Below you will find all articles and news releases from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
Alert:
Below you will find all articles and news releases from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
Fairfax County, in collaboration with Clean Air Partners, is excited to announce a series of “Green Your Lawn” events aimed at promoting air quality awareness and sustainable lawn care practices. These events will provide residents with practical tips on reducing emissions from yard work and offer opportunities to exchange…
Burke Lake Golf Course is going green in a big way this Earth Month with the activation of a new 55-kilowatt rooftop solar array, now generating clean, renewable energy atop its clubhouse. This installation is part of a broader solar initiative across Fairfax County facilities and marks the third solar array to date installed by the Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA.
The new array…
Interested in letting the sun pay your bills? Two programs available to Fairfax County homeowners – Switch Together and Solarize Virginia – are back for another round.
Fairfax County is pleased to support these group buying programs, which helps homeowners and small…
Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge and see how your everyday actions can make a big difference on the environment and your community’s well-being. The launch of the challenge web app coincides with Sustain Fairfax, a public awareness campaign to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable…
In 2024, Fairfax County made significant progress toward achieving its environmental vision and the goals of the countywide strategic plan and climate action plans.
By making its buildings energy efficient, installing solar panels for clean energy and electrifying the vehicle fleet, the county cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost 28% since fiscal year 2018.Fairfax County…
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), in partnership with the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), was presented with a 2024 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technology Award for successfully applied innovative building design, incorporating high standards for effective energy management and indoor air…
Simple lifestyle changes by county residents can add up to big changes that help build a more sustainable environment. A new county-sponsored public awareness campaign draws attention to actions that residents can take to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable practices that will ensure a greener, healthier future.
The county’s “...
Our efforts to make county operations greener has resulted in nearly $8 million in savings from avoided utility costs in fiscal year 2024.
By making its buildings energy efficient, installing solar panels for clean energy, and electrifying its vehicle fleet, Fairfax County has also cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost 28% since fiscal year 2018, according to new data from the…
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) has released its 2024 Annual Report on the Environment. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the county's environmental status, highlighting key areas such as land use, air and water…
Our plastic bag tax is proving to be an effective tool in reducing plastic bag usage, according to data recently released by the county. Since 2022, when the bag tax begun, 3.6 million fewer plastic bags have been used by consumers in the…
Editor’s Note: A correction was made to this article on December 30, 2024.
Today, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) announced the recipients of the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards.
Since 2000, Fairfax County has issued the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses and…
The application period for the Charge Up Fairfax program has been extended to November 17, 2024.
Charge Up Fairfax helps community associations —including HOAs, condominiums, clusters, and co-ops —install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by providing…
Fairfax County has been honored with the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2024 Leadership Award for a project at the Pender Office Building that combined energy improvements with solar.
The award was presented on Oct. 3 at an Energy Efficiency Forum at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center.The county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), the…
Solar Switchis back for another round. Thegroup buying program helps residents learn about and save on rooftop solar systems, optional electric vehicle chargers and/or battery storage.
The program is organized by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors in collaboration with cities and counties in the National Capital Region,…
Fairfax County will benefit from a $3.9 million federal grant awarded to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region.
The funding, awarded by the U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, will support…
Community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents can apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfaxprogram beginning September 9.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Cub Run Rec Center was awarded First Place at the 2024 ASHRAE Region III Technology Awards, in the Public Assembly Facilities category, for recent facility improvements, which significantly reduced the building’s energy consumption. ASHRAE’s Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by members who have successfully applied innovative building…
Fairfax County’s Supervisors are doing their part to lower their carbon emissions for a healthier environment — by walking and biking, driving electric and hybrid vehicles, growing their own fruits and vegetables, composting their food waste, recycling their trash, and more.
Watch the video to learn more and how you can join us inhelping achieve a Carbon-Free…
A rooftop solar system that will save energy costs and reduce carbon emissions the same amount per year as recycling the contents of nearly five garbage trucks full of waste has been installed by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at its Newington Collections Facility in Lorton.
