Decarbonizing Austin TX buildings could save city millions

This article originally appeared in the Public News Service on September 16, 2025.

By Freda Ross, Producer

The city of Austin could save between $2 million and $4 million annually in energy costs by decarbonizing its municipal buildings, according to a report by Texas Climate Jobs Project.

Sandra Bustillos, carbon free and healthy buildings coordinator for the project, said by making minor changes, the city can reduce carbon pollution and help fight climate change.

"Installing things like solar panels or more clean energy alternatives or installing windows that are better insulated to keep the air from going out," Bustillos outlined. "Adding paint that is more insulated to stop the air from coming out again, too, or getting rid of old pipes and replacing them with new ones."

She noted maintaining or replacing HVAC systems also allows buildings to emit less carbon into the atmosphere. More details from the report, called "Powering Public Progress: Decarbonizing Austin’s Municipal Buildings for a Resilient Future," will be released in a news conference Thursday at the Austin Electrical Training Alliance.

The analysis of more than 100 municipal buildings found installing solar panels could reduce carbon emissions by up to more than 9 million kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. Bustillos added retrofitting buildings in the city could also boost the local economy by creating thousands of jobs.

"As we transition to using cleaner energy sources, we believe that the labor movement and unions are at the forefront for pushing ambitious action that will create affordable energy and also good jobs," Bustillos asserted.

Earlier this year, the Austin City Council passed a resolution directing the city manager to make recommendations on locations to install solar panels. They are considering adding them to municipal buildings and parking lots.