Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Innovative Strategies and Community Engagement Drive Sustainability Successes

The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination announced today the release of the 2024 Climate Action Progress and Highlights report, showcasing significant strides made in sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience over the past year. 

From reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency to expanding its renewable energy footprint, the report underscores the county's whole-of-government approach to creating a resilient, sustainable community for all.

Key Achievements Serving the Community in 2024:

• Sustain Fairfax Campaign: Started the Sustain Fairfax public awareness campaign, to increase community engagement and participation in sustainability initiatives.
• Green Business Partners Program: Expanded to 51 member organizations actively engaging in sustainable practices.
• Flood Risk Reduction Services: Launched the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP), providing reimbursements to property owners for flood-proofing practices.
• Extreme Heat Services: Upgraded Cooling Centers, increasing their usage from 251 visits in 2023 to 1,301 visits in 2024.
• Urban Design and Building Codes: Revising Urban Design Guidelines to incorporate climate-friendly features and enforced the updated Uniform State Building Code to improve energy efficiency and support renewable energy adoption.
• Tree Planting Initiatives: Planted approximately 16,000 trees, including 287 at schools and government sites, focusing on urban heat islands and equity-driven site selection.

Key Milestones for County Operations in 2024:

• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Overall emissions in county operations are down almost 28% compared to the fiscal year 2018 baseline.
• Energy Efficiency Enhancements: Total electricity use in county operations has decreased by 15% since FY2018, a result of continuous upgrades of county facilities.
• Solar Installations: 10 county buildings now have rooftop solar, with 10 more planned by the end of 2025.
• Climate Resilient Design: Developed a Climate Resilient Design Checklist, piloted in the Embry Rucker Shelter and Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center designs.

"Our progress in 2024 is a testament to our steadfast commitment to addressing climate change and building a resilient community,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “Despite funding challenges and changes in federal policy, we are dedicated to continuing this momentum and leading by example to ensure a sustainable Fairfax County for generations to come."

The 2024 report tracks progress in implementing the county’s three climate and energy plans – the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), the Operational Energy Strategy (OES), and Resilient Fairfax. 

These plans set ambitious goals that include: lowering greenhouse gas emissions to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050; achieving carbon neutrality for government operations by 2040; and improving community resilience to the effects of climate change that are already occurring. 

“Our collaborative efforts across all county agencies and with our community partners have enabled us to make significant impact,” said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “We look forward to building on these achievements and tackling the challenges ahead with innovative solutions and robust community engagement.” 

In 2025, Fairfax County anticipates further advancements, including the launch of a “concierge” program to assist residents with home energy improvements and an AC Rescue program for extreme heat resiliency.

The report, as well as more of the data and information, is available on the Climate Action Dashboard — a single site for explaining and sharing progress with residents on the county’s climate action goals. 

To learn more about the county’s climate policies, programs and progress, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination.

The Environment & Energy dashboard is the seventh dashboard now published to support the implementation of the Fairfax Countywide Strategic Plan. 

The dashboard presents information about promoting air, water and land quality and supporting sound environmental policy and practices as indicators. 

Overall, the metrics included in this dashboard help to evaluate the goals of achieving carbon neutrality through emissions reduction, mitigating the effects of climate change and creating a cleaner and healthier community for all. 

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 gas-powered lawn tools for free electric alternatives.

Event Details:

• May 17, Reston Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to Noon
• May 18, Lorton Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to Noon
• May 24, Ace Hardware in Fairfax, Va., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.*
• June 8, Healthy Together Fairfax, Franconia Park, 12- 3 p.m.*

(*Event will feature Backyard Bubble)

Residents attending the events will learn simple yet effective tips to improve air quality in their communities and can enter for a chance to win free electric lawn tools. Some events will feature the interactive Backyard Bubble, an engaging way to understand the impact of lawn care on air quality. To further support this initiative, residents can register to trade in their polluting gas-powered lawn tools in exchange for new Ego Power+ mowers, blowers, and trimmers. 

At the May 24 “Green Your Lawn” event at Ace Hardware in Fairfax, Braddock District Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw will be joined by City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read and Councilmember Thomas D. Peterson to recognize Air Quality Awareness. 

“As temperatures rise, so does the risk of poor air quality,” said Walkinshaw, Chair of the Board’s Environmental Committee. “By encouraging the switch to electric lawn equipment, we can cut harmful emissions, protect public health, and make our neighborhoods cleaner and more livable.”

According to Clean Air Partners, using a gas-powered leaf blower for 1 hour creates as much air pollution as driving a car for 1,100-plus miles. Besides opting for electric lawn tools, you can do your share for clean air by:

• Mowing only on good air quality days
• Using organic fertilizers & pesticides
• Leaving grass clippings to make your own mulch

“We are thrilled to offer these events and tool exchanges to our community,” said John Morrill, director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination “By making the switch to electric lawn tools and implementing sustainable lawn care practices, we can all contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.”

