Helping organizations in Fairfax County make their buildings and properties more energy efficient and resilient to climate change is a goal of the Energy Conservation Assistance Program. Now, qualifying organizations can apply for up to $15,000 each year in reimbursement grants for conducting energy audits, improving energy efficiency, installing solar panels or cool roofs, along with other improvements. 

The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is an urban cost share program managed by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) with support from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD). Through a memorandum of understanding between the two entities, OEEC administers and funds the program while NVSWCD issues the reimbursement grants.

Organizations eligible for assistance include common-interest communities, such as homeowners or condominium owners associations, nonprofit organizations, and charitable institutions or associations, including places of worship in Fairfax County.
 
Projects that qualify for matching reimbursement grants include:

•    Energy assessments, also known as an energy audits;
•    Energy efficient lighting, including LED light bulb replacement;
•    Weatherization, including building sealing and caulking;
•    Occupancy sensors;
•    Smart thermostats;
•    HVAC upgrades;
•    ENERGYSTAR® Appliance upgrades;
•    Window replacements; and
•    Solar panels.

Starting in fiscal year 2016, the Energy Conservation Assistance program has provided more than $44,000 in funding to support 11 energy projects. In total, these projects have resulted in more than $400,000 in energy audits and efficiency upgrades. 

For example, a reimbursement grant of $5,000 helped Westwood Baptist Church in Springfield District replace interior light fixtures and parking lot lighting with LEDs and sensors — a project that resulted in a total investment in energy efficiency upgrades of more than $17,400.

Qualifying organizations can now submit up to two applications per year if one of the projects includes an energy audit or if an energy audit was completed the past two years. The reimbursement grants are based on the actual cost of the project – and there is a maximum of $15,000 per organization per year. Applications can be submitted any time of year and projects will be accepted as long as they meet eligibility requirements and funding is available. 

To submit an application, qualifying organizations can use the online application form, along with providing supporting documentation. To learn more, visit the Energy Conservation Assistance Program page or email to oeecinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov.