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

Resources for Organizations

Sustain Fairfax: Your Actions, Our Climate

With your actions and support, we can create a sustainable and resilient Fairfax County — helping fight climate change and protect our community. Find out how your small actions, like making building energy upgrades, can make a big difference.


Power of Faith Energy Solutions

Fairfax County's Office of Environmental & Energy Coordination and Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions has partnered together to support congregations across Northern Virginia in saving energy and lowering costs. Power of Faith Fairfax offers exclusive grants and financing for houses of worship in Fairfax County to make energy-saving upgrades easier and more affordable. What can your congregation do?


Building a Green Team

Assembling a group of interested and responsible staff can be a great first step toward establishing a culture of sustainably in your organization. These groups are often called green teams, but any name will do. At Fairfax County, our employee group is called Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence, or FEEE. Based on our experience, we are pleased to share some tips for how to start a green team and outreach ideas that we’ve found successful.


Become a Green Business Partner Ally

Fairfax County is recognizing businesses that are actively engaging in or interested in sustainable business practices that advance climate action and will help create a carbon neutral economy. Does your organization work directly with local businesses who want to become more sustainable? Consider becoming a Green Business Partners Ally to help us further the vision and mission of the GBP!


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

Climate Action Dashboard

Climate Action Progress and Highlights

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) coordinates interagency efforts for the implementation of the county’s climate plans. Read the 2024 Climate Action Progress and Highlights reports for updates on the county's collective efforts towards sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Looking for earlier data? The 2023 Progress Update includes detailed climate action progress metrics.


Sector-Specific Metrics: 

On the following pages, you’ll find emission reduction and resiliency metrics related to specific sectors: Buildings, Energy Supply, Transportation, Waste, Natural Resources, and Community Services.

Climate Plans, Policies, and Initiatives

Fairfax County has enacted significant plans, policies and initiatives to address the causes and effects of climate change and advance environmentally sound and energy efficient activities in county operations and beyond. From plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency community-wide to a sweeping environmental vision that addresses the conservation and protection of natural resources, these plans and policies help to define a sustainable future for all residents.


Natural Resources

There are many Fairfax County agencies, boards, and partners that manage or protect natural resources. The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination helps to “connect the dots” between these agencies, fostering a well-connected system of natural resources. For additional information, please refer to the following pages from our partner agencies:  


Natural Resources and Climate Action

Healthy and protected natural resources help us address both the cause and the effects of climate change. On the "cause" side, natural resources absorb greenhouse gas emissions, reducing our contributions to climate change. The Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) has goals for natural resources and carbon sequestration. On the "effects" side, natural resources, such as tress and wetlands, help to absorb floodwater, reduce erosion, and reduce urban heat island effect. The Resilient Fairfax Plan has strategies relating to natural resources for climate adaptation and resilience. 


Fairfax County Trees

For over 30 years, Fairfax County has been raising awareness about the importance of trees and forests in our community and implementing tree-related policies and programs. Learn about tree care, outreach and education, rules and policies, identification, insects and diseases, volunteer opportunities and more. 


Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge

Fairfax County is encouraging residents to take climate action into their own hands using BrightAction! This new climate engagement platform makes it simple, easy, and fun to learn about climate solutions and take action through an interactive dashboard. Sign up now to start reducing your environmental impact through progress tracking, daily reminders, and collaboration with friends, family, and colleagues! 


Conservation Assistance Programs

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District administers cost-share programs to support homeowners with projects that improve stormwater drainage and water quality, enhance native landscaping, and reduce flood risk. Learn more about these programs and how to apply. 


Helping Our Land Heal: Ecosystem Restoration

The Fairfax County Park Authority has a program to restore natural areas on park lands called Helping Our Land Heal. The program includes 20 projects on 200 acres at 12 different parks. 


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

Waste

Repair, Repurpose or Recycle: What to Do About Your Old Appliances

The average household has more than a dozen appliances, like refrigerators, ovens, dryers, microwaves, toasters, blenders and more. What should we do when these appliances reach the end of their useful life or are no longer needed, even if they still work? Do they have to be discarded and wasted? Find out more on our Climate Matters blog!


Waste and Climate Action

Achieving zero waste goals is an important component of lowering our carbon emissions and building resiliency to climate change. Learn more about Fairfax County's climate action efforts around waste - including reducing the amount of waste overall and diverting more of it from incinerators and landfills to waste-to-energy facilities. 


Zero Waste

The best way to minimize waste is to create less of it in the first place! Fairfax County's Zero Waste program works to minimize solid waste in county facilities to close to nothing and to do so through a holistic approach: by rethinking not only how we dispose of materials, but also what we use and how we use it. Learn more about the Zero Waste initiative for government and schools. 


Recycling and Trash

Recycling and environmentally-responsible trash disposal keeps Fairfax County clean, healthy, and sustainable. Learn more about Fairfax County's solid waste programs and policies. 


Waste Checklist

Our Waste checklist provides 10 actions you can take to reduce your household waste and lower your carbon footprint.


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

Resources for Businesses

Sustain Fairfax: Your Actions, Our Climate

With your actions and support, we can create a sustainable and resilient Fairfax County — helping fight climate change and protect our community. Find out how your company's actions, like making building energy upgrades or encouraging sustainable transportation, can make a big difference.


Programs for Common-Interest Communities

Building a Green Team

Assembling a group of interested and responsible employees can be a great first step toward establishing a culture of sustainability at your workplace. These groups are often called green teams, but any name will do. At Fairfax County, our employee group is called Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence, or FEEE. Based on our experience, we are pleased to share some tips for how to start a green team and outreach ideas that we’ve found successful.


