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

OEEC Articles and News Releases

Below you will find all articles and news releases from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. 

Morrill Appointed Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination Director

March 25, 2024

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…

Pender Office Project Will Conserve Energy and Save Money

December 28, 2023

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,…

Residents Invited to Share Environmental Concerns with EQAC

December 20, 2023

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…

Updated Climate Action Dashboard Tracks Fairfax County’s Progress in Reducing Emissions and Building Resilience

December 18, 2023

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…

OEEC Announces Charge Up Fairfax Pilot Communities

December 8, 2023

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…

Listen or Watch Now: Fairfax County Leaders Discuss Environmental and Energy Strategies

December 1, 2023

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.

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Sully Community Center Goes Solar

November 17, 2023

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…

Take the “Two-Degree Challenge” to Save Energy and Money this Season

November 6, 2023

Heating your home can take a lot of energy, which often means higher electricity bills over the fall and winter months. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has estimated that more than 40% of annual energy consumption in American homes is for heating!


Read on to learn why it’s worth…

Program Offers Grants to Organizations Making Energy and Resiliency Upgrades

November 1, 2023

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…

Rec Center Energy Projects Earn Leadership Award

October 10, 2023

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…

Join Us on October 4 to Celebrate Greater Energy Efficiency!

October 3, 2023

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…

Reston and Woodlawn Fire Stations Go Solar

September 28, 2023

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…

Track Your Progress in Saving Money and Reducing Emissions Using Our Climate Action Checklist

September 27, 2023

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…

Fairfax County Announces 2023 Environmental Excellence Award Winners

September 12, 2023

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…

HOAs Encouraged to Apply Now for Charge Up Fairfax Pilot Program

September 5, 2023

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…

Renewable Energy Credits 101: Green Energy for Renters and Homeowners

August 23, 2023

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…

Explore an Earth-Friendly Reading List on Book Lovers Day

August 9, 2023

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 Keeps PACE with Clean Energy! Joins Statewide Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE)

July 6, 2023

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…

Making Solar Make Sense: Solar Power 101 in Fairfax County

July 6, 2023

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 impact

And thanks to the power of solar group purchasing…

Register Now for Green Business Partners and Best Workplaces for Commuters Webinar

June 6, 2023

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…

Know Your Numbers: The Cost Savings of Climate Action

June 1, 2023

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 Plan Recognized with APA Virginia Award

May 19, 2023

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…

Drive Less, Save More: Alternative Transit in Fairfax County

May 1, 2023

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…

Nominations for 2023 Environmental Excellence Awards Now Open

April 24, 2023

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 ...

EVs From Every Angle: Is an EV Right for You?

April 17, 2023

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…

Earth Day 2023: Ten (or more) Ways to Take Climate Action

April 13, 2023

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…

EQAC Now Accepting Student Membership Applications for 2023-24 Term

April 3, 2023

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 Plan Honored with APA Award

April 3, 2023

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…

How To Reduce Energy Use: Conservation vs. Efficiency

March 28, 2023

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.…

Make the Most of Spring Showers with a Rain Barrel

March 13, 2023

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…

Climate Action Dashboard Now Available

March 6, 2023

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…

Where Water, Energy, and Climate Meet

January 12, 2023

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…

Climate and Energy New Year's Resolutions for 2023

December 29, 2022

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…

Get to Know Your Energy Use (and Discover Ways to Save) with an Energy Assessment

December 16, 2022

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…

Fairfax County Announces 2022 Environmental Excellence Award Winners

December 6, 2022

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…

How to Make Your Holiday Season More Sustainable

November 29, 2022

The seasons are changing, the days are shorter, and the holiday season is here! Keep reading for tips on how to be more sustainable throughout all your holiday festivities:

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What Is Vampire Energy?

October 25, 2022

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…

Seal Air Leaks At Home As The Weather Turns Colder

September 23, 2022

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…

Myth v. Fact: Electric Vehicles

September 6, 2022

There's a lot of buzz about electric vehicles (EVs) as new models come to market and the federal government invests in infrastructure to support a large-scale transition nationwide. With buzz comes misinformation and it's important to know the facts. To that end, Carbon-Free Fairfax is pleased to…

Selecting And Purchasing an EV: A User's Guide

August 3, 2022

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…

Leverage Tech At Home To Save Energy And Money

July 20, 2022

The modern American home is filled with electronics and appliances. From toasters to gaming systems, from washing machines to hair dryers, we use technology all day, every day in a variety of ways. Tech can make our lives easier, more comfortable, safer, healthier and, when used correctly, more cost-efficient.