Join us in our efforts to green your lawn and improve our air quality. Register now for one of the “Green Your Lawn” events and take the first step towards a more sustainable future.

For more information and to register for the tool exchange, visit the registration form. 

Visit the county's electric-powered lawn equipment page to learn more about the benefits of making the switch. 

About Clean Air Partners
Clean Air Partners is a public-private partnership that educates the greater metropolitan Washington-Baltimore region about the health risks associated with poor air quality and the benefits of reducing air pollution. 

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 will offset an estimated 22% of the golf center’s annual electricity needs. This is enough to power six homes per year and significantly reduce the site's environmental footprint.

“By switching on this solar array at Burke Lake Golf Center, we are taking another step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Fairfax County" said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. "This effort underscores the county's commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut energy costs, protect the environment, and advance our county’s Operational Energy Strategy goals.”

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 businesses secure a high-quality rooftop solar installation at a lower price. Both programs make switching to solar a snap by offering:

• A free assessment to find out whether your home is a good candidate for solar installation
• Bulk discounts on solar systems, at least 10% lower than the regional average
• Access to a qualified solar installer, ongoing support and no obligation to purchase.

“Going solar can seem like an overwhelming and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be,” said John Morrill, Director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “Through the power of group purchasing, Solarize and Switch Together provide an excellent opportunity for residents to switch to clean, renewable energy.”

Switch Together (formerly Solar Switch)

Backed by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, Switch Together organizes a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. This ensures participants receive a discount on a high-quality solar installation. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $6,201 on a 9.3 kW system.

In addition to the group discount, residents may qualify for the 30% federal tax credit. The program also offers discounted prices for optional add-ons such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers. Last year, nearly 1,600 households across the county registered for the program, leading to 112 installations and counting.
 
“If you've ever thought about going solar, now's the time," said Tori Delhagen of Solar United Neighbors. "Switch Together provides members with a competitive bid from a vetted installer. You'll receive expert support every step of the way."

Visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty to register for free or learn more. The final day to register and accept a personal recommendation is June 4, 2025.

Solarize Virginia

Managed by nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), the Solarize Virginia program is now in its eleventh year. Last year alone nearly 270 residents in Fairfax County registered for Solarize, resulting in 23 installations. Since 2014, the program has supported more than 450 installations in Fairfax County.*

Solarize will officially start its 2025 campaign on April 15 but residents can sign up now through July 15, 2025. During the campaign, program participants can attend free webinars and receive expert opinions about the feasibility of solar panels for their homes and buildings. To sign up for free or get more information, go to www.solarizeva.org.

Both programs are open this spring for a limited time – so sign up soon!

More Resources

Fairfax County also offers resources and benefits for homeowners looking to install solar, such as waived permit fees and tax exemptions on solar equipment.

Learn more by visiting Going Solar in Fairfax County.

About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors is a national nonprofit organization that represents the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Bulk purchase programs, like Switch Together, are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.

About LEAP

The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with a mission to advance energy efficiency and sustainability in our community. Their vision is to create a more energy-efficient and resilient community, reducing our carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for all. They offer a wide range of services, from home energy assessments to solar installations, helping our community reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

*Editor's Note: Information about the Solarize Virginia program was updated on 4/3/2025.

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 practices among county residents and businesses.

During the challenge, you can track your efforts to make changes and invite friends, groups and other communities to join you in adopting changes. The app lists various climate solutions and how shows how adopting simple actions in your daily life can positively affect the environment. The challenge fosters community engagement, allowing residents to connect with friends and neighbors, share tips and celebrate their successes together.

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 Government’s efforts to make its operations greener also resulted in nearly $8 million in savings from avoided utility costs in fiscal year 2024.

Take a moment to look back on major milestones in environmental sustainability as well as other significant accomplishments by watching the 2025 State of the County video.

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 quality.

FCPA was recognized for the Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESCO) Phase 1 Project at Cub Run Rec Center in Chantilly, which took first prize in regional competition in August 2024. 

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 “Sustain Fairfax” campaign makes it easy for residents to get involved. The campaign’s webpage (“Fairfax Sostenible” in Spanish) lists actionable steps, as well as resources, information and opportunities to participate in various climate action programs and initiatives. 

Sustain Fairfax is a response to growing concerns about climate change, environmental degradation and the need for collective action. Through this initiative, the county seeks to create a more sustainable future by encouraging actions that conserve energy, reduce the reliance on gas-powered vehicles, safeguard homes from flooding and severe storms, and preserve natural resources that enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.

 

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 county’s energy dashboard.

“Reducing our use of fossil fuels for powering our buildings and vehicles not only provides important environmental benefits and improves our energy independence and resilience, it also lowers our utility and fuel costs,” said County Executive Bryan Hill. “As this new data shows, we continue to make steady progress on the environmental goals of the Countywide Strategic Plan and our operational goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.”