The U.S. Department of Energy has honored Fairfax County with a Better Project Award and a Better Practice Award at the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit held on May 1 in D.C. These prestigious awards recognize partners for demonstrating innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in energy, water and waste reduction.
Fairfax County received the awards for the successful completion of a comprehensive energy retrofit at the Spring Hill Recreation Center, a project led by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. Procured through an energy savings performance contract, the project combined advanced technologies and sustainable design to significantly reduce the facility’s environmental impact and operational costs.
Key project features include:
- Installation of a 125-ton geothermal heat pump system
- Addition of 307 kW rooftop solar photovoltaics
- Comprehensive LED lighting upgrades and other energy efficiency improvements
The retrofit is projected to reduce the center’s annual energy use by over 23% and carbon emissions by 36%, with a contractually guaranteed $65,000 annual reduction in utility and maintenance expenses.
“This recognition is a testament to what’s possible when innovation and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “We’re always looking for smarter ways to serve our community and protect the environment, and the Spring Hill project shows how impactful those efforts can be and resets the efficiency standard for all of our rec centers. It’s exciting to see our work making a difference and setting a standard for what parks can do.”
The Better Buildings, Better Plants Initiative partners with public and private organizations across the country to advance energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The Better Project Award celebrates outstanding projects that demonstrate significant energy savings, while the Better Practice Award highlights effective strategies that can be replicated across industries.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.