There are two primary ways to make your tech work for your bottom line.…

New Climate Resilience Interactive Map Now Available

June 22, 2022

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…

Thermalize Program Open in Fairfax County Until June 30, 2022

May 25, 2022

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is pleased to announce that Fairfax County is actively participating in a new program known as Thermalize, which exists to help residents electrify and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Modeled on the popular Solarize program, Thermalize is run by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and receives promotional support from…

Resilient Fairfax Public Comment Period Opens, Public Meeting Announced

May 16, 2022

Starting on May 16, Fairfax County residents have the opportunity to comment on the draft Resilient Fairfax Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, the county’s first-ever plan to address risks from climate change. The plan, which has been in development since February 2021, includes information on expected climate conditions in the county in the decades to come, an audit of existing county…

Apply To Be The Next EQAC Student Member By May 4

March 10, 2022

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…

Small Lightbulb, Big Impact

February 16, 2022

How many Fairfax County residents does it take to change a lightbulb? Perhaps the more important and less ridiculous question is...how much impact does it have when one Fairfax County resident changes a lightbulb? What about when every Fairfax County household changes a lightbulb?

It’s seemingly one of the smallest and simplest climate actions you can take, changing out your less…

FY 2022 Fairfax County Sustainability Initiatives Report Now Available

February 15, 2022

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop with information about all the sustainability work taking place within Fairfax County, look no further than the FY 2022 Fairfax County Sustainability Initiatives report (FCSI). Published on February 15, 2022, the report offers an overview of county…

Climate Projections Report Predicts Warmer, Wetter, Weirder Future For Fairfax County

February 10, 2022

New County Report And Supplemental Research From NASA DEVELOP Reveal Alarming Potential Climatic Shifts For Virginia’s Most Populous County

FAIRFAX, Va. – Feb. 10, 2022 – Today, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination released an in-depth climate projections report in connection with the county’s Resilient Fairfax planning effort.…

Small Actions, Big Impact: Make Changes That Matter

February 3, 2022

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…

Five Things To Know About The Plastic Bag Tax

January 1, 2022

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…

Tour The CECAP Energy Strategies: 49% Of The Path To Carbon Neutrality

December 10, 2021

At the heart of the Community-wide Energy and Climate Plan (CECAP) are 12 different strategies or ways our community can work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally. Fully half of the strategies included in the plan pertain to energy use, generation, and management in buildings. This makes sense. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Fairfax County is building energy use; 49…

EQAC Announces January 12 Public Comment Meeting; Releases 2021 Annual Report on the Environment

December 7, 2021

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…

Fairfax County Announces 2021 Environmental Excellence Award Winners

November 9, 2021

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…

Survey Says: Fairfax County Residents Share Experiences With Climate Impacts

November 8, 2021

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…

City of Alexandria, Arlington County and Fairfax County Move To Adopt Plastic Bag Tax

September 20, 2021

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…

Fairfax County Adopts Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Ordinance

September 14, 2021

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…

Fairfax County Community Aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2050

September 14, 2021

First-Ever Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan Sets Ambitious but Achievable Goals
for County Residents, Businesses, and Other Stakeholders

FAIRFAX, Va. – September 14, 2021 – Today, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors accepted the county’s first Community-wide…

Proposed Plastic Bag Tax Public Hearing is September 14, 2021

September 7, 2021

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering adopting a new five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided to consumers at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores in the county. The purpose of the tax is to curb our collective use of disposable plastic bags, to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our local waterways and the damage it causes.

Plastic bags…

Resilient Fairfax Public Meeting To Be Held on June 15, 2021

June 1, 2021

All residents of Fairfax County and other county stakeholders with an interest in climate adaptation and resilience planning are invited to attend a virtual public meeting on June 15, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. This meeting will be held via Zoom. This is the first public engagement…

Fairfax County Launches Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency Program

February 13, 2020

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…

Cutting Back on Plastics

January 28, 2020

It’s hard to deny, modern businesses are all wrapped up in plastic. From the keyboards we use to type emails and invoices, to the promotional materials we create and distribute, to the furniture and supplies we purchase for our offices, plastics are ubiquitous.

It’s easy to say, “My business is too small to make a difference,” or “Change is too costly and burdensome,” but systemic…

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