https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/DCWASH/bulletins/35132fb

March 2023

Image Credit: Department of Energy and Environment

Change is the only constant in life. That observation is attributed to Greek philosopher Heraclitus and it is as true now as it was during his time. Sustainable DC is the District's plan to become the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all residents, and it’s required to be periodically updated. The original Sustainable DC Plan was released in 2013 and updated to Sustainable DC 2.0 in 2019. To say our city and the world have changed since Sustainable DC 2.0's release may be an understatement!

The co-leading agencies of the plan, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Office of Planning, are starting the update process. We will build on the rich and valuable input received during the development of 2.0 and make targeted improvements. The two areas we will focus on are enhancing the equity aspects of the plan and strengthening the quantitative targets. Want to follow along and participate in the process? Visit the Sustainable DC 3.0 Public Input page to stay up to date!

Food Waste Prevention Week Coming April 10 DOEE is proud to be partnering on Food Waste Prevention Week, taking place April 10-16. Check out DOEE’s social media for fun tips all week long on how to prevent food waste. Plus, visit Reuse DC's food recovery page all year round to learn how to participate in food recovery in the District.

GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

2023 Keeping It Cool Grant The Keeping It Cool Grant Program will provide $400,000 in grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to support cold storage infrastructure and equipment needs of food businesses and nonprofit organizations providing food-related goods and services in the Washington, D.C. region. The primary uses of this grant include investments in cold storage equipment, refrigeration infrastructure, and innovative cooling solutions. These uses can prevent food waste. The Keeping It Cool Grant Program is affiliated with the Nourish DC Collaborative, which partners with the Government of the District of Columbia to provide technical assistance, loans, and grants to support locally-owned DC food businesses. For more information, please visit https://www.capitalimpact.org/programs/nourish-dc-collaborative/. Applications are due March 31.

Request for Applications - GreenWrench Education Program DOEE seeks eligible entities to (1) teach pollution prevention to District high-school-level students studying to be automotive mechanics and (2) green skills training to professional mechanics regarding servicing electric vehicles (EVs), and the District’s clean transportation plan, and its environmental benefits. The grantee will develop a curriculum that includes EV repair and maintenance and EV industry career opportunities. For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1648246. Applications are due April 3.

Request for Applications - Electric Bike Pilot DOEE solicits grant applications from eligible entities to determine whether electric bikes (e-bikes) will help reduce transportation barriers for low-income DC residents through access to this clean transportation alternative. The applicant will select 10 District residents to receive a clean mode of transportation in the form of a pedal-assist e-bike. The data will help determine whether the e-bikes help increase the residents’ access to jobs, training opportunities, community resources, and recreation. The grantee will evaluate the e-bikes’ use. For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1646661. Applications are due April 10.

Request for Applications - Private Fleet Diesel Electrification and Low-NOx The goal of this grant is to improve public health by reducing diesel emissions in the District through the replacement of class 5+ medium- or heavy- duty diesel-powered buses with zero emissions vehicle equivalents. The grant seeks to select and replace vehicles that meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s eligibility criteria for zero emissions vehicle equivalents in communities where these replacements will have a significant impact. For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1650206. Applications are due April 19.

JOBS

Department of Public Works – Office of Waste Diversion Program Manager

This position develops programs to support the agency’s recycling and waste diversion goals and helps make it easy for people to participate. They set standards for best practices that are environmentally sustainable and economically feasible for the District government and the residents. They are also responsible for coordinating the implementation of agency strategic waste diversion plans and policies as well as reporting work progress and status to the agency head as necessary. The deadline to apply is April 4. For more information, visit this webpage and search for the role using job ID 21340.

Department of Energy and Environment – Program Analyst

This position will help launch the District’s new Environmentally Preferable Products and Services (EPPS) certification process, a next step in advancing the District’s commitment to sustainable purchasing. In supporting the District’s sustainable procurement commitments, this individual will work closely with other EPPS staff and a diverse set of partners and stakeholders. This will include collaborating with a network of cities and institutions with shared goals, including other jurisdictions advancing sustainable procurement, as well as with non-governmental organizations and District government agencies. The deadline to apply is April 11. For more information, visit this webpage and search for the role using job ID 21335.

Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens – Executive Director

The position will have a unique opportunity to grow a transformative organization that enhances and supports Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for the benefit of local residents and visitors for generations to come. The Executive Director is responsible for organizational management, coordination with the National Park Service, building and strengthening community connections, and various other responsibilities related to project and program implementation, partnership building, and activity development. The deadline to apply is April 18. For more information, visit this webpage.

DC Sustainable Energy Utility – Program Manager

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps District residents, businesses, and institutions save energy and money through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The Program Manager position provides the tactical and operational leadership for DCSEU programs and initiatives to ensure that program implementation is aligned with and meets strategic objectives. This role serves as a key stakeholder during the design and launch of new programs. The Program Manager is responsible for ongoing program success through staff resource and budget direction, monitoring and adjusting processes, and continuous system improvement while providing excellent customer support for both external and internal customers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, visit this webpage.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

DC Sustainable Energy Utility Advisory Board

The DCSEU Advisory Board is charged to provide advice, comments, and recommendations to DOEE and Council regarding the procurement and administration of DCSEU, advise on DCSEU performance, and monitor DCSEU under its contract. Right now, the Board has two vacant positions: Building Construction Industry, and Appointee of the City Council Chair Phil Mendelson. Positions are open until filled.

Interested in more information? Check out the Board’s webpage and send your resume to Jennifer Johnston at Jennifer.Johnston@dc.gov. 

EVENTS

Dreaming Out Loud Spring Festival Dreaming Out Loud’s mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. Join Dreaming Out Loud for its annual Spring Festival on Saturday April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The day will include food, music, and more as the organization celebrates spring and the upcoming growing season.

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, tablets, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet.

• Saturday, April 1, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Park Rd NW east of 14th St NW (Ward 1, near FreshFarm: Columbia Heights Market)
• Saturday, April 15, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Sumner Rd SE & Wade Rd SE (Ward 8, near Barry Farm Recreation Center)
• Sunday, April 23, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. MacArthur Blvd NW and 48th Pl NW (Ward 3, near Palisades Farmers Market)
• Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 33rd St NW between Quesada St NW & Patterson St NW (Ward 4, near Lafayette-Pointer Recreation Center)

Please visit the eCYCLE DC website to check for any updates closer to the event date.

Wildlife Returning to Anacostia Watershed: Wildlife cameras are capturing otters, beavers, and other animals around the Anacostia River, a sign of the river’s improving health.

Anacostia High School Breaks Ground on Greenhouse: Anacostia High School broke ground on a greenhouse that will be built on-site and house the hydroponic system already producing food at the school.

Women’s Voices in Green Building: Hear from four women in the green building industry, including the District’s own Katie Bergfeld, on challenges and opportunities for women in the industry.