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July 2023

Source: Keep Cool DC

This July saw some of the hottest global temperatures ever recorded – we hope you’re staying cool and safe out there, DC! These sweltering temperatures are in part due to El Niño, a cyclical weather pattern that causes warmer global air temperatures. Climate change is another major and long-term driver of extreme heat – greenhouse gas emissions produced from a variety of human activities act like an insulating blanket, trapping heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere. The District also experiences the urban heat island (UHI) effect, when heat from the sun, absorbed and retained by paved surfaces and roofs, and heat released from machines such as air conditioners and cars, create a heat “island” that is significantly warmer than surrounding suburban or rural areas.

More severe and numerous extreme heat days are expected to increase in the coming decades. Extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, but poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, deteriorates infrastructure, and strains essential services. So, what are District agencies doing to help keep residents cool from extreme heat now and in the future?

In 2022, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) released the District’s extreme heat adaptation strategy, Keep Cool DC, available in seven languages. It helps guide the District’s efforts to make neighborhoods more resilient to extreme heat and outlines solutions such as increasing access to cool spaces, designing buildings to help decrease the UHI effect, expanding the tree canopy, improving cooling centers, educating residents on heat risks, and ensuring clean and reliable power.

A couple actions you can do right now are 1) know where your nearest cooling center is using this interactive map and 2) spread the word that DOEE’s RiverSmart Homes program plants shade trees for residents for free. Prepare yourself and your family further by learning more about steps you can take to keep cool, checking out the District’s Heat Emergency Plan, and signing up for Alert DC to receive notifications about heat emergencies.

Reuse DC 2022 Annual Report is Here! Reuse DC, a new District Government program housed in DOEE, was established in 2022 to increase waste diversion from landfills and incineration by advancing donation and reuse infrastructure, programs, services, and public awareness. Reuse DC recognizes that donation and reuse is preferred over other forms of waste diversion because not only does it prevent waste, but it also provides valuable resources to those in need. Highlights from the first year of the program include: the official launch of the program and the Reuse.dc.gov website, awards for the first round of donation and reuse grants, awareness campaigns promoting sustainable options around donation and reuse, and relaunching ReThread DC and supporting Fix-It DC. Learn more and check out other highlights from the past year in the 2022 Reuse DC Annual Report!

2023 Student Air Quality – Art & Comic Contest DOEE, in partnership with the District Department of Transportation, invites 9th - 12th graders attending a public high school or public charter high school in the District to submit 2-D artwork that celebrates and portrays a clean air future in the District. Themes that students may choose to focus on for their artwork include: Air Quality & Transportation, Air Quality & Climate Change, Asthma & Your Health, Community Science, and Wildfires & Smoke. Contest winners will be selected for Best Comic ($200), Best Artwork ($200), 2nd Place ($125), 3rd Place ($75), and 8 honorable mentions. The deadline for submissions is July 31. Learn more and submit artwork at on the contest webpage!

2023 District Sustainability Award Winners Spotlight

The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working towards a more sustainable DC. Awardees’ projects and programs support the Sustainable DC 2.0 Plan, which aims to make the District the greenest, healthiest, most livable city in the United States. This year, five winners were announced – we will spotlight a few of them every month in the newsletter:

Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy: As a small community-based nonprofit with limited resources, the Conservancy cultivates alliances at every level to accomplish their work and bring all kinds of people and ideas into the process. With over 93,000 volunteer hours now invested in the restoration of Dumbarton Oaks Park, the Conservancy leads the effort to rejuvenate this threatened landscape treasure. Their work centers on sustainable restoration methods to mitigate stormwater, invasive plants, and the deterioration of the historic built garden structures - advancing an ecologically healthy urban oasis for all to enjoy.

Farmers Restaurant Group: Since opening their first business in the District over 15 years ago, the Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG) has been operating sustainable, farmer owned restaurants that support the health of our beautiful city, our waterways, and beyond. Their flagship location, Founding Farmers DC, was the District’s first LEED Gold Certified restaurant. FRG restaurants divert 90% of their waste from landfills through composting and recycling programs. Under the leadership of co-owner Dan Simons, FRG started a city-wide campaign called Our Last Straw. This grassroots, business-led initiative partnered with the Mayor’s Office and the DOEE to support DC’s ban on plastic straws through business-to-business education. FRG also works directly with the DC Public School system to support their Career Ready Internship program and hosts paid interns in their Founding Farmers DC restaurant

Check out case studies and the YouTube short film featuring each of the five winners describing, in their own words, why they chose sustainable operations and practices!

