Why Your Actions Matter
Fairfax County's climate is changing due to greenhouse gases warming our planet—we’re experiencing more intense storms, extreme heat, heavy rains, and unpredictable weather. Most greenhouse gas emissions come from everyday activities like powering our homes or driving our cars.
By taking action now, you can reduce your energy bill, help cut emissions, protect our neighborhoods, and make Fairfax sustainable for everyone.
Simple Steps to Make an Impact Today
You have the power to make meaningful changes in your daily life that contribute to a sustainable Fairfax. Here are some actions you can take to get you started right away.
Drive Clean, Breathe Easy
Electric vehicles (EVs) help reduce emissions and improve our air quality. Explore the benefits of driving an EV on our Electric Vehicles page.
- EV Charging Made Easy: Fairfax County has over 400 public charging stations—and more on the way.
- Charge Up Fairfax: Get financial support to install EV chargers in your community.
- Tax Credits: Qualify for up to $7,500 for a new EV or $4,000 for a used one.
- Cleaner Air for All: EVs have no tailpipe emissions—let’s all breathe easier.
Choose Sustainable Transportation
Use public transit, bike, or walk to reduce emissions and save money on transportation costs. These options are affordable and environmentally friendly! Find your next ride on our Sustainable Transportation page.
- Public Transit: Leave your car at home! Use Fairfax Connector buses, Metro, or VRE for an affordable and environmentally friendly commute.
- Biking and Walking: Explore Fairfax’s network of bike trails and pedestrian-friendly paths to stay active and reduce emissions.
- Carpooling: Share rides with friends, family, or coworkers to save money, reduce traffic, and cut emissions.
- Plan Your Route: Check out tools like the Fairfax County Transit Map to find the most efficient way to get where you need to go.
Save Energy at Home
Making smart energy choices can make your home more energy efficient, increase comfort, reduce costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Learn more on our Home Energy page.
- LED Bulbs: Switch to LED bulbs to save money on electricity—they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
- ENERGY STAR® Appliances: Replace old systems (e.g., heating, cooling, fridge) with ENERGY STAR-rated products for rebates.
- Seal Your Home: Stop drafts—use weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors. Borrow thermal cameras from the Fairfax County Library or get a home energy assessment near you to find leaks.
- Thermostat Tweaks: Turn down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours daily to save 10% on heating bills—use smart thermostats for convenience.
- Change Air Filters: Replace furnace filters every three months to save on energy costs.
- Unplug Electronics: Avoid “vampire energy” with smart power strips or disconnecting devices or appliances not in use.
- Upgrade Insulation: Improve your insulation—rebates and tax credits are available!
Go Solar
By using renewable energy like solar instead of fossil fuels, you help reduce pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more on Going Solar.
- Assess your Home’s Potential: investigate your property’s solar potential by visiting the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's NOVA Solar Map.
- Federal, State and County Incentives: Take advantage of tax credits and incentives that make it going solar more affordable.
- Get Started: Find trusted residential solar installers near you or join a solar group purchasing program, like Solarize Virginia or Switch Together.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Prepare for extreme weather by making small changes now. Learn how to prepare your home for severe storms and floods with our Community Emergency Response Guide.
- Flood-Proof Your Home: Install flood-proof windows and gates to protect your home.
- Financial Help: Apply for up to $5,000 through the Fairfax County Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.
- Flood Insurance: Protect your savings—just 1 inch of water can cost $25,000 in damage.
- Wind-Resilient Homes: Install storm-ready doors and windows for extra protection.
Do Your Part for Resilience
Fairfax County is experiencing warmer, wetter, and weirder climate conditions. Resilient Fairfax is a plan and program to help Fairfax County adapt and become more resilient to changing climate-related conditions.
- Sign Up for Fairfax Alerts: Get important and timely Fairfax County information, right to your phone or inbox.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Develop and maintain an emergency kit for your family and pets.
- Regular Home Maintenance: Keep your gutters, downspouts, and storm drains clear of debris.
- Impervious Surfaces: Reduce the amount of paved (impervious) surfaces on your property.
- Plant Native Plants and Trees: The benefits of trees and native plants include cleaner air, shade, improved storm water control and increased property values. Find a tree planting program and check out Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual seedling sale.
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) leads the county’s environmental, energy and climate policies and programs. Follow us on Facebook and on X, subscribe to our newsletter, and — most importantly — implement some of the small changes we've outlined above to make an impact today.