No matter the size of your business, you can take steps to reduce your energy and water use, as well as your waste, each and every day. Through the Green Business Partners program, 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.
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE)
The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program is a low-cost, long-term financing tool for building owners who want to make energy efficiency upgrades to their commercial and multi-family buildings with minimal up-front costs. C-PACE is administered by the Virginia PACE Authority with support from the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy).
Charge Up Fairfax is a program to help residents of homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium owners associations (COAs) access charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Charge Up Fairfax supports HOAs in identifying and overcoming challenges, both technical and financial, to on-site EV charging for residents and their guests. For the purpose of this program, HOA communities can include multi-family condo buildings, clusters, or townhome communities that offer common area parking that is accessible for residents and their guests.
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!
Fairfax County Government is working toward an accessible, affordable clean energy future for all. The county is establishing a clean energy financing entity (aka "green bank") to accelerate the growth of the county’s clean energy economy and help achieve the community’s climate goals. The green bank will boost the clean energy market by providing the community with financial and technical programming and tools for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle projects.
Assembling a group of interested and responsible employees can be a great first step toward establishing a culture of sustainably 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.
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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 charging stations for residents and their guests.
The selected communities are:
Colonies at McLean
Strathmeade Square Community
Villa Ridge Condominium
Washington Plaza Cluster Association
Waterford Square Condominium Unit Owners Association
The 5 communities selected will receive technical support in the form of a site assessment by an engineering firm. If the community decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging station(s), they will hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation and final inspection. Once the EV charger is operational, the community can seek a grant from OEEC to partially reimburse the cost of the installation – up to $10,000 for some communities.
“We’re pleased that these communities are pursuing a clean energy future with electric vehicle infrastructure,” said OEEC Acting Director John Morrill. “With today’s announcement, we encourage other community associations to make plans to apply to Charge Up Fairfax when the application period opens again in spring 2024.”
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment and less expensive to fuel and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. Rebate and incentive programs for the purchase of EVs – including federal tax credits of up to $7,500 – are reducing the cost and driving up demand. By 2030, EVs are expected to represent 40 to 50% of total passenger car sales.
The convenience of at-home charging makes EV ownership more practical, but that can be a barrier for residents of community associations who may not access to a private driveway or garage where they can easily plug in. Charge Up Fairfax helps address this gap for these common-interest communities, which can include HOAs, multi-family condo buildings, clusters or townhome communities.
OEEC is already working with five other HOAs selected earlier in 2023 and will use insights and lessons learned from the pilot phase to refine the program for a broader launch next year.
More information about the Charge Up Fairfax program is available on the OEEC website.
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.
These Fairfax County leaders discussed the county’s goals and strategies related to environmental sustainability, energy use and climate change mitigation. Morrill outlined some of the ways OEEC coordinates with other county agencies to reduce energy consumption, increase renewable energy usage and promote alternative technologies to cut carbon emissions.
Listen or watch the podcast now on demand
Great renewable energy news - Fairfax County has installed another solar array on a county government building!
This latest installation is in Chantilly at the Sully Community Center, which serves as the home of the Sully Senior Center and also provides a broad array of services, programs and activities for individuals of all ages and abilities.
The cost of the project at the 38,000-square-foot building is approximately $537,000, but is expected to generate savings of approximately $1 million over 25 years. In addition to reducing operating costs and generating clean energy, the effort will yield additional benefits over time, such as contributing to better air quality by reducing emissions and providing some shading effect for the roof.
Read More about This Project
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.
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.
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.
Home is where the heart is. It’s also where the energy bills are. On this webpage, you’ll information, resources and assistance to encourage energy-saving activities and behaviors at home.
Fairfax County encourages residents to invest in solar energy. By using renewable energy like solar instead of fossil fuels, you help reduce pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. This webpage provides resources for Fairfax County residents interested in installing solar panels.
Fairfax County's commitment to environmental stewardship is demonstrated by policies, programs, and projects that lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations. These efforts include reducing electricity and natural gas used in county buildings and operations. The Fairfax County Energy Dashboard provides energy use, cost, and emissions data for buildings and facilities managed by the county's Facilities Management Department (FMD) and Park Authority (FCPA).
The Green Building policy setsminimum green 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.
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!
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.
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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.
Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP)
CECAP is a community-driven plan that addresses the causes of climate change. The plan sets ambitious but achievable greenhouse gas reduction goals for our community, including an overarching goal to reduce our emissions by half by 2030 and achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050.
Resilient Fairfax is a plan that addresses the effects of climate change. This plan includes strategies to help Fairfax County adapt and become more resilient to changing climate-related conditions such as extreme heat, severe storms, and flooding.
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.
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.
The Green Building policy sets minimum green 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.
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.
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.
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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.
Thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle? Information and resources about buying or leasing an EV, types of Evs, charging options in Fairfax County, tax incentives, and more.
Are you an HOA or COA looking to install electric vehicle chargers in your community? Learn more about the Charge Up Fairfax program and find out how to apply.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Introducing the Fairfax County Climate Action Checklist: an interactive checklist designed to help you track your progress in adopting sustainable habits and making environmentally conscious choices that can also save you money. This Excel spreadsheet offers a list of 70+ individual climate actions you can take, along with their cost up front and yearly savings in both money and carbon emissions. Checkboxes help you keep track of what you've already done and how your savings add up. There are also links to incentives and resources to make taking actions cheaper and easier.
Not ready to tackle all 70+ climate actions? Check out our shorter checklists, all focused on a different theme:
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.
The County Conversation is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest! On this edition of the conversation, host Jim Person talks with Allison Homer, OEEC's senior community specialist, about the county’s Resilient Fairfax Plan.
The Resilient Fairfax plan was adopted in November 2022 and is now in the implementation stage. Since adoption, the plan has won awards on both the national and state level from the American Planning Association. Read more about the APA awards.
In addition to the plan itself, there are a few detailed technical resources that fed into the plan. Watch this video for a brief overview of Resilient Fairfax, and see the sections below for more information.
The Resilient Fairfax plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on November 1, 2022. The plan is now being implemented by an interagency team of over 25 county agencies. Click the thumbnails below to view either the full Resilient Fairfax plan, or a shortened PDF of only the strategies and implementation roadmaps.
In addition to the Resilient Fairfax plan itself, there are detailed technical reports. These analyses helped the county identify our top climate hazards, top vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement.
Climate Projections
The Resilient Fairfax Climate Projections Report helps address the question "what will our climate look like in the future?" and also, "what climate hazards are we already facing?"
Urban Heat Islands
The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) partnered with the NASA DEVELOP program to analyze the county’s Urban Heat Islands.
Vulnerabilities
To address the question "Where are we vulnerable?" the Resilient Fairfax team produced a Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of our infrastructure, public services, populations, and natural resources.
Audit of Existing Policies, Plans, and Programs
The Audit of Existing Policies, Plans, and Programs helps address the question "How is the county government currently doing in terms of resilience?" Fairfax County has numerous areas of strength and important fundamental policies and programs upon which to build.
The Resilient Fairfax planning process took place from February 2021 to October 2022. The plan is now being implemented. The planning process involved hundreds of stakeholders and over 200 engagement and coordination meetings.
Community Advisory Group (CAG): The CAG is composed of residents from each of the county's nine magisterial districts, representatives for boards, authorities, and commissions, and individuals from the environmental, religious, nonprofit, civil rights, residential, and business communities. Click here to see a full list of entities involved in the CAG.
Infrastructure Advisory Group (IAG): The IAG is composed of utilities, authorities, regional bodies, and representatives of local, state, and federal government agencies responsible for infrastructure management and services. Click here to see a full list of entities involved in the IAG.
Fairfax County Residents: In addition to the Community Advisory Group, throughout the Resilient Fairfax planning process, members of the Fairfax County community contributed by attending public meetings, responding to a public survey, participating in the public comment period for the draft plan, and sharing thoughts and ideas with the project team throughout the process. Additionally, the Resilient Fairfax team has provided numerous presentations to neighborhood groups and community organizations. The Resilient Fairfax team values continued partnership with the public during plan implementation.
The Resilient Fairfax Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in November 2022 and is currently in the early implementation phase. The plan includes 48 strategies to improve our resilience to climate hazards such as increasingly severe storms, unusual temperatures, and flooding. These strategies are organized into four pillars. A sample of recent progress within these pillars are highlighted below. To track our progress, please see the Climate Action Dashboard.
In addition to tracking the progress of strategies, OEEC tracks key metrics for each prioritized strategy, which can be found in the Resilient Fairfax Plan. If you have any questions, please email ResilientFairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov.
To view more information about the pillars, goals, and strategies of the Resilient Fairfax plan, please click here.
31 out of 48 Resilient Fairfax strategies have started or are ongoing.
Progress is not limited to the examples listed below.
Examples of Our Progress (last updated March 2023)
Integrated Action Planning
IAP.1a: Update the Comprehensive Plan to Enhance Resilience: DPD, OEEC, and other county agencies have launched the update process for the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Policy plan sections being reviewed for climate considerations include the Environmental Policy Plan, Land Use, and Transportation, among others. Follow the process at this link.
IAP.3b: Pursue State and Federal Funding Opportunities: DPWES was recently awarded $15.7 million for four Community Flood Preparedness Fund projects to reduce flood risk in various neighborhoods. An inter-departmental team is actively tracking dozens of additional state and federal funding opportunities for resilience action, including funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Climate Ready Communities
CRC.1b: Resilience Hubs: OEEC is in the early stages of developing pilot Resilience Hubs in the county, in partnership with Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and other potential partners. Candidate sites have been identified, and the team is pursuing funding opportunities and other early logistical steps.
CRC.3a: Flood Risk Reduction: An interagency team led by DPWES and LDS is continuing to make progress on flood risk reduction activities. This progress includes updated flood risk mapping, modeling of stormwater and development scenarios with climate change factored in, and progress analyzing potential updates to stormwater design standards. Additionally, DPWES is actively managing dozens of stormwater improvement projects.
Resilient Infrastructure and Buildings
Advocate and Partner for Transportation Resilience: OEEC coordinates with transportation partners such as WMATA (Metro), FCDOT, VDOT, DEMS, and MWCOG on climate resilience for transportation infrastructure. Our collective goal is to ensure that our transit routes, roads, charging stations, and other infrastructure can better withstand extreme weather without shutting down. VDOT owns and manages most roads in Fairfax County and recently released a VDOT Resilience Plan. WMATA is actively working on resilience efforts, in coordination with OEEC and other partners.
Adaptive Environments
Green Infrastructure Projects that Provide Climate Resilience Benefits: NVSWCD provides hands-on assistance with small-scale green infrastructure for residents and other small properties. DPWES is continuing to incorporate green infrastructure into public facilities and stormwater management infrastructure. DPD is continuing to advocate for green infrastructure of private developments during development review. OEEC and fellow departments are currently working to update county plans and policies such as the Comprehensive Plan to more strongly encourage green infrastructure throughout the county. Additionally, OEEC and partners are developing updated resilience guidance for residents, including green infrastructure guidance.
As a Leader in the Green Business Partners program, Tysons-based Freddie Mac is integrating environmental sustainability strategies and initiatives on its campus that are in alignment with its corporate mission – including waste reduction and recycling efforts, electric vehicle charging for employees, and LEED Gold certification for its buildings. Learn more about Freddie Mac and how companies in the Green Business Partners Program are supporting climate-friendly, sustainable practices in Fairfax County in our latest video.
Are you a Fairfax County business interested in or already taking actions to adopt climate-friendly, sustainable business practices? Then the Green Business Partners program is for you—join today!
Get Recognition - Green Business Partners will be listed in the county's directory, receive a certificate and window decal, and have use of program logo, which can strengthen your reputation with employees, customers and the community.
Enhance Your Sustainability Efforts - Network with other Fairfax County businesses to share success stories and learn from each other through webinars and peer exchanges.
Save Money and Time - Discover ways to finance clean energy, emissions reduction and sustainability efforts through tax credits, incentives and other financing options.
Review the information below if you are interested in learning more.
Fairfax County’s Green Business Partners program brings together local business leaders with a variety of networking, educational, promotional, and employee engagement benefits to support energy and climate-focused business development. The program also honors and celebrates current leaders in this field, teaches how green business practices can reduce costs, shares resources like grants or other incentives, and gives a platform for learning through peer exchange.
The Green Business Partners Program has two different levels of participation:
Members:
Businesses that are not yet implementing but are interested in adopting sustainable business practices, or
Businesses that have taken initial steps to adopt practices, programs, and/or policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including energy management and reduction; water conservation; waste management and reduction; transportation; sustainable procurement; and employee engagement.
