Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Let’s celebrate businesses committed to sustainability, foster new connections, and spark inspiration! 

The Fairfax County Green Business Partners Program is excited to announce its 2025 Social event, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at Spaces Reston Station. This gathering is an opportunity for members, leaders, and allies to connect, share achievements, and honor the businesses whose sustainable practices continue to drive environmental and economic growth in Fairfax County. 

“Whether you are new to the Green Business Partners Program or a long-time member, this event offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate sustainable progress, engage with like-minded professionals, and expand your network,” said Green Business Partners Program Manager Stephanie Cadena.

Here’s what attendees can expect:

• Networking opportunities with businesses, community leaders, and sustainability advocates.
• Recognition of GBP Facilitated Impact Tracking (FIT) Pilot participants, celebrating their contributions in promoting innovative sustainability measures.
• A "Sustainabites" showcase, highlighting the creative and impactful sustainability practices of participating partners

The event is free and open to current members or those interesteed in joining, but registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided for all attendees.

The Green Business Partners program recognizes Fairfax County businesses interested in sustainable business practices that advance climate action and help create a carbon neutral economy. The program is free and 70 companies and organizations have joined as Leaders, Members and Allies.

Join us in advancing the mission of building a more sustainable Fairfax County!

To learn more about the Green Business Partners program, email greenbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit the Green Business Partners webpage.

Event: Green Business Partners Social

Date: December 4, 2025

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Spaces Reston Station, 1900 Reston Metro Plaza, 6th floor, Reston, Va.

Fairfax County has launched a new program to help simplify the process of making energy-efficient upgrades for homeowners. The Fairfax Energy Compass program, introduced in September 2025, offers free personalized advice from energy experts who provide homeowners with clear guidance and tailored solutions to transform their homes into energy-saving spaces.

Maya Dhavale, senior community specialist and program manager for Fairfax Energy Compass with our Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, appeared on a recent County Conversation podcast to explain how the program works and who can benefit from it.

 

The Great Falls Library is now more energy-efficient and sustainable thanks to a recently completed energy project that supports Fairfax County’s climate goals.

The project replaced boilers and pumps and upgraded lighting, water fixtures, and building controls. The work also included improvements to the building envelope that enhance the library’s energy efficiency while making the space more comfortable for staff and visitors. By modernizing key systems, the upgrades are expected to lower energy consumption at the library by 15%.

“Our libraries are more than a place to check out books — they are truly a community hub and ensuring we operate sustainably is critical for both the environment and the residents we serve,” said Eric Carzon, director of Fairfax County Public Library.  “These updates create a more energy efficient, comfortable space while supporting Fairfax County’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate action. We’re proud to be part of this effort.”

Through its energy performance contracting program, the county is identifying high-impact, energy-saving projects at public facilities that can reduce utility costs and overall greenhouse gas emissions. So far this year, seven buildings received whole-building energy retrofits with four more slated to be completed in 2026.

These efforts to make county operations greener resulted in more than $6 million in savings from avoided utility costs in fiscal year 2024.

The Great Falls Library project showcases the vital role energy efficiency plays in protecting the environment while enhancing public spaces. “Projects like this are a testament to the county’s commitment to the goals outlined in our Operational Energy Strategy,” said John Morrill, Director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “The upgrades at Great Falls Library demonstrate how targeted energy performance projects can reduce carbon emissions, lower utility bills, and create healthier spaces for the community.” 

Fairfax County Public Library Facilities Manager Kevin Brooks said that exceptional coordination with OEEC and the Facilities Management Department ensured the project was seamless for both staff and patrons. "The work done was substantial and there were nearly zero impacts to library operations," Brooks said.

Visit the Operational Energy Strategy to learn more about energy performance projects.

Today, Fairfax County announced the winners of the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that have made remarkable contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

This year’s winners include a senior planner advancing climate resilience, a wastewater director restoring ecosystems, a Fairfax County Public Schools team fostering environmental literacy, a dedicated advocate for habitat restoration, a grassroots partnership promoting sustainability in underserved communities, and a business championing circular fashion and textile waste reduction. 

“These winners exemplify how individual and collective action can positively transform our community,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “Their achievements inspire all of us to continue working together to protect and enhance our natural environment for future generations.”  

The Environmental Excellence Awards are presented annually to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses and organizations who have dedicated their time and expertise to preserving the health and beauty of Fairfax County’s natural resources. The awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC). A committee of the council selects awardees from a pool of nominations.

The 2025 Environmental Excellence Awardees are:

• County Government Employee Category: Allison Homer, a senior planner with OEEC, for advancing climate adaptation and resilience through equity-driven solutions, including the launch of Fairfax County’s AC Rescue program for underserved populations.
   
• County Government Employee Category: Michael McGrath, Wastewater Treatment Director at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility, for 23 years of leadership in sustainable water management and the ecological recovery of Gunston Cove through advanced treatment technologies.
   