The 150-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array is the first on a DPWES facility but…
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on September 16, 2024 with the final installation and repair numbers following the project’s conclusion.
During this summer of persistent extreme heat, Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) and a network of interagency partners, local non-profits, generous residents, and volunteers, worked together to bring…
Today the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) announced five additional communities selected for the Charge Up Fairfax program, an initiative to help community associations install electric vehicle charging stations to be shared by residents and their…
Fairfax County is taking bold steps to combat climate change through its Operational Energy Strategy (OES).
In a recent episode of the “County Conversation” podcast, Kevin Smith, division manager for energy programs with the Office of…
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Spring Hill Rec Center is turning over a new leaf during Earth month 2024 with the activation of a brand-new 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array installed on the natatorium and gymnasium roofs as part of a multi-faceted project to enhance the energy efficiency of the popular rec center. The new solar array, the largest to date in the Park Authority,…
Nominations for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards are now closed.
Now is the time to recognize the people and organizations within our community who take the time and initiative to care for our natural spaces and resources which benefits all who live, work and play in Fairfax County.
If you know a person, business or organization who deserves recognition for the work they do…
Fairfax County Governmentconsumed less energy for operations and produced fewer greenhouse gas emissionsin fiscal year 2023 than it has in any year since it started tracking data – a significant indicator in the county’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040.
Data Highlights:
Overall greenhouse gas emissions from energy use – including from electricity, natural gas and…Starting May 1, community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents will be able to apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfax program.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are…
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by May 6.
EQAC’s primary function is to make…
Three programs available to Fairfax County residents are making it easier to install a quality rooftop solar system at lower costs and to recycle older solar panels.
Solarize VirginiaandCapital Area Solar Switchmake switching to solar a snap by offering:
A free assessment to…John Morrill has been appointed director of theOffice of Environmental and Energy Coordination(OEEC), effective immediately. Morrill brings over 30 years of experience in energy and environmental issues and has served as acting director of the OEEC since March 2023.
The office was established…
A new rooftop solar array and other energy improvements at the Pender Office Building will save money and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The project, which was a partnership between the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination,isanother step in meeting the county’s goals for carbon neutralityin its facilities,…
Our environment is worth protecting – so make your voice heard! Fairfax County residents are encouraged to share their view on the state of the environment with the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) on or before January…
The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) has updated the public-facing Climate Action Dashboard to show the progress made toward the county’s climate action goals.
The dashboard tracks progress in implementing the county’s three…
Today the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) announced five additional communities selected for the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program, an initiative designed to help homeowners and condominium owners associations (HOAs) with installing shared electric vehicle…
On the December episode of the “Connect with County Leaders” podcast, host Bryan Hill, county executive of Fairfax County, spoke with Office of Environmental and Energy Acting Director John Morrill.
...Great renewable energy news - Fairfax County has installed another solar array on a county government building!
This latest installation is in Chantilly at theSully Community Center, which serves as the home of the Sully Senior Center and also…
Updated June 26, 2024
Heating and cooling your home can take a lot of energy, which often means higher electricity bills over the summer and winter months. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has estimated that 52% of annual energy consumption in American homes is for heating and air conditioning!
Read on to learn why it’s worth challenging yourself to adjust…
Helping organizations in Fairfax County make their buildings and properties more energy efficient and resilient to climate change is a goal of the Energy Conservation Assistance Program. Now, qualifying organizations can apply for up…
Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) have been recognized with the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2023 Leadership Award for projects at two rec centers that are saving the county energy and money. The award was presented on Oct. 5 at an Energy Efficiency Forum at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center.
The FCPA and Office of Environmental and…
Wednesday Oct. 4 will mark the eighth annual Energy Efficiency Day, a national day of awareness and action around conserving energy to lower costs and improve the health of communities.
Fairfax County is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities, and individuals in…
A significant milestone was reached in Alexandria on Wednesday – the completion of the first solar installations using an energy performance contract at two locations, Woodlawn and Reston fire stations.
