Plan. We asked Molly a few questions to learn more about her passions, her journey to this work, and wha…

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A photo of Braden Latham-Jones standing in front of greenery and downtown Austin.

We're excited to welcome Braden Latham-Jones, the Office of Sustainability's newest team member! Braden joins our team in the role of Climate Program Manager, where he will lead the City's Climate team and build partnerships in support of the Austin Climate Equity Plan. We asked Braden a few questions to learn more about him, his passions, and what drew him to th…

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Elijah Scott sits in an outdoor patio at Martin Middle School with foliage all around him.

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by supporting eco-conscious organizations through social, financial, and, most importantly, hands-on work within our community.

As we enter a new school year, we’re excited to celebrate student innovation and local youth climate action — and Elijah Scott is a shining example! Last year, Elijah joined the 

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I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by working to change the carbon footprint of the wine industry!

Summer is a time of celebrations and relaxation and, in this spirit, we’re excited to introduce our newest Net-Zero Hero: Sammy Lam. Sammy has built a reputation as “the Wine Cowboy.” He is the founder of Wanderlust Wine Co., the world’s largest on-tap winery, a board member of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, and is currently a candidate for the Master of Wine title, which, if received, would…

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School gardens provide campuses and students with so much more than fresh food or beautiful landscaping. Gardens serve as an extension of the classroom, a living laboratory, and a place for quiet respite. At the Office of Sustainability, we know school gardens — and the benefits they provide — would not be possible without the dedicated work of campus volunteers who go above and beyond to build, maintain, and support these spaces.

The Friends in Gardening (FiG) Award was created in 2023 by the Central Texas School Garden Network to recognize the efforts of a…

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Summit Christian Academy is a K-12 school situated on a sprawling campus in the center of Cedar Park. Their vision is to “graduate empowered leaders who impact the world” — and in teacher Melissa Tapperson’s Environmental Studies class, this vision is becoming a reality.

“Our world today has many problems, including climate change, water security, loss of animal habitat, ocean acidification, pollution, the disconnect between humans and the natural world, and growing consumerism, among many others,” shares Ms. Tapperson. “Our vision is that our school community sees those problems as opportunities to innovate, change, and problem solve instead of hopelessness and apathy.”…

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Austin is known as the "live music capital of the world"—and for good reasons! Music has been central to the growth of our city and the culture we've created. Music venues are an essential part of this moniker. So many Austinites have memories of seeing an unforgettable show, discovering a new band, or hearing tunes greet them on sidewalks as they walk by.

Moody Center is one of the newer venues on the scene, but no less memorable. It is a multi-purpose arena on the University of Texas at Austin campus that replaced the 47-year-old Frank Erwin Center in 2022. Beyond bringing in global talent, Moody Center is leading the way…

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Danny Martin points towards a tree branch. He wears a green vest with pins scattered across it. Text reads, "Danny Martin: Net-Zero Hero."

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by becoming a naturalist and letting it inspire my actions, art, and community.

Meet our newest Net-Zero Hero: Danny Martin. Danny is an artist and Texas Master Naturalist who has always been inspired by the natural world. Through his art and volunteer actions, Danny seeks to pull together threads, build connections, and s…

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A person waves a Pride Progress flag. In the forefront of the photo are tree leaves.

This Pride Month, the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability is proud to stand with and recognize members of the LGBTQ+ community. We know that our vision of a thriving, equitable, and resilient Austin cannot be achieved without their presence and contributions. 

Did you know that the green stripe in the Pride flag represents a connection with nature? To honor Pride and the ultimate mother, Mother Earth, we’ve pulled together some local event…