• County Government Employee Category: Get2Green Team, for advancing environmental literacy among Fairfax County Public Schools students and building sustainable school cultures through outdoor learning spaces, wildlife habitats, garden programs, and waste reduction efforts.
   
• Individual Resident Category: Margaret E. Fisher, an advocate for habitat restoration and biodiversity, for her property-based and community-wide initiatives promoting wildlife sanctuaries, native plants, and pesticide-free practices as part of the Plant NOVA Natives campaign.
   
• Organization Category: Friends of Holmes Run (FoHR) and Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN), for their transformative partnership educating the Culmore-Crossroads community about sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and fostering trust in municipal water with culturally relevant outreach programs.
   
• Business Category: Sewing Lab, for empowering individuals to reduce textile waste and embrace circular fashion through hands-on workshops, clothing swaps, and educational programs in partnership with local organizations.

An awards ceremony to celebrate the 2024 and 2025 Environmental Excellence Award winners will take place on October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Government Center in the Board Auditorium with a reception to immediately follow in the Forum. The event will also honor the recipients of the Friends of Trees and James M. Scott Exceptional Design awards.

For more information, including a list of past winners, please visit the Environmental Excellence Awards webpage.

Fairfax County is shining a spotlight on the power of energy efficiency during Energy Efficiency Week, designated this year as October 1-7, 2025. While the week offers a designated time to rally around sustainability, the benefits of energy efficiency are something that residents, businesses and the community can embrace year-round.

Adopting energy efficiency policies and practices in the county reduces costs, cuts air pollution and helps meet climate goals. 
 

Fairfax County’s new, innovative AC Rescue program has installed nearly 40 portable and window air conditioning units so far, providing vital relief to residents in dire need.

Designed to bridge the gap for residents ineligible for traditional cooling support programs, AC Rescue offers a lifeline to those facing dangerously hot conditions in their homes. The program is operated by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination as part of the county's Resilient Fairfax initiative, in collaboration with the non-profit Rebuilding Together-AFF.  

Focusing on the unique needs of residents unable to access existing state and county cooling programs like Cooling Assistance or Senior Cool Care, AC Rescue has quickly made an impact since it was piloted in summer 2024 at Harmony Place Mobile Home Park in the Franconia District.

Following the successful 2024 pilot, AC Rescue was transformed into an ongoing county program, using Resilient Fairfax funding.  Programs like AC Rescue are growing in importance as temperatures continue to rise. Extreme heat is a silent but deadly threat, as exposure to high temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions.

“AC Rescue is about more than providing comfort—it’s about protecting lives, as heat is the most fatal natural hazard in Fairfax County and in the U.S.,” said Allison Homer, program manager for Resilient Fairfax and AC Rescue.

Unlike other programs that primarily assist with utility bills or cater to limited groups, such as seniors with very low income, AC Rescue is available year-round to Fairfax County residents of all ages and abilities who do not have working AC at home. Its eligibility criteria include households earning up to 80% of the area median income, making the program accessible to a wider range of county residents. The program primarily operates through referrals from the county’s safety net providers. All AC equipment is provided free of charge for eligible residents. 

While nearly 40 installations have been completed to date (including the 2024 pilot), another dozen households are in the process and referrals continue to come in. By partnering with Rebuilding Together-AFF, the program ensures safe, energy-efficient equipment installations that families can rely on, and access to other home repairs that Rebuilding Together provides. 

County officials hope the program’s ongoing efforts will not only offer immediate relief by filling a gap in cooling access but also contribute to a more climate-resilient, sustainable Fairfax County for all. 

Residents seeking assistance can call Rebuilding Together at 703-528-1999. Those looking for general information about the program can visit the AC Rescue program page or call 703-324-7262. 
 

Many places, including Fairfax County, are seeing hotter weather and more extreme heat than in previous years. 

When heat strikes, neighborhoods with less greenery and more buildings and pavement can get much hotter than surrounding areas. These hot spots, known as Urban Heat Islands, can have warmer temperatures during the day and at night, making it difficult for people to keep cool in these areas.

The county is working to reduce urban heat islands and help keep residents safe in the heat in several ways.

With a 30% Federal Tax Credit Expiring, Now May be Best Time to Go Solar 

Solarize Virginia has extended its sign-up deadline to August 15, 2025, providing homeowners and businesses with additional time to secure solar installations by year’s end. Switch Together, another solar group purchasing program, will launch its latest campaign on July 23 and will accept sign-ups through September 3, 2025.

Residents who join either program can get a free assessment and take advantage of discounted rates, access to trusted installers, educational events, and ongoing support throughout the process to ensure a seamless experience, from the initial consultation to installation. Registration is free and there’s no obligation to proceed with an installation.