Metro Lift Income-Qualified Fare Program: Enrollment is Now Open! Metro is making it more affordable for tens of thousands of Metro customers to travel across the region. Metro will provide a 50% discount on Metrorail and Metrobus fares for customers who are currently enrolled in either the DC, Maryland or Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The discount will reduce the cost of a bus trip to just $1 and rail fare to as little as $1 and no more than $3 depending on how far you travel. For more information and to enroll, visit the Metro Lift website.

FREE Community Forklift Partial Deconstruction Service in DC Deconstruction is like construction in reverse! It involves the careful dismantling of a building so that materials can be salvaged for reuse rather than dumped in a landfill. Community Forklift has received a DOEE grant to help offset the costs of removing reusable materials from job sites. This free deconstruction service will be provided on a select basis for projects within the District of Columbia. The goal: divert reusable materials from the landfill and redistribute these goods into our local communities while educating residents on reuse. Community Forklift’s skilled teams will salvage as many materials as possible in half-day or full-day shifts. The focus will be on kitchen cabinet sets and doors, but Community Forklift is open to additional opportunities. The project has limited spots available, and this FREE service will be provided only until September 1, 2023. For additional information, visit Community Forklift's deconstruction webpage. Or to schedule a walk through, call or text Tom at (301) 832-0780 or email him at Tom@CommunityForklift.org.

Capital Area Solar Switch Makes the Switch to Rooftop Solar Easy and Affordable for Residents and Businesses  A new program from Solar United Neighbors and local government partners, called Solar Switch, is underway to help residents in the DMV benefit from the power of group buying and to lower the price of installing solar. The Capital Area Solar Switch program offers homeowners and small businesses a free, convenient way to learn about and install rooftop solar panels and battery storage.   Any households or small businesses that sign up for Solar Switch will receive information that includes estimated costs, savings, and expected electricity generation. Participants in the program are expected to save an average of $4,000 on an average-sized solar installation. The federal tax credit can reduce costs by an additional 30%.   Capital Area Solar Switch is open to anyone in DC, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery, Frederick, and Prince George's counties. Sign up by August 30 to join the group and make the switch to solar today.

GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Request for Applications – Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Programs

DOEE solicits grant applications from eligible entities to provide high-quality, cost-effective services to income-qualified households and improve the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and safety of single and multifamily dwellings throughout the District. The successful applicant will identify lead-based paint and other hazardous conditions, install approved energy efficiency measures, perform lead remediation and rehabilitation work, and provide energy and healthy homes related information to occupants. The amount available for the project is approximately $10,910,000. The deadline for applications is July 23. For more information, visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1667131.

Request for Applications – DC Resiliency Hub Technology Assistance

DOEE solicits grant applications from eligible entities to minimize the impact of power outages on the operations of community resilience hubs by encouraging the installation of solar and battery energy storage systems. The funds will be awarded to a resilience hub that provides essential services, such as medication storage, cell phone charging, and other community services during power disruptions to low- to moderate-income residents in Ward 7. The amount available for the project is approximately $540,000. The deadline for applications is August 7. For more information, visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1669501.

Request for Applications – DC Hosting Capacity study and Education Project

DOEE seeks eligible entities to 1) develop and conduct a “Hosting Capacity Study” to identify the amount of additional energy supply from distributed energy resources that the District’s electrical distribution system can accommodate without requiring upgrades, and 2) develop publicly accessible educational guidance to increase District residents’ and homeowners’ awareness about District-wide hosting capacity based on the results of the study. The amount available for the project is $350,000. The deadline for applications is August 7. For more information, visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1667126. 

Request for Applications – Community Stormwater Solutions Evaluation and Expansion Grant

DOEE seeks eligible entities to continue and expand DOEE’s commitment to fund innovative watershed-focused initiatives; build capacity among new and low-capacity community-based organizations and small businesses; and support the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the grant award-making process and in environmental work. The amount available for the two-year project is $700,000, with an opportunity for DOEE to extend for another two years, at its discretion. The deadline for applications is August 11. For more information, visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1666121.

Request for Applications – Middle School Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences

DOEE seeks eligible entities to continue DOEE's commitment to provide Middle School Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MS MWEE) to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students enrolled in DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools. The MWEE program offers District students the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time learning about their local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay, while immersed in an urban environment. This hands-on outdoor program also provides professional development for teachers, advances the integration of environmental literacy into classroom curriculum, and helps prepare District students to be competitive in the green economy. The amount available for the project is $25,000. The deadline for applications is August 11. For more information, visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1664816.