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

OEEC News and Events

Upcoming Events

Jun
30

6:00PM, Join us in Chantilly, VA for an informative session to learn more about…

Below is a list of past events and links to webpages with more information about that event. 

Latest Articles and News Releases

ribbon cutting

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. Ribbon cutting at Reflection Homes Association's new dual-port charging station, installed with the support of Charge Up Fairfax 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  
eclectic collage of OEEC common images like EVs solar and trees
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.
photo of lush forest
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.  Read More on NewsCenter

Climate Matters

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors.


Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination releases a monthly e-newsletter. Our Environmental, Climate, and Energy newsletter is dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies - directly to your email inbox. Visit our Newsletters webpage view past issues or sign up to receive the newsletter.


Buildings and Energy

Buildings and Climate Action

More than 50% of Fairfax County’s greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy and natural gas use in buildings, often referred to as “stationary emissions.” Learn more about buildings and emission on our Climate Action Dashboard.


Energy Supply and Climate Action

Increasing the amount of renewable energy provided by utilities or generated by customers themselves can significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions related to energy supply. Learn more about energy supply and emissions on our Climate Action Dashboard.


County Government Energy Data

Fairfax County maintains more than 500 buildings and 11 million square feet of building space. The Fairfax County Energy Dashboard provides energy use, cost, and emissions data for its buildings and facilities.


Green Buildings

Fairfax County sets minimum green building standards for new construction and major renovations to county-owned and operated buildings. By constructing buildings designed to use less energy, Fairfax County can save taxpayer dollars and reduce our carbon footprint. Green buildings do more than just reduce energy use - they also address water use, waste, siting, indoor air quality, and material sourcing.


Energy Conservation Assistance Program

If you are part of a common-interest community or charitable or nonprofit group, such as a homeowners association, condominium owners association, place of worship providing community services, or other nonprofit or recreational organization in Fairfax County looking to make energy efficiency upgrades, the Energy Conservation Assistance Program for Energy may be for you! 


Home Energy and Solar Resources

Check out our resources below to become a home energy pro! Need one in a different language or want to watch videos related to these topics? Visit our Resources for Residents webpage.


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

Climate Plans, Policies, and Initiatives

Operational Energy Strategy (OES)

The Operational Energy Strategy promotes cost-effective solutions and an energy-conscious culture for county government operations, buildings and fleet vehicles. The plan sets goals, targets and actions across major focus areas - including building energy and water use, fleet electrification, and waste management.

 

 


Environmental Vision

Fairfax County’s environment is resilient, but not indestructible. The Environmental Vision recognizes that we have a responsibility to be good stewards to ensure a sustainable future and helps to guide our environmental sustainability initiatives and programs. Two key principles direct the vision: conserving our limited natural resources and providing the resources needed to protect our environment.


Green Buildings

Fairfax County sets minimum green building standards for new construction and major renovations to county-owned and operated buildings. By constructing buildings designed to use less energy, Fairfax County can save taxpayer dollars and reduce our carbon footprint. Green buildings do more than just reduce energy use - they also address water use, waste, siting, indoor air quality, and material sourcing.


Plastic Bag Tax

The plastic bag tax is a 5-cent tax charged to customers for every disposable plastic bag used at convenience stores, drug stores, and grocery stores in Fairfax County. Since plastics do not biodegrade like other natural materials, the purpose of the tax is to curb our collective use of disposable plastic bags and to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our local waterways, roadways, and open spaces and the damage it causes.


Historic Environmental Policies

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has enacted several policies and initiatives designed to advance environmentally sound and energy efficient activities at the county level and beyond. Some policies have reached the end of their implementation phases or have been superseded by newer plans or policies.


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

Sustainable Transportation

Transportation and Climate Action

The transportation sector is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Fairfax County, accounting for about 43% of total GHGs. Learn more about what that means, how that relates to Fairfax County's climate plans, and ways to take action.


Fairfax County Commuter Services

Fairfax County Commuter Services (FCCS) is a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that advocates alternatives to drive-alone commuting for residents and employees in the county.


Active Transportation

Fairfax County Department of Transportation's Active Transportation Program works in coordination with other county and state agencies to improve transportation infrastructure such as bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks and trails and to encourage safe and efficient walking, biking, scooting and other active ways that people move around Fairfax County.


Sustainable Transportation Resources

Check out the resources below on switching to an EV and exploring multi-modal options that will have you driving less and riding or walking more. Need one in a different language or want to watch some videos? Visit our Resources for Residents webpage.


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

Resources for Residents

Sustain Fairfax: Your Actions, Our Climate

With your actions and support, we can create a sustainable and resilient Fairfax County — helping fight climate change and protect our community. By taking action now, you can reduce your energy bill, help cut emissions and make our community sustainable for everyone.


Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge and Track Your Climate Action

Fairfax County is encouraging residents to take climate action into their own hands using BrightAction! This new climate engagement platform makes it simple, easy, and fun to learn about climate solutions and take action through an interactive dashboard. Sign up now to start reducing your environmental impact through progress tracking, daily reminders, and collaboration with friends, family, and colleagues


Climate Action Checklists

We created checklists to help you adopt sustainable habits and make environmentally conscious choices that can also save you money. These lists highlight climate actions, all focused on a different theme, along with their cost up front and yearly savings in both money and carbon emissions. Plus, links to incentives and resources to make taking actions cheaper and easier! Translated versions of these checklists can be found on our Translated Resources webpage.


Electric-Powered Lawn Equipment

Gas-powered lawn equipment - such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other devices used to clear debris and maintain landscaping - has negative impacts on the environment and poses an immediate and quantifiable risk to our health. County facilities are making the switch to electric powered lawn equipment. Will you join us?


Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here. 

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