The project includes rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays for onsite power generation at both stations, totaling 100 kW. Combined, the projects will provide about 17 percent of the…
Taking climate action doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Introducing the Fairfax County Climate Action Checklist: a spreadsheet designed to help you track your progress in adopting sustainable habits and making environmentally conscious choices that can also save you money.
The checklist includes more than 70 individual climate actions you can take to help reduce your carbon…
Honorees Improve the County’s Natural Environment, Benefitting All Residents
Today, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) announced the recipients of the 2023 Environmental Excellence Awards.
Since 2000, Fairfax County has issued the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses and…
Making it easier for homeowners and condominium owners associations to install shared electric vehicle charging stations for their residents is the goal of the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program.
Interested HOAs and COAs – including multi-family condo…
When you rent your home or business, it’s hard to use renewable energy sources. That’s where your electricity provider comes in! Energy companies like NOVEC and Dominion Energy offer different programs that renters (and everyone else) can participate in to ensure green power is part of the grid.
These programs are a good alternative for renters or residents of multi-unit…
Today is Book Lovers Day, which is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the power of books! Books can inform, inspire, and connect us with the world around us. In today's world, one of the most pressing issues is the impact of climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, an issue that the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination focuses on. Fortunately,…
Fairfax County is the latest locality to adopt the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. C-PACE is administered by the Virginia PACE Authority with support from the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia…
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to go solar. There are many reasons to convert your home to solar energy, such as:
Reducing your monthly electric bill Avoiding rising energy costs Increasing your home’s value Benefitting the environment by reducing your environmental impactAnd thanks to the power of solar group purchasing…
Are you a Fairfax County business ready to take your sustainability efforts to the next level?
Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination and Department of Transportation will host a joint webinar later this month to…
Many of our daily actions have an environmental impact, whether we’re at home or on the go. Things that use electricity or fuel—like turning on our lights, using appliances and devices, heating and cooling our homes, and driving our cars—contribute to climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions. They also cost money: for example, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that Americans spend an…
Resilient Fairfax, the county’s plan to address the effects of changing climate on residents, critical infrastructure, public services, and natural resources, has been honored again — this time by the American Planning Association’s Virginia Chapter.
Each year the…
Cars and trucks are one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Fairfax County, accounting for nearly 40 percent of total emissions. These emissions contribute to pollution that accelerates climate change and negatively impacts our health. Fortunately, Fairfax County has plenty of alternative transit options besides driving. These options can reduce emissions, get you where you…
The nomination period for the 2023 Environmental Excellence awards has been extended.
Please submit a nomination by 11:59 p.m. on JUNE 22, 2023.
The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 2023 Environmental Excellence Awards.
Each year, the ...
Did you know new requirements for federal tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) are taking effect across the U.S. this week? Qualifying individuals may claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new vehicles that meet critical mineral and battery component sourcing requirements. These new requirements went into effect on April 189, 2023. Acredit of up to $4,000 may also be claimed for…
Fairfax County is joining communities around the world in celebrating Earth Day, an annual observance that highlights the need for environmental stewardship and sustainability for a healthier planet. While Earth Day occurs on April 22 every year, it’s important to remember that there are climate actions we can…
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2023 through June 2024 term. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to…
Resilient Fairfax, the county’s plan to address the effects of changing climate on residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure, has been honored with an Award for Excellence in Sustainability by the American Planning Association.
The APA’s Sustainable…
Energy conservation and energy efficiency are two concepts you’ll hear about when looking into cutting down your energy use and associated emissions. You may be wondering: “What is the difference?” Let's take a closer look at these two approaches for reducing energy use.
The first approach, energy conservation, focuses on behavior changes to reduce or prevent the use of energy.…
Spring will be here before we know it, bringing warmer weather to Fairfax County. As you dig into gardening and other outdoor activities around your home again, you may be getting ready to take the hose out of hibernation. But did you know there’s another source of water that could benefit your wallet, your home landscape, and the environment?
