Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
Welcome to the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee's virtual home! Here you will find information about the Austin Independent School District's environmental sustainability initiatives. Please visit our website often for information about upcoming meetings and events, news, resources, and how to get involved.
The purpose of the ESAC is to engage AISD students, staff, parents, and community members in advancing environmental education and sustainable operations that enhance learning and support resilient, healthy, and equitable school communities.
The ESAC seeks to influence AISD curriculum, instruction, and student learning; integrate sustainability guidelines into the design, construction, and operation of AISD facilities; build awareness and engagement on environmental sustainability topics; and pursue public-private partnerships and other funding mechanisms. The purview of the ESAC may include, but is not limited to, the following resource areas:
- Energy conservation and renewable energy
- Water conservation and quality
- Sustainable transportation
- Outdoor air quality and climate change
- Indoor air quality and environmental health
- Environmentally responsible purchasing
- Waste minimization, recycling, and composting
- Sustainable food and outdoor spaces
History
The Environmental Stewardship Envisioning Committee (a precursor to the current ESAC) began as a grassroots effort in the fall of 2008. The committee was formed under the leadership of the Executive Director of the Office of Facilities and the former Academic Supervisor for Science, with support from other district personnel, students, parents, and community members. The initial 30+ committee members created a vision to "establish and utilize a systemic approach to inspire students to become stewards of the environment, resulting in improved student learning and academic achievement."
The Environmental Stewardship Envisioning Committee was restructured as a formal district advisory body, the current Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee, at the start of the 2012-13 school year. The ESAC subcommittees were reorganized in the current three-subcommittee structure in the fall of 2014 to promote greater collaboration across resource areas.
The ESAC was instrumental in the development of the district's Environmental Sustainability Policy (District Policy CL [Local]) that was adopted in 2011 and the creation of a sustainability and environmental stewardship staff position in 2014.
Members & Subcommittees
The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee subcommittees are organized in support of the AISD Sustainability Plan.
How can I become a member?
To apply for membership, fill out the standard membership application that is provided in the District Advisory Bodies section.
What are District Advisory Bodies?