Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open to visitors by appointment only. Please call or email from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
703-324-7136 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 533
Fairfax, VA 22035
John Morrill
Director

Climate Matters

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Welcome to Climate Matters – the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors.

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Your Guide to Energy Labels: How to Save When You Shop

October 2, 2024

Post written by Maggie Beetstra, Community Specialist

Fairfax County celebratesEnergy Efficiency Day on October 2, a national day of awareness and action around conserving energy to lower costs and improve the health of communities. In honor of Energy Efficiency Day, we want to provide this resource on how to purchase the most energy-efficient appliances and windows for your…

One Year of Owning an EV: Lots of Smiles for The Miles

September 26, 2024

Post written by Chris Miles, a lifelong Fairfax County resident

This past June, my wife and I reached our one-year anniversary of owning a battery powered Electric Vehicle (EV). And we’re loving it.

Our car has no tail pipe and is emission free. That means no pollution. Some people argue that EVs just shift where the pollution is created since electricity used to charge…

A Career Driven by Passion: My Internship Experience at the OEEC

September 17, 2024

Did you know that the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is overseeing the implementation of three climate action plans, four community-facing programs, and over 60 strategies to reach its environmental goals? Until I began my summer 2024 internship opportunity with OEEC and learned about climate action within the county, I had no idea.My name is Rosalia Coz, and over the course of…

Summer Internship with OEEC Affirmed My Career Path

September 4, 2024

Post written by Arushi Surve, OEEC Summer 2024 Intern

Editor's Note: In our previous blog post we introduced you to Arushi Surve, our summer intern who started her own environmental nonprofit, Mission Green Global. This time Arushi wrote about her internship experience and how it will benefit her career plans.

Did you know the tilt angle of solar panels is dependent on its…

Mission Green Global: Engaging the Next Generation in Environmental Activism

August 20, 2024

Post written by Arushi Surve, OEEC Summer 2024 Intern and Founder and President of Mission Green Global

My name is Arushi Surve, and I’m the Founder and President of Mission Green Global, an environmental nonprofit. From conducting elementary school workshops around Fairfax County, to hosting animal awareness and ocean impact days, we…

Eco-Lit for Every Age: Climate-Related Reads on Book Lovers Day

August 9, 2024

Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC and Fairfax County Public Library’s Technical Operations Team

Today is Book Lovers Day, a fantastic occasion to revel in the magic of books! In our rapidly changing world, one of the most urgent issues is the impact of climate change and the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, a cause championed by Fairfax County's…

It’s a Cruel Summer Indeed: Record-Breaking Heat Explained

August 1, 2024

Post written by Melanie Malsch, Community Specialist, OEEC

Summer 2024 has delivered sweltering temperatures, a stagnant heat dome, and a series of heat advisories, and we’re not even halfway through. In the 43 days since the official start of summer, there have been 15 days with temperatures at or above 95ºF in Fairfax County, according to ...

Repair, Repurpose or Recycle: What to Do About Your Old Appliances

July 16, 2024

Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC

The average household has more than a dozen appliances. These include big-ticket items like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers, and smaller pieces like microwaves, toasters, and blenders. We tend to take these items for granted as long as they’re working and meeting our needs.

Broken household appliances fall…

Be Part of the Solution to Plastic Pollution in July and Beyond

July 1, 2024

Post written by Sophia Tirella, Intern, Clean Fairfax

The Plastic Free July® (PFJ) campaign invites millions around the globe to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution, and Clean Fairfax encourages you to join the movement.

We challenge you to increase your awareness and…

Future Looks Bright for Fairfax Couple Who Made the Switch to Solar

June 18, 2024

Post written by Johnny Wen, Fairfax County resident

Johnny and Joanna Wen are helping lead a solar revolution in their Fairfax County neighborhood. The couple switched to renewable energy in 2019 and now more than seven of their neighbors have gone solar too.

Read our interview with the Wens to see how they continue to look for ways to reduce their energy use at home, and…

Sunny Side Up: The Basics of Solar Power

June 6, 2024

Post written by Kevin Smith, Division Manager for Energy Programsfor the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

In the past decade or so, the climate change conversation has been shining a brighter light on solar energy. You may have a neighbor with solar panels on their roof, or maybe you own a rooftop solar system yourself. We understand that these panels convert sunlight…

5 Ways to Make Your Commute More Productive: Ideas from a Transit Professional

May 23, 2024

Post written by Sam Chanesman, Transportation Demand Management Proffer Coordinator, Fairfax County Department of Transportation

About a year ago, my trusted old car broke down for good. She had a good life, filled with road trips, spontaneous errands, and got me where I needed to go. I’ll forever miss and cherish those memories; What I don’t miss about her? Our commute to work....

E-Bikes: A New Sensation in Sustainable Transportation

May 7, 2024

Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024

E-bikes, also known as electric bicycles or electric-powered bikes, have the same functionality as a regular bike, but with a modern twist. Rather than pedaling being the only way to propel you forward, e-bikeshave batteries and motors built into the frame - combining the efficiency of a motor vehicle with…

Fairfax County Couple Takes Whole House Approach to Energy Improvements

April 23, 2024

Post written by Chris Miles, a lifelong Fairfax County resident

Chris Miles, a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, has made a variety of energy efficiency updates to his home like adding solar power, installing LED lighting, purchasing a high-efficiency water heater, and using an energy monitor. All of these improvements have helped him reduce his carbon footprint, lower his utility…

10 Ways to Take Climate Action on Earth Day and Every Day

April 8, 2024

Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Here, at Fairfax County's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, we celebrate all month long! You can join the effort to protect our planet – and support a…

From Raindrops to Records: The Difference Between Weather and Climate

March 27, 2024

Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

“Weather” and “Climate” are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are two distinct concepts. Understanding the difference between weather and climate can help you understand the broader patterns and changes that occur in our environment, and why they…

What Goes Around, Stays Around: The Circular Economy and How to Support It

March 12, 2024

Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024

There is so much discussion about sustainability these days, but what does that mean for our economy? What is the best way to adhere to the principles of sustainability when viewed through the lens of our financial system? Many experts have agreed that the way to move forward is to reduce our overall…

Getting to a Greener Grid: A Primer on Electricity

February 26, 2024

Post written by Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's Energy Programs Team

Electricity provides lighting around the clock; heats and cools our homes and businesses; and fosters the digital world that we've come to rely on throughout each day.

But where does electricity come from, how is it made and why does it matter?

The Journey of Electricity...

Data Shows EVs are Less of a Fire Risk than Conventional Cars

February 12, 2024

Post written by Gina Weil, Project Manager for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Are electric vehicles (EVs) more prone to fires than gasoline-powered vehicles?

Recent news reports of fires involving lithium-ion batteries, as well as some high-profile recalls related to fire risks, have sounded an alarm with some potential EV buyers. But when you look at…

How Greenhouse Gases Are Changing our Climate and What We Can Do to Stop It

January 30, 2024

Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern,George Mason University, Class of 2024

Greenhouse gases have consistently been a “hot” topic – if you pardon the pun - in discussions about climate change, but what does that mean? What are these gases, and why do they impact the globe the way that they do?

While greenhouse gases (GHGs) have different chemical compositions, they do have…

What My Internship Taught Me: Holistic Approach Needed for Climate Crisis

January 16, 2024

Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern,George Mason University, Class of 2024

My name is Maiya Justice, and I was an intern with the Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination from June 2023 to January of 2024. What first sparked my interest in Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) was a…

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