A new rooftop solar array and other energy improvements at the Pender Office Building will save money and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The project, which was a partnership between the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and our Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, is another step in meeting the county’s goals for carbon neutrality in its facilities, fleet vehicles and operations, including 50% of county electricity from renewable sources by 2040, as outlined in the Operational Energy Strategy.
Constructed in 1986, the three-story, 49,000-square-foot Pender Office Building, which serves as FCRHA's headquarters, got LED lighting upgrades, new electric transformers and air handling units, weatherization treatments and improvements to building automation systems. Overall, the project is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption by 23%, producing up to $35,500 in savings in the first year.
Coan Pond Residences – single-occupancy affordable homes located within the FCRHA building – will also benefit from the upgrades.
“It’s important we recognize the progress we are making in our efforts to be leaner and greener in our energy use,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay. “Projects like this not only save the county money in lower energy bills but reinforce the commitment we’ve made to the community to make climate action a priority.”
“At the FCRHA, it is our mission to create thriving communities, including within our own headquarters. The energy improvements both reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier environment for our community,” said FCRHA Chair Lenore Stanton.
Project Summary
- The 90 kW solar photovoltaic array will provide at least 9% of the building’s total annual electric load (enough to power nine homes annually).
- Existing lighting systems were replaced with energy-efficient LED technology with motion sensors.
- Three rooftop air handling units, two split-system heat pumps and three electric transformers were replaced with new high-efficiency units.
- Weatherstripping, sealing and window film were applied throughout the building for greater energy savings.
- Altogether, these systems will reduce the carbon footprint equivalent to removing more than 47 cars from the road each year.
The county is working with CMTA, an engineering consulting and performance contracting company, to make energy, lighting and mechanical upgrades at 18 facilities, which includes projects already completed at City of Fairfax Regional Library, Cub Run Rec Center and South Run Rec Center. The two recreation center projects were recognized with the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2023 Leadership Award. An energy improvement project at Spring Hill Rec Center will be completed by summer 2024 and includes the largest geothermal heat pump HVAC system in a Fairfax County Park Authority facility.
More information on the Operational Energy Strategy is available on the OEEC webpage.
To learn more about the Pender Office Building, visit the FCRHA webpage.
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