In light of the federal tax credit, possible net metering changes, discounted pricing and rising electricity rates, homeowners who delay may miss the opportunity to take full advantage of the biggest incentives available for going solar:

• Solar systems installed by December 31, 2025 are still eligible for the 30 percent federal income tax credit, a significant savings opportunity that will no longer be available starting in 2026 due to recent changes in federal legislation. But time is running out: with installation timelines stretching to 3-4 months and increasing demand across Virginia, residents are encouraged to sign a contract by the end of August to ensure completion by year’s end.
• Virginia residents are also facing significant increases in electricity rates. By going solar now, homeowners can sharply reduce their power bills in the future.
• The current net metering rates are at risk. Dominion Energy has proposed reducing these credits starting in 2026. Systems installed by the end of this year will be grandfathered into current rules, receiving a full 1:1 energy credit for the electricity they send back to the grid.

Fairfax County also offers incentives for solar, such as waived permit fees and a 5-year solar energy equipment property tax exemption. Visit Going Solar in Fairfax County to learn more.

Solarize Virginia is a community-based outreach initiative managed by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., that makes solar energy more accessible and affordable. For more information, visit www.SolarizeVa.org

“We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that going solar has on households and the environment,” Katie VanLangen, Co-Executive Director of LEAP and long-time leader of the Solarize Program, states. “By switching now, Virginians can lock in significant savings and protect themselves from rising utility rates, all while contributing to climate goals.

Switch Together is supported by a partnership between national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and multiple cities and counties throughout the United States. As well as making rooftop solar installations more affordable, Switch Together offers home battery storage and EV chargers easier to access. The program offers a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $6,958. For more information, visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty 

Fairfax County is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.

Each year the Environmental Excellence Awards honors those who have made significant contributions towards protecting, improving, and educating about the natural world in Fairfax County. The awards are open to individual residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees whose contributions include:

• Advancing or supporting the county's environmental goals and policies
• Dedicating personal time and expertise beyond their usual fiscal or civic responsibilities
• Demonstrating leadership and serving as role models for others

Administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, the awards aim to motivate and inspire continued dedication to environmental sustainability within the community.

To be eligible for the 2025 awards, nominees' achievements should be within the period from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, or span multiple years that include a portion of this timeframe. 

To submit a nomination, please complete the online form by August 8, 2025.

For more information about the awards and to view past winners, please visit the Environmental Excellence Awards page.

The Charge Up Fairfax program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis! The program is designed to help common-interest communities and other organizations install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, improving local air quality and driving us toward a more sustainable future.

This year, the program has introduced three key changes:

• Applications are now being accepted continuously, making it easier than ever to participate.
• Reimbursement grant amounts have been increased, offering greater financial support for those looking to install EV charging stations.
• Eligibility has expanded beyond homeowner and condo owner associations to include places of worship and other non-profit organizations, recognizing their critical role in providing EV charging access to staff and guests while attending services or events. 

With these changes, more organizations can now benefit from technical and financial assistance to install EV charging stations.

“EVs have no tailpipe emissions which means cleaner air to breathe along roadways and in neighborhoods and fewer greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change”, said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “By making EV charging more accessible, we are taking a significant step toward our goal for carbon neutrality by 2050 and for a healthier, more sustainable Fairfax for all.” 

“We look forward to seeing more communities and organizations join us in this important effort." 

Since the program's inception in 2023, 16 communities have participated in the program. Four communities have successfully completed their charging station installations, with the two most recent groups being:

• Westwood Village Unit Owners Association, Vienna: Installed two dual-port chargers and are eligible to receive a $5,000 reimbursement. 
• Reflection Homes Association, Herndon: As the first community located in an equity-designated area, RHA received a $10,000 reimbursement to install a dual-port charging station.

These installations mark significant milestones in the county's ongoing efforts to encourage EV adoption by expanding community EV charging infrastructure.

Michael H., president of Reflection Homes Association and an EV owner, said the funding and technical guidance provided by the program were key in convincing the board to consider installing EV chargers. He said the installation of chargers will help incentivize more residents of the neighborhood to consider buying an EV, which is good for the environment.

Penderbrook Community Association in Springfield District was another recent success story — installing 4 dual port chargers for their community of over 1,700 single family homes, townhouses and condos. Not only is it a significant benefit to the residents, but it is also an amenity for the guests who use the HOA’s golf course, said David Braun, president of the board of directors.

Braun said the Charge Up Fairfax program was particularly instrumental in helping the community navigate the regulatory process and coordinate with the various stakeholders.

“Having someone that could shepherd us through that was really important to us, and we felt like Fairfax County was a good partner,” Braun said.

Organizations interested in applying for the Charge Up Fairfax program can now do so. The program offers flexible options, including a grant-only program, a full-service program, and a combination with Dominion Energy’s Level 2 EV Charging Program, to suit the diverse needs of applicants.

Organizations that are accepted into the program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by Fairfax County. If the organization decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, the organization will hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment and final inspection. 

For more information about the Charge Up Fairfax program, application details, and to sign up for updates, please visit the website or email OEECElectricVehicles@fairfaxcounty.gov