Healthy schools support healthy students and staff. Austin ISD is committed to providing safe, healthy, and high-performing learning environments through sustainable building practices, proactive indoor environmental quality measures, and environmental compliance programs that protect occupants and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Sustainable Green Building Design for Healthy Schools
Austin ISD 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 AISD.
Green Cleaning
The goal of green cleaning is to keep our indoor environment healthy and free of toxins.
The school district has a green cleaning program 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. Use of unapproved cleaning products, chemicals, and air fresheners is prohibited.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Austin ISD Facilities Maintenance Department uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to prevent and manage pests while protecting the health of students, staff, and the environment. IPM focuses on reducing conditions that attract pests through good sanitation, building maintenance, and habitat reduction, while using the least-toxic control methods whenever possible.
Glyphosate products, such as Roundup®, are prohibited at Austin ISD schools. Any pesticide, rodenticide, herbicide, or termiticide application must be performed by a Texas-licensed pest management professional or an Austin ISD-approved vendor. To report a pest concern, please submit a work order through Asset Essentials to the work category of Pest Management.
How you can help prevent pests:
- Keep classrooms and storage areas clean, organized, off the floor, and free of clutter.
- Clean up food and drink spills promptly and dispose of waste properly.
- Do not store food in classrooms unless it is sealed in airtight plastic or metal containers.
- Store animal feed in airtight metal containers with secure lids.
- Remove unauthorized refrigerators and microwaves from classrooms.
Building Automation & HVAC Upgrades
Thanks to Austin voters who passed the 2017 and 2022 bonds, AISD is overhauling many of our HVAC systems 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 federal grant for solar and building automation.
Indoor Air Quality Tools For Schools Action Kit
Everyone at a school plays a role in keeping the indoor environment healthy. Explore the Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit for classroom checklists, fact sheets, and actions.
Environmental Compliance
Asbestos Management
Austin ISD manages asbestos-containing materials in accordance with federal and state regulations through inspections, monitoring, and response procedures. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed do not typically pose a health risk. The district's Facility Standards - Asbestos Management board policy a program focuses on safely managing these materials and preventing accidental disturbance.
Before You Hang or Drill
Do not attach items to walls or ceilings using pushpins, nails, screws, or other fasteners without first requesting an asbestos review. Submit a work order through Asset Essentials or email envsafety@austinisd.org before beginning any work that could disturb building materials.
Construction, Renovation & Maintenance
All construction, renovation, and maintenance activities including work performed by contractors must follow Austin ISD's Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM) procedures before work begins to ensure compliance and to protect building occupants.
Asbestos Awareness Training
At AISD, all maintenance and custodial staff are required to receive Asbestos Awareness training. Teachers and other staff are encouraged to take this training and may access it online SafeSchools: Asbestos Awareness and SafeSchools: Asbestos Awareness (Refresher) (staff login required)
Mold Assessment and Response
Report moisture or mold concerns through Asset Essentials or by emailing envsafety@austinisd.org. Austin ISD qualified staff evaluates affected areas and responds using established assessment and remediation procedures.
Hazardous Materials & Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is generated through both district operations and instructional programs. These materials require safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal. The Operations & Maintenance department will arrange pickup for hazardous materials produced by the maintenance and custodial departments. For these items, please request pickup by submitting a work order in Asset Essentials to the Indoor Air Quality & Environmental Sciences work category. For hazardous and bio waste generated through science labs, CTE, and other instructional programming, please contact the respective department to arrange pickup.
Contact
Environmental Quality & Compliance Team | envsafety@austinisd.org
Lace Senegal | Environmental Quality & Compliance Coordinator | lace.senegal@austinisd.org