That’s right—it’s rain! Rain barrels…
Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) recently released the Climate Action Dashboard, a single site for explaining and sharing progress with residents on the county’s ambitious climate action goals. The long-term goals include achieving community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050…
You might already know that there’s a link between energy and the environment. Much of our energy (think: electricity and fuel) is supplied from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These energy sources release carbon dioxide into the air when burned, which contributes…
2023 is almost here, which means it’s time to make personal and professional resolutions for the new year! Before the ball drops at midnight, let us recommend six great climate and energy related resolutions that can reduce your…
As temperatures outside are dropping, energy costs may be on your mind. Fortunately, there are a variety of actions you can take that can help you save energy and money and make your home more comfortable, any time of the year. To find out where to start and learn how you’re already using energy, consider conducting a home energy assessment (also known as a home energy audit).
The…
Honorees Improve The County's Natural Environment, Benefitting All Residents
FAIRFAX, Va. – Dec. 6, 2022 – Today, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination announced the winners of the 2022 Environmental Excellence Awards. Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individual county residents, county employees, and organizations or businesses who…
What if we told you that there are “vampires” in your house draining your electricity and raising your energy bills? Also known as phantom energy, vampire energy refers to the power that electric devices use when in standby mode or when they remain plugged in even when fully charged.
If left unchecked, vampire energy could be a nightmare for your wallet, amounting to 10-20% of your…
As autumnarrives on our doorstep, the time is right to seal air leaks around your home. The colder temperatures outside can draw the heat out through cracks and gaps around your windows and doors. Finding these trouble spots and addressing them before the weather is constantly cold is a great way to save energy and money, and to make your home more comfortable.
When you properly seal…
Buying a car or truck is a big deal, no matter how you cut it. Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric version is even more monumental but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The passenger and light-duty vehicle market is rapidly embracing electric vehicles, or EVs, and more options are coming online each year. If you are considering a new (or used) vehicle, let us be your guide to…
A new, interactive map tool is now available for Fairfax County residents and others interested in the county’s climate adaptation and resilience planning efforts. Produced in connection with Resilient Fairfax, the initiative behind the development of…
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for its student member term running from July 2022 through June 2023. EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for…
Greenhouse gas emissions seem so nebulous sometimes. How can we make small changes at home or at work that will, collectively, reduce emissions in our community? To answer this question, the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is launching a new public education and outreach campaign called Small Actions, Big Impact. This campaign will offer Fairfax County residents and those who…
As the clock struck midnight and 2022 officially began, a new five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags wentinto effect at certain retailers across Fairfax County. Read on to learn five things you need to know about this new tax.
1. Only three types of retailers are affected. The tax is only on disposable plastic bags from grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores. Some…
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC), an advisory group appointed by the Board of Supervisors, announces an upcoming public comment meeting on January 12, 2022 at 7:15 PM. This meeting offers members of the public an opportunity to provide written, verbal, or…
Honorees Make Significant Contributions to Local Natural Environment, Community
FAIRFAX, Va. – Nov. 9, 2021 – Today, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination announced the winners of the 2021 Environmental Excellence Awards. Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individual county residents, county employees, and organizations…
Between June 8 and July 2, 2021, more than 600 Fairfax County residents and stakeholders responded to an online survey designed to support Resilient Fairfax and the development of the county’s first-ever Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The survey asked question about respondents’ personal…
The City of Alexandria, Arlington County and Fairfax County are simultaneously taking steps to reduce the negative environmental impacts of single-use plastic bags by adopting local plastic bag tax ordinances in each jurisdiction. The Alexandria City Council and Arlington County Board adopted their ordinances during public hearings held Saturday, September 18, which followed Fairfax County’s…
Five-Cent Tax on Bags From Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, and Drugstores
To Take Effect January 1, 2022
FAIRFAX, Va. – September 14, 2021 – Today, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the county’s first-ever tax on disposable plastic bags. The five-cent tax is intended to influence consumer behavior by discouraging individuals from…
New Financing Option Is Designed to Support Energy and Resiliency Improvements to Commercial Buildings
FAIRFAX, Va. – Feb. 13, 2020 – Fairfax County officials announced today the launch of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACE) program, a financing tool designed to encourage building owners to pursue energy-saving, water-saving…