JOBS

District Department of Transportation, Urban Forestry Division – Forester (Job ID: 22567)

The forester performs duties that involve on-site inspection, evaluation, and management of urban tree populations. The incumbent is responsible for the development, planning, and application of urban forestry methods and practices directed toward the establishment, restoration, and conservation of urban forests. The deadline for applications is July 24. For more information and to apply, visit: https://careers.dc.gov/ and search for job ID: 22567.  

DC Sustainable Energy Utility – Manager, Marketing and Communications

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps District residents, businesses, and institutions save energy and money through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Led by the Sustainable Energy Partnership and under contract to DOEE, the DCSEU is committed to environmental preservation, community engagement, and economic development. DCSEU is looking to hire a Marketing and Communications Manager to direct, manage, and oversee all aspects of marketing and communications work for DCSEU. This role also supports relationships with key stakeholders and the media in support of the DCSEU’s marketing and communications goals. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, visit the DCSEU jobs page. 

Compost Cab – Compost Cabbie

Compost Cab has two goals: make it easier for people to compost, and easier for urban agriculture to thrive. It achieves these two goals by providing home and commercial composting services, and by partnering with urban farms and community gardens to build soil in the city. Compost Cab is currently hiring for several part-time Compost Cabbies, including drivers and farmers market team positions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To learn more about these positions and apply, visit Join Our Team — Compost Cab.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Sustainable DC is Getting a Refresh - Take the Survey Now!

The District is updating its Sustainable DC plan to support a healthy environment, further equity, and expand economic development opportunities. The survey to provide input on the plan is now available, both in English and in Spanish. Please visit https://publicinput.com/u3366#1 to take the survey. Your responses will help ensure the next version of the Sustainable DC plan appropriately reflects community priorities to advance climate justice, racial equity, and economic justice.

In addition to the survey, community members are being engaged through focus groups and in-person events. Dates for these additional engagement events will be posted on https://publicinput.com/u3366#2.

Notice of Public Hearing & Public Comment – Air Quality Issues

DOEE will hold a public hearing on July 24 at 5:30 p.m. This hearing provides interested parties an opportunity to comment on DOEE’s proposed response to three submissions made to the agency under the “Alternative Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT)” provision. The requirement to update RACT standards in response to the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards applies to the two precursor pollutants of ozone, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. For more information and to learn more about how to testify at the hearing, visit: https://doee.dc.gov/node/1665741.

Notice of Public Hearing & Public Comment – District’s Proposed 2021 Water Quality Standards

DOEE invites the public to present its comments at a public hearing on August 23, 6–8 p.m., on the District’s Proposed 2021 Water Quality Standards. All persons present at the hearing who wish to be heard may testify, with presentations limited to five minutes. The deadline for comments is September 8 at the conclusion of the 60-day public comment period; comments may be submitted via e-mail, mail, or hand delivery. For more information, visit: https://doee.dc.gov/node/1669626.

EVENTS

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. See below for upcoming eCYCLE DC events around the District.

• Saturday, July 22, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle expected near 1333 Emerson St NE (Ward 5, near North Michigan Park Recreation Center)
• Saturday July 29, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Collection vehicle expected to be south of Petworth Farmers Market on Taylor St NW east of 9th St NW (Ward 4)
• Saturday August 5, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle expected to be near 1555 34^th St NW, on the corner of 34^th St NW & Volta Pl NW (Ward 2, near Volta Park Recreation Center)
• Friday August 18, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle expected to be near 201 N St SW, on the corner of N St SW & First St SW (Ward 6, near King Greenleaf Recreation Center)

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

Fix-It DC Fix-It DC events are community repair events dedicated to changing the “throw-it-away” mentality. Visitors bring their broken items to the Fix-It DC event where volunteer Fix-It coaches provide guidance in troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is: Saturday, August 19, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Lederer Gardens (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE) – Register Now DOEE is also looking for coaches to help other residents try to repair their small household items. If you are interested in coaching, please sign up here.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

Are you interested in participating in volunteer events with District organizations that are supporting the vision and goals of Sustainable DC? Check out our calendar of volunteer events and sign up for a bi-weekly volunteer newsletter on the Sustainable DC website!

Groundswell Celebrates New Community Solar Array and District Milestone: The community solar array at Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church will provide 73 local, income-qualified households with up to $500 a year in clean energy savings through DOEE’s Solar for All program.

Podcast: Woman from the Well | Edible Activist Podcast: This episode features Jarren Hill-Lockridge, a Ward 8 community advocate, who shares her story and commitment to make wellness accessible and equitable. Jarren serves on the Ward 8 Health Council and helped to build a green space project in Southeast centered around homegrown, local food and wellness.