News Highlights

• Fairfax County's energy-saving initiatives and strategies helped the county decrease the greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings by 21 percent from 2006 to 2015.
• Yet the county's total square footage on which we pay utilities increased by 24 percent while still achieving significant emissions reductions. 
• As a whole, Fairfax County achieved a 10 percent reduction per capita in greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Electricity powers our everyday life, but it’s also one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in the D.C. region. 

 

21 Percent Reduction in Carbon Footprint for Buildings

Fairfax County officials say reducing their energy use at government buildings reduces these emissions while also saving on utility bills. Energy-saving initiatives and strategies helped the county decrease the greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings by 21 percent from 2006 to 2015. These initiatives and strategies save or reduce electricity and natural gas use throughout the county’s building portfolio.

This cut in the county’s carbon footprint exceeds or equals other jurisdictions in the region despite increasing population growth and service delivery. During the past nine years, the county significantly increased the number of its buildings to keep up with residents’ needs, including constructing or renovating new libraries, fire stations and police stations. We increased the total square footage on which we pay utilities by 24 percent while still achieving significant emissions reductions.

 

 

Fairfax's Energy Savings Goals

Fairfax’s facilities managers aim for a yearly 1 percent reduction in energy use per square foot in many buildings. The county is working towards this goal by retrofitting, upgrading and installing new equipment, like energy control systems.  These efforts reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.  We saved over $1 million in utility bills during a three period from 2012 to 2014.

The county uses computerized energy monitoring and control systems in 98 of its buildings. These electronic systems allow energy managers to make adjustments to energy use based on real-time data.

The county also has invested in many projects to reduce energy consumption. For example, LED light bulbs were installed at the Government Center and Adult Detention Center. The lighting controls that were installed at three main county office buildings decreased monthly electricity use by 34 percent. As another example, the new variable air volume boxes at the Government Center produced a 15 percent reduction in electricity consumption compared to conventional pneumatic systems that were replaced.

Fairfax’s energy saving efforts directly support the county’s commitment to cut regional greenhouse gas emissions.  We pledged to work with the region to roll back overall emissions to 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, and we also committed to reduce the county government’s own operational greenhouse emissions.

The county’s overall efforts to reduce emissions are making good on its pledge to decrease these heat-trapping gasses that cause global warming, said Kambiz Agazi, Fairfax County’s environmental coordinator.

 

10 Percent Reduction in Overall Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As a whole, Fairfax County achieved a 10 percent reduction per capita in greenhouse gas emissions. The finding comes from a 2016 study conducted for local governments in the D.C. region. It compared emissions in 2005 to those in 2012.

Residents and businesses produce 97 percent of greenhouse emissions, Agazi said. The county government, including the public schools, account for only 3 percent. So, the public plays a critical role in stopping global warming.

Residents can take simple actions that both benefit the environment and their wallets, said Agazi. For example, people can curb electricity use just by unplugging electronics when they’re not being used. Residents also can get advice and other energy saving tips through Energy Action Fairfax.

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