The Fairfax County Park Authority has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as a winner of the Better Project Award, which honors partners for outstanding accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and/or waste reduction projects at individual facilities. FCPA accepted the award on Tuesday, May 12 at the Better Buildings and Better Plants Summit.
The award recognizes FCPA’s innovative energy savings performance contract, or ESPC, at the Franconia Recreation Center, a comprehensive modernization project that has improved building performance, reduced operating costs and enhanced the visitor experience.
Through the ESPC, FCPA partnered with an energy service company to replace outdated systems and integrate advanced building controls into a single, coordinated solution. The project included upgrades to:
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
- Boilers
- Pool systems
- Advanced controls
- Building envelope improvements
These upgrades are delivering guaranteed annual energy savings of more than 360,000 kilowatt-hours, resulting in approximately 20% annual cost savings under a 20‑year ESPC. The project has also reduced maintenance needs, improved indoor air quality and increased the overall reliability of facility operations.
“This recognition from the Department of Energy underscores our commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and delivering high‑quality facilities for our community,” said FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “The Franconia Recreation Center project shows how thoughtful investment in energy efficiency can benefit both the environment and our taxpayers.”
By leveraging the ESPC model, FCPA was able to implement a major capital improvement project without upfront capital costs, paying for upgrades over time through the guaranteed energy savings. This approach aligns with Fairfax County’s broader goals for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction and long-term operational resilience.
The DOE Better Project Award is part of the Better Buildings Initiative, through which DOE recognizes public and private sector partners that are demonstrating leadership in energy efficiency and sustainability at their facilities.
For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s sustainability initiatives, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.