Leaders:
Businesses that have received a certification through a third-party organization or current participation/recognition from a nationally or locally-recognized sustainability program (e.g., ENERGY STAR®, ISO 14001, LEED Certification, EPA’s Green Power Partnership, etc.), or
Businesses that have been recognized by a third-party organization for their sustainability business leadership and can demonstrate they have integrated sustainability into their business model
Participation in the Green Business Partners program is free! You will have access to a variety of networking, educational, promotional, and employee engagement benefits to support energy and climate-focused business development. Your business will also be recognized as part of a county-wide sustainability effort.
Members and Leaders will:
Set themselves apart from other businesses with a Member or Leader GBP logo, window decal, and a certificate of program membership.
Gain recognition and be featured on social media and Fairfax County’s website.
Receive educational materials to support implementation of sustainable business practices.
Network with other Fairfax County business to share success stories and learn from each other through webinars and other events.
Leaders will also:
Receive future recognition through video profiles and mentions on Fairfax Government Channel 16, Fairfax County’s website, and social media.
To be eligible to join the Green Business Partners program, all participants must have:
A physical location in Fairfax County; and
A current Virginia business license.
Members:
Have implemented, or will implement at least three sustainability practices within one year of membership;
Sign a pledge that the business has implemented or will implement at least three sustainable business practices within one year of membership; and
Demonstrate adoption of at least three sustainable business practices after one year of membership through an annual renewal process.
Leaders:
Certification through a third-party organization or current participation/recognition from a nationally or locally-recognized sustainability program (e.g., ENERGY STAR®, ISO 14001, LEED Certification, EPA’s Green Power Partnership, etc.),
OR
Recognized by a third-party organization for their sustainable business leadership and can demonstrate they have integrated sustainability into their business model.
Participation in the Green Business Partners program is free! To join the program, follow the steps below:
Select your partner type and review the eligibility requirements above.
Who can participate in the Green Business Partners program?
All businesses no matter the sector (retail, healthcare, information technology, finance, etc.) or the size (micros, small, corporate) are welcome to participate. Those applying must have a valid Fairfax County business license.
What if my business doesn’t have a BPOL number?
While a business must be registered with Fairfax County to join the program, we understand that some businesses are exempt from BPOL or are just getting established. If you are a Fairfax County business in but don't have a BPOL number, please note the reason why in the application field where the BPOL number is requested.
Do Green Business Partners have to be in Fairfax County?
Yes, participants must be located within Fairfax County. However, we encourage all businesses to make sustainable choices in their operations.
What commitments do Green Business Partners make?
Businesses accepted into the Member level need to commit to and demonstrate implementation of at least 3 sustainable practices within one year of membership.
Green Business Partners program staff are here to help! Please email us at greenbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov and we can connect you to information and resources that may assist your company in its efforts to be more sustainable.
How long is membership valid?
Membership to the GBP will remain valid as long as Members and Leaders provide information to support an annual review process that will occur at the start of each calendar year (January 1 - February 28). The annual review process will begin in 2025.
Is there a cost to participate?
No! Participation in the program is FREE for Fairfax County businesses.
Are non-profit organizations eligible for membership?
Only Fairfax County businesses with a valid business license are eligible for the Membership or Leader level. However, the program is interested in partnering with any organization interested in promoting climate action and sustainability practices. Non-profit organizations, trade groups or other organizations that don’t meet the membership criteria can still be recognized as an “Ally” of the program. Learn more about the Green Business Partners Allies.
If you have questions about eligibility, please email us at greenbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Is there technical assistance to help businesses meet third-party certifications (LEED, ENERGY STAR, ISO 14001, etc.)?
Currently, the program does not provide technical assistance. However, the program does offer other related benefits such as general information and resources, networking, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to help businesses grow in their sustainability efforts.
More questions? Please email us at greenbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov.
GREEN BUSINESS PARTNERS EVENTS
The Green Business Partners Program hosts events, including educational webinars. Use the dropdowns below to explore recent Green Business Partners events.
Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) and Department of Transportation (DOT), along with Charge@Work, are partnering to help businesses power up their workplace charging programs. On November 14 at 12 p.m. ET, they hosted the “Opportunities to Charge@Work: A Green Business Partners and Best Workplaces for Commuters Webinar” which demonstrated a new free online tool to plan and implement electric vehicle charging at your business.
