October 15, 2024

Green Business Partners Allies are organizations or companies that work directly with businesses in Fairfax County to further the mission and vision of the GBP program. On this page, we are featuring a conversation with TRC Companies.  

Can you tell us how your organization supports businesses in Fairfax County?

TRC supports business in Fairfax County by connecting them with Dominion Energy’s incentive programs.  This service is available to commercial ratepayers seeking financial assistance for facility upgrades that reduce electrical consumption at no cost to local businesses. Local contractors and vendors also can offer incentives if they become members of our Trade Ally Network. 

Through promotion of clean community practices, our success is directly tied to our Trade Allies and business customers. From contract negotiations, efficiency equipment upgrades, to expanding project scopes, Fairfax businesses have everything to gain in lowering operational costs by advancing their energy saving efforts.

Are there particular types of business that your organization focuses on?

TRC manages three Dominion Energy programs: Healthcare, Hotel & Lodging, and Commercial & Industrial. The programs are designed for energy-intensive buildings with long or non-stop operational demand. However, these funds are available for a variety of facilities, ranging from small commercial retail to large manufacturing plants. We also invite all interested contractors to join our trade ally network, which includes licensed installers, manufacturers, distributors, engineering firms, consultants, and more.

What types of resources are available from your organization for businesses to support sustainable business practices? Or Fairfax County in general as a location for green businesses to thrive?

The main resources we provide are incentive dollars to help with the upfront cost of energy efficiency projects.  Affordability is the most common obstacle preventing businesses from pursuing energy efficiency upgrades, and incentive programs serve to alleviate this barrier. TRC offers custom support for the preparation and submission of a project application, as well as in identifying the ideal contractor. Each of our three programs has a custom incentive option which is directly proportional to kWh savings. This ultimately rewards businesses choosing to maximize their energy savings.

For our partners and trade allies we offer quarterly newsletters, exclusive networking events, and lunch & learn educational sessions. TRC’s engineering team can also estimate a projected incentive to make a proposal more attractive during the bid-selection process. We welcome all opportunities for collaboration: for example, informational webinars, co-presentations, and introductory client meetings.

What do you see as the key incentives or motivators for businesses to adopt sustainable business practices?

Businesses no longer have to choose between sustainability and the bottom line. Consumer preferences continue to trend towards organizations with well-defined sustainability plans, and companies recognize that they must adapt to remain competitive. What motivates action is when sustainability plans measurably reduce current and future operational costs, provide a hedge against rising energy prices, and contribute to a comfortable, resilient, and reliable facility. 

How does the mission of the Green Business Partners program fit into the mission of your organization as a whole?

Like the GBP program, TRC’s global consulting services focus on sustainable business practices that promote collaboration, partnerships, and collective action in the fight against climate change. With the backdrop of electrification and rising demand for power, energy incentives offer an opportunity for companies to reduce strain on the grid while saving money that can be re-invested in critical operations or additional sustainability initiatives. TRC is grateful for the opportunity to support the Fairfax business community, which continues to set an example for strategic and informed climate action.

What is something more businesses in Fairfax County could benefit from if they knew about it?

Taking the first step in reducing electrical demand can be daunting, but it is important to remember that your company is not alone and there are many no-cost resources available to make facility improvements a reality. Utility, state, and federal incentives can be stacked. When planning the yearly budget, consider taking advantage of all funding available. The TRC team is based out of Richmond and locally available for meetings, events or educational sessions. Participating trade allies can utilize these programs as a sales tool that can be integrated into their business model.

Is there anything else you would like to highlight to GBP Members and Leaders?

Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis, and there are no yearly submission or budgeting deadlines. Companies or their contractors are free to submit an uncapped number of eligible projects. Additionally, there is no ceiling on project size and each incentive can cover up to 75% of the total cost. These programs are funded through 2028.

Learn More

Visit TRC Companies' website for more information.