Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) have been recognized with the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2023 Leadership Award for projects at two rec centers that are saving the county energy and money. The award was presented on Oct. 5 at an Energy Efficiency Forum at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center.
The FCPA and Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) were recognized in the Government category for two energy projects at the South Run and Cub Run rec centers. CMTA, an energy service company, and the natural gas utility Washington Gas were partners in the effort.
At Cub Run, the pool heat recovery system was upgraded to more efficiently heat water, and the building automation system was optimized to save energy and reduce peak demand. At South Run, the pool dehumidification systems were replaced, the air distribution systems were converted from constant volume to variable air volume, and a new Direct Digital Controls system was implemented to optimize the building’s heating and cooling schedule.
“We at the Park Authority pride ourselves on our role as stewards of the environment,” said Executive Director Jai Cole. “Our partnership with OEEC and CMTA to enhance the energy efficiency of our facilities and reduce environmental impacts of our operations is just another demonstration of that commitment to protect and preserve our land, water, air and wildlife for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.”
Since November 2022 when the projects were completed, Cub Run has realized more than 55% savings in energy consumption and South Run has experienced a 39% savings compared to the same period in the previous year. Cub Run and South Run are also on track to see nearly $170,000 and $51,000 in total utility costs avoidance respectively this year, thanks to these project improvements.
“While these are some of the first projects using an energy performance contract, they are by no means the last,” said John Morrill, OEEC’s acting director. “We hope to replicate this success at other county facilities with even greater scope and energy savings.”
The projects support the county’s Operational Energy Strategy, which aims to reduce overall energy use in county operations, buildings and fleet vehicles.
More information about these projects can be found on the Energizing Efficiency Campaign website.
About Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC)
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, a member-based 501(c)3, launched the Energizing Efficiency Campaign in 2023 to further the mission of advancing EE across the state by showcasing remarkable work being done in our communities and inspiring others to act. Learn more at VAECC website.
VAEEC has presented the Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards since 2016.
In an effort to spur greater energy efficiency gains throughout the Commonwealth, the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council launched the Energizing Efficiency Campaign in 2023. Projects and programs of all sizes and sectors were submitted to the campaign, and those that were particularly innovative or impactful were distinguished with VAEEC’s Annual Leadership Awards.