On June 22, 2023, the Green Business Partners team worked with Department of Transportation to host a joint webinar showcasing how businesses can benefit from the services and resources offered by the Best Workplaces for Commuters and Green Business Partners programs. During the webinar, attendees learned about the benefits of both programs and how they can opt-in to the Green Business Partners program as part of their Best Workplaces for Commuters application.
The Forum showcased energy- and climate-success stories and provided opportunities to network with green business leaders throughout Fairfax County. It also promoted peer-to-peer learning on how green business practices can lower operational costs, reduce waste, and contribute to a healthier and more resilient Fairfax County community. To learn more, see the video recapping the event at the top of this page.
Percent Contribution to Emissions Reductions Needed in 2050
CECAP’s goals were set by the CECAP Working Group, which was composed of numerous community representatives and served as the community decision-making body for CECAP. To assist in the Working Group’s deliberations and goal-setting, consultants developed and presented six emissions reduction scenarios, as well as a business-as-usual case. The figures shown above represent the modeled emissions reductions corresponding to the 2050 goal selected by the CECAP Working Group.
Increase EV Adoption
Vehicle electrification is CECAP’s primary strategy to reduce mobile emissions. Unlike conventional vehicles, electric vehicles do not emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) and short-lived air pollutants that are recognized environmental and public health hazards. EVs also use less energy per mile driven than conventional gasoline-powered vehicles due to the higher efficiency of their electric motors.
In furtherance of this strategy, CECAP adopted a sector-specific goal to increase plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to at least 15% of all light-duty vehicle registrations by 2030. The county’s Operational Energy Strategy sets targets to transition county fleet vehicles to electric or non-carbon emitting alternatives.
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
CECAP promotes sustainable mobility and identifies three major pathways to reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), particularly by single-occupancy vehicles. To achieve VMT reductions, CECAP supports:
the use and improvement of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure;
the use and improvement of public transportation and commuter services; and
Smart-Growth and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies.
In furtherance of this strategy, CECAP adopted a sector specific goal of reducing single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) use by increasing transit and non-motorized commuting (including teleworking) to 30% by 2030.
Increase Fuel Economy
CECAP aims to reduce mobile emissions by supporting increases in both vehicle fuel economy standards and the use of low-carbon fuels for transportation.
Federal vehicle emissions standards for Model Years 2024-2026 are expected to reduce fuel use by more than 200 billion gallons nationwide through 2050. Effective January 1, 2024, Virginia begins adhering to California’s “Advanced Clean Cars” standards, which are stricter than those set at the federal level. Under current Advanced Clean Cars requirements, by 2035 all new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold must be zero emissions.
Advanced Clean Cars includes a low emissions vehicle (LEV) and zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) program.
Advanced Clean Cars ramps up LEV standards through 2035. By 2035, all new cars, trucks and SUVs sold must be zero emissions.
These standards could reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Virginia by about 40 million metric tons through 2040.
Increase EV Adoption
CECAP sets a short-term goal of increasing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to at least 15% of all light-duty vehicle registrations by 2030, corresponding to about 125,000 vehicles. CECAP’s overarching goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 assumes that by 2050 BEV and PHEV registrations will account for 42% of vehicle registrations, corresponding to about 335,000 vehicles.
Despite limited supply and other factors, over the four-year period 2016-2020, EV registrations in Fairfax County rose from less than 0.3% of total light-duty vehicle registrations to 1.1%. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 0.8% of this total, with plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) accounting for the rest.
Fairfax County is installing EV charging stations at its facilities to both accommodate and facilitate the transition to EVs. As of March 2023, over 90 Level 2 charging ports are available at 11 county government facilities, including community centers, parking garages and government office buildings.
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Fairfax County addresses many transportation issues on a regional basis through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB). Regional data from these organizations show that CECAP’s goal of increasing transit and non-motorized commuting (including teleworking) to 30% by 2030 has already been achieved due to a significant expansion in telework. The telework numbers are likely to drop as the pandemic recedes, but when and by how much cannot be determined at this time.
Numerous resources have been developed to help facilitate the transition to electric vehicles and to reduce your vehicle miles traveled. Selected resources are shown below.
Is an EV Right for You?
