OEEC News and Events

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.