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Accident – Death – Obituary News : Austin City Council Approves Sustainable Procurement Practices to Reduce Environmental Footprint

Austin, TX – In a continued effort to combat climate change and reduce its environmental impact, the Austin City Council recently passed a resolution to establish more sustainable procurement practices. This measure, brought forth by Council Member Ryan Alter, aims to prioritize environmentally friendly options in the city’s day-to-day operations.

The resolution, which was co-sponsored by Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool and Council members Vanessa Fuentes, Paige Ellis, and Alison Alter, directs the city manager to initiate a pilot program focusing on concrete and certain maintenance equipment. The goal of the program is to reduce the city’s reliance on gas-powered equipment and promote the use of lower-carbon materials in construction projects.

Council Member Alter emphasized the importance of making environmentally conscious purchasing decisions, stating, “We owe it to Austinites to minimize our impact on the environment. By prioritizing sustainable options in our procurement process, we can create a market for industries in transition and lead by example in promoting greener practices.”

The city’s use of concrete in construction projects has been a topic of discussion for several years, with recent efforts to transition to materials with lower carbon footprints. However, city staff have warned that the transition process may take longer than expected, with an estimated two-year timeline for full implementation of the directive.

As part of the pilot program, city staff will establish a preference policy for low-environmental-impact options and provide assistance to vendors looking to adopt more sustainable practices. The city manager is also tasked with providing recommendations to Council by July 19 on specific budgetary needs for the program and broader implementation of sustainable procurement practices.

The passage of this resolution underscores Austin’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting a more sustainable future for all residents. By prioritizing green procurement practices, the city aims to lead by example and inspire other communities to take similar steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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