Find information on topics including charging and incentives
Percent Contribution to Emissions Reductions Needed in 2050
CECAP’s goals were set by the CECAP Working Group, which was composed of numerous community representatives and served as the community decision-making body for CECAP. To assist in the Working Group’s deliberations and goal-setting, consultants developed and presented six emissions reduction scenarios, as well as a business-as-usual case. The figures shown above represent the modeled emissions reductions corresponding to the 2050 goal selected by the CECAP Working Group.
A Greening Electric Grid
Over the last two decades, Virginia utilities have been reducing their use of coal to generate electricity, leading to significant drops in carbon emissions. In fact, carbon emissions from electricity generation have decreased by 49% from 2005 to 2021 (as measured in metric tons of CO2-equivalent per MWH of net electricity generation). The use of fossil fuels to generate electricity is expected to drop further over time due to the 2020 enactment of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA).
The VCEA establishes a “renewable portfolio standard” (RPS), or clean energy targets, for Virginia’s investor-owned electric utilities. The RPS for Dominion Energy, which provides electric service to most of Fairfax County, starts at 14% in 2021 and reaches 100% by 2045.
On-Site Renewable Energy
CECAP seeks to increase the amount of onsite renewable energy generation in Fairfax County, with an emphasis on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. While CECAP does not set a specific goal, on-site renewable energy generation is making in-roads in the community, with an increasing number of citizens and businesses installing on-site solar generation year-over-year.
The county’s Operational Energy Strategy includes two renewable energy targets: increase renewable energy to 25% of county electricity use by 2030 and 50% by 2040, using FY 2018 energy use as the baseline. Several different approaches have been developed to meet these targets, which are summarized below.
Solar Installation at Fairfax County’s I-95 Landfill Complex
In 2022, the county leased about 40 acres of the county-owned closed I-95 landfill complex to Sun Tribe Solar to install, operate, and maintain an array of ground-mounted solar panels that will be capable of generating up to five megawatts (5 MW) of electricity. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
A SolSmart Gold Community
SolSmart is a national designation program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Technologies Office that recognizes cities, counties, and regional organizations that foster the development of mature local solar markets.
Fairfax County was designated a “SolSmart Gold” community in 2019 in recognition of its long-standing efforts to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. These efforts include the waiver of solar permit application fees, a solar energy equipment tax exemption, and support for Solarize Fairfax to help residents and businesses reduce the cost and complexity of investing in solar energy.
Resource Recovered Gas
This CECAP strategy anticipates the replacement of a portion of the natural gas supply stream with resource-recovered gas, specifically landfill gas (LFG), wastewater resources, food waste, and non-biogenic municipal solid waste sources. The term as used in CECAP does not include anaerobic digestion at livestock farms, energy crops, and forestry and wood products due to concerns that these biogas feedstocks may exacerbate environmental impacts. Technologies are not yet widely deployed but broader implementation is expected in the coming decade.
Fairfax County has been recovering LFG from its I-95 Landfill and I-66 Transfer Station sites since 1990, and in 2005 was designated the U.S. EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program Community Partner of the Year. Currently, the county uses the LFG it captures to generate electricity for sale on the wholesale market and to incinerate bio-solids at the county’s water treatment plant. While LFG production has decreased over time, the gas remains a valuable renewable resource that reduces the need to purchase natural gas.
The Fairfax County community is embracing on-site solar generation, with the number of installed systems increasing year-over-year. Fairfax County currently hosts the most kilowatts of solar generation in the Northern Virginia region.
The Solarize Fairfax program, managed by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), is an attractive option for both residents and businesses interested in on-site solar generation. Using a competitive process, LEAP solicits and evaluates proposals from local installers and selects one or more high-quality vendors that have committed to providing discounted prices to all program participants.
Numerous resources are available to property owners interested in exploring renewable solar energy generation for their homes or businesses. Selected resources are shown below.
A Good Candidate for Solar?
See how much sunshine falls on the roof of your home or business
No matter the size of your business, you can take steps to reduce your energy and water use, as well as your waste, each and every day. Through the Green Business Partners program, 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. 
The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program is a low-cost, long-term financing tool for building owners who want to make energy efficiency upgrades to their commercial and multi-family buildings with minimal up-front costs. C-PACE is administered by the Virginia PACE Authority with support from the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy).
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Solar Installation at Fairfax County’s I-95 Landfill Complex
