Subscribe to Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletters for the latest updates, events, and insights.
January 2025
Austin Community College District (ACC) has been a gateway to affordable higher education for Central Texas residents since 1972. With 11 campuses located throughout the region, ACC prioritizes accessibility to transportation for students as one of a key consideration when planning new facilities. Recognizing the significant role transportation plays in access to higher education, ACC’s Sustainable Transportation program provides a variety of solutions to support students traveling from home, commuting between campuses, or heading to work. These initiatives include the Green Pass, an electric vehicle (EV) charging program, a carpool program facilitated through My Commute Solutions, and more.
To learn more about innovative transportation solutions, we spoke with Andy Kim, ACC’s Director of Energy and Sustainability, about their equitable EV charging program and ACC’s commuter-friendly solutions. A cornerstone of ACC’s EV charging program is its affordability: ACC offers discount rate for EV charging at ACC campuses, students and staff can opt for a 5 cents-kWh subscription, enabling broader access to sustainable transportation options.
Central Texas Clean Cities identifies ACC as a leader in addressing the practical realities of fleet electrification by focusing on three essential pillars: people, technology, and infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach is driven by a leadership team that is committed to long-term planning and understands the complexities of implementing EV infrastructure.
The journey began over 12 years ago when ACC made the strategic decision to install EV charging stations at all campuses. Today, every campus is equipped with at least four EV charging stations, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive network. “EV technology has evolved rapidly over the past decade,” Kim explained. “When we first started building our infrastructure in 2012, the EV technology wasn’t capable of meeting our fleet’s range requirements. But as EV’s have improved in range and charging capabilities, the feasibility of incorporating medium- and heavy-duty vehicles into our fleet has increased, and is a part of ACC’s long-term goals”
Currently, ACC’s EV fleet includes 3 Ford e-Transit Cargo Vans and ten passenger electric vehicles for the college business. The institution continues to expand its fleet as technology advances and infrastructure grows. Kim’s role as Director of Energy and Sustainability extends beyond EV infrastructure development; he also champions solutions that enhance commuting options for students and staff.
As a commuter college, ACC leverages My Commute Solutions, a platform designed to connect students with carpooling options and track their contributions to reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Using this free tool, ACC is able to expand its commitment to sustainability, practical, and scalable transportation solutions for its community.
In 2023, ACC launched the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Event Matching Program, an internal system, that helps students and staff coordinate carpools to events hosted at different campuses or other ACC-sponsored gatherings. This program not only fosters a sense of community but also supports ACC’s sustainability goals by reducing the environmental impact of single-occupancy vehicle travel.
ACC’s efforts in sustainable transportation serve as a model for other institutions seeking to promote equity and environmental stewardship. By addressing affordability, accessibility, and long-term planning, ACC ensures its students and staff have the tools and resources they need to commute efficiently and sustainably.
Andy Kim’s leadership highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into the fabric of institutional operations. From the strategic rollout of EV infrastructure to innovative programs like the HOV Event Matching Program, ACC continues to demonstrate its commitment to reducing barriers to transportation and fostering a culture of sustainability. Through these initiatives, ACC is not only supporting its students today but also paving the way for a greener, more connected future. Click here to learn more about ACC’s Sustainable Transportation.
As we charge into a promising new year, Central Texas Clean Cities (CTXCC) extends our gratitude to the dedicated individuals who fuel our success. CTXCC is a part of the Nationwide Clean Cities and Communities partnership, operating as a membership-based 501c(3) nonprofit. We rely on the support of our Board of Directors for the successful operations of our coalition. Leading our Board of Directors are President Heather Ball; Vice-President, Mark Kaligen; Secretary, Ronnie Max Oldham; and Treasurer, Chris Nielson utilizing their expertise to support our mission to advance clean and efficient transportation in Central Texas. Learn more about our team here!
We thank our Members for their financial support that helps further our mission and all of the Central Texas Clean Cities stakeholders for their dedication to clean air quality and clean transportation resources.
Together, you are the backbone of CTXCC’s efforts to support making Central Texas a leader in clean and efficient transportation.
Subscribe to our newsletters for the latest updates, events, and insights.
A U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership.