Celebrating Women’s History Month

MARCH 2021

2021 celebrates 34 years of March’s designation as Women’s History Month. Women constitute of over half the world’s population and are responsible for nourishing much of it. Around the world, women play crucial roles in protecting the natural environment, and promoting the sustainability of the world’s resources.

The District of Colombia is at the forefront of sustainability and building climate resiliency. Led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, the District because the first LEED Platinum City in the World and enacted several groundbreaking policies promoting sustainability: the Clean Energy DC plan, Clean Energy Omnibus Act of 2018, the Building Energy Performance Standard, the Climate Commission, the Food Policy Council, Sustainable DC 2.0, and so much more. Mayor Bowser has also made history by being among the first mayors to commit to making their city carbon neutral. DC has taken a large step forward in tackling climate change while making history as we work to make DC the greenest, healthiest, most livable city for all residents, creating a catalyst for other avenues to explore. 

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opportunities

AWARDS

2021 District Sustainability Awards! Now Accepting Award Applications

Are you an environmental leader? Does your business operate sustainably? Is your organization working to build an equitable #SustainableDC?

The District of Columbia wants to recognize your environmental and community efforts with the 2021 District Sustainability Awards.

The application period is open Monday, February 15 - Friday, March 19, 2021. Categories include Individual, Business, Organization and Clean Energy DC. Click here to apply.

For more information, contact Mary Lynn Wilhere, Urban Sustainability Administration, email marylynn.wilhere@dc.gov or call (202) 870-2924.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

WE WANT YOUR IMPUT - District of Columbia Construction Codes and Procedures for Submission of Code Change Proposals

The Construction Codes Coordinating Board (CCCB) is commencing a new code development cycle, and will be reviewing  the following codes for adoption by the District of Columbia in 2023: the 2021 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, National Electrical Code, and the Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

Any person or group may submit a code change proposal to the CCCB proposing to amend, add or change specific provisions of the 2021 ICC Codes, the 2020 NEC, or ASHRAE 90.1-2019. Code change proposals should be completed using the code change proposal form by March 29.

Code change proposal forms or any questions, should be sent to: Danielle Gurkin, Chairperson Construction Codes Coordinating Board cccbchair.dcra@dc.gov.

Additional information regarding submission of code change proposals and an explanation of the code change approval process can be found on the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) website

Nominees Sought for EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates for its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. The NEJAC provides advice on broad, cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice. EPA seeks to fill approximately seven new vacancies. Individuals or organizations can nominate qualified candidates for NEJAC membership, or individuals can self-nominate by March 24. View the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council nomination process.

JOBS

Sustainability Program Analyst

We’re hiring a new lead on Sustainable DC at DOEE. Come join our team! Responsibilities will include: strategizing on implementing specific plan actions, coordinating the annual plan progress report, developing and strengthening community partnerships (such as universities, embassies, and community organizations), managing Sustainable DC communications (monthly newsletter, social media, email), and engaging with residents on sustainability (with a focus on Black, indigenous, and people of color who have historically not been well included in sustainability initiatives).

Apply by March 31 at careers.dc.gov using Job ID 12306.

Green Building and Climate Program Analyst

We are looking for someone to join the DOEE Green Building and Climate team. The person in this position will work with District agencies, the building industry, and community partners to advance green building in support of the Sustainable DC plan and our ambitious climate goals. Topic areas include net-zero energy buildings, building electrification, and low-carbon construction. Specific responsibilities include providing technical assistance to project teams, policy research, and managing grants made through the District's Green Building Fund. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of green building certification systems, solar energy, and/or land-use planning.

Apply by March 24 at careers.dc.gov using Job ID 12405.

Friends of Anacostia Park - Executive Director

The executive director will be responsible for organizational management, coordination with the United States National Park Service, community connections, and various other responsibilities related to start-up, growth, partnership building, and activities. Responsibilities are expected to increase in coming years as the organization gains independence and builds the systems, culture, relationships, and funding needed to grow, connect, and thrive. Applications will be accepted through March 26.

Interested candidates should apply on the sponsoring agency’s recruitment portal by submitting an application and cover letter at this link: for more information or interested applicants, click here!

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact: Attn: Friends of Anacostia Park partners@nationalparks.org.

GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Healthy Schools Grant

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Health and Wellness is soliciting applications for the District of Columbia Healthy Schools Grant. The purpose of this grant is to increase OSSE’s capacity to support district schools with implementing high-quality 1) health education and physical education; and 2) place-based education programs.

OSSE will accept applications from entities in the District of Columbia having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Eligible entities may apply for an award up to $120,000. The deadline for application submission is April 6, 2021, at 3 PM.  OSSE anticipates announcing award decisions on April 13, 2021.

For more information, including the Notice of Funding Request (available now) and the Request for Funding (available on Feb. 24, 2021), please visit the Healthy Schools Grant webpage, at osse.dc.gov/publication/healthy-schools-grant.

VOLUNTEER

H. St. Farms

Join us every Saturday from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at H. St. Farms (the rooftop garden on top of W.S. Jenks Hardware). A unique rooftop growing area that utilizes DC's unused space. With three greenhouses and many plants, we encourage you to come to get involved and have a try at a green thumb! Sign up with us today!

For more information check out their website: or email hstfarms@cultivatethecity.com.

EVENTS

DOEE and DCRA Offer Green Building Professional Seminar Series

DOEE and DCRA are conducting free virtual educational events designed to accelerate the implementation of the Clean Energy DC Act and the new building construction codes. The virtual events will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Register for the 2021 Virtual Green Building Professional Seminar Series:

April 14, 2021:Getting Ready for the new Building Energy Performance Standards

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eCYCLE Collection Events

By recycling used electronics, individuals can help recover valuable resources and properly manage potentially hazardous materials. eCYCLE DC, through manufacturers’ collection and recycling plans, is bringing District residents more options for recycling their electronics.

The following items are banned from the trash, and are collected at the eCYCLE DC collection events:  computers and monitors, tablet, e-readers, computer parts (mouses, keyboards, DVD or VCR players), printers, televisions, game consoles and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet

Saturday, March 20 10 AM-2 PM Southern Avenue & Fable Street, SE (near Benning Park Community Center) *Collection vehicle on corner of Fitch Street SE & 53rd Street SE   

Saturday, March 27 10 AM-2 PM Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue & Elmira Street, SE (near Fort Greble Park) * Collection vehicle on corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue & Elmira Street SW 

For more information, visit the DOEE website on Electronics Recycling  or email productstewardship@dc.gov with any questions.

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How to Go Solar in DC

Curious about going solar? Learn everything you need to know with the DOEE’s solar seminar series!

Many residents and landlords are interested in solar power but do not know are where to start. DOEE invites residents, landlords, and clean energy stakeholders to join the solar seminar series to learn what steps they can take to go solar. Each of these events in the solar seminar series begins at 1:00 PM and focuses on a specific aspect of going solar. Register here for How to Go Solar in DC: A Solar Seminar Series!

March 25, 2021:Options & Incentives 

April 8, 2021:Solar Renewable Credits 

May 6, 2021:Community Solar 

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29th Annual Environmental Film Festival

The Environmental Film Festival is going virtual! This year, more than 100 films will be presented to audiences throughout the District celebrating Earth, its inspirational impacts, stewardships through the eyes of film. Films, directors, and artists have collaborated with more than 100 different partners, including museums, embassies, universities, and theaters. The 29th Annual Festival will be virtual from March 18 through March 28. The Festival is one of the leading annual cultural events in Washington DC, winning the 2017 DC Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Creative Industries. To learn more about it, click dceff.org/

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National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program

The 2021 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program is taking place on March 17 – 19, 2021. This conference showcases leaders from various environmental sectors and engage in three days of free exchange of ideas and approaches to environmental justice and particularly the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The conference will highlight programs and collaborations that work, as well as initiatives that have not proven successful. Program speakers will feature representatives from Federal and state agencies, local governments, tribes, community groups, business and industry, public interest groups, academia, and other entities. This interactive forum will give conference participants the opportunity to network with a variety of interests from diverse quarters. For more information about the conference, visit the conference website and registration page.

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Invisible Warriors - A Film Screening and Discussion with Gregory Cooke

For Women's History Month, join us Sunday, March 21, at 2 PM for a screening of the film Invisible Warriors: African-American Women in World War II. Prior to the screening, we will hear from the film's director Gregory Cooke. Invisible Warriors features real pioneers – the first Black women to work in industry and government administrative service. The film is an unforgettable conversation among a diverse group of African American “Rosie the Riveters” who recount what life was really like during World War II.  Watch the event live on our YouTube and Facebook channels. Please register here. This event is hosted in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

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Nature Connections: Livestream with Environmental Experts

In a new series presented by OSSE, students and their families can livestream with environmental experts and participate in lessons and activities. Student will get to explore the world around them and discover their connection to the natural world while in a virtual environment. All sessions are 10:00-10:30 AM.

Thursday, March 25: Meet the Animals of Hard Bargain FarmJoin the Alice Ferguson Foundation and explore the barnyard and pastures, meet goats, chickens, cows, and sheep, and connect food and fiber to their plant and animal sources. Learn about survival needs of animals and plants, and how we use a variety of products in our daily lives.

Tuesday, April 6: All About American ShadDid you know that DC has a state fish? It is the American Shad! Join the Anacostia Watershed Society to learn all about this amazing fish, why it is so important and the amazing journey it makes during its lifetime!

For more information on the livestreams events and virtual education events, visit the OSSE website.

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DMV Color: an online exhibition featuring an electric assortment of contemporary books, graphic novels, photographic, photographs, and zines by women of color with ties to the District of Colombia, Maryland and Virginia.

Black Women Are Leaders in the Climate Movement

The Women They Could Not Silence

5 Women Who Have Revolutionized the Environmental Movement

Black Features

LET'S GET CONNECTED!

SUSTAINABLE DC:

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