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Image Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
April 2024
Earth Day is an annual reminder of our collective responsibility towards our planet. Beyond a celebration, it is a call to action for individuals to actively engage in environmental protection efforts within their communities. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day emerged as a response to growing environmental concerns such as air and water pollution. Since then, it has evolved into a global movement for conservation and sustainability. Today, its significance extends beyond a single day, urging people to embrace a proactive role in safeguarding the environment EVERY day.
With that sentiment in mind, we encourage you to not only participate in organized events during Earth Month, but also go a step further and initiate grassroots efforts within your communities. By forming local groups dedicated to addressing the environmental challenges you see in your communities, you can create tangible change and cultivate a culture of sustainability. Whether through community clean-up initiatives, tree-planting projects, or advocacy campaigns, collective action leads to positive environmental impact. As you reflect on Earth Day this year, commit to ongoing engagement and remember that small actions within our communities contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
New Tool Launched to Help District Residents Learn About Financial Incentives for Efficient Electric Appliances
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is proud to announce the launch of a tool to help District residents learn how much they can save when switching to affordable, energy-efficient electric appliances. The new D.C.-specific calculator, which lists available federal and District incentives, was developed in partnership with DOEE, the Department of Buildings, the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility, and Rewiring America. For more information and to use the calculator please visit https://homes.rewiringamerica.org/calculator.
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Chesapeake Bay Summit For Students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Service Institutions
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is hosting its annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU/MSI) Chesapeake Bay Summit this year from September 8 to September 9. This free summit is a great opportunity for HBCU/MSI students and faculty in DC and Maryland to engage on a wide range of topics impacting the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and also offers the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in the environmental sector. To be notified when applications open, please fill out this interest form.
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Department of Energy and Environment Celebrates 2024 District Sustainability Awards and Clean Energy DC Award
The Bowser Administration, through the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), recently presented six awards to eight individuals for the 2024 District Sustainability Awards and Clean Energy DC Award for their outstanding environmental leadership.
The 2024 awards mark the 15th year the District has celebrated businesses, organizations, and individuals on the cutting edge of sustainability. This year, DOEE partnered with Destination DC (DDC) to present the awards at DDC’s first annual Sustainability Summit. This partnership aligns with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s $400 million revitalization plans to re-energize the local economy by attracting new residents and businesses to downtown DC.
The 2024 District Sustainability Awards winners are Oyster Oyster, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co, SiStained8, LLC, The Festival Center, and three high school students, Anna Mayer, Zoe Fisher, and Maia Riggs, representing the Sunrise Movement. The winner of the Clean Energy DC Award is The Catholic University of America. Read case studies of the winners.
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Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards Applications Open
Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions across metropolitan Washington are now officially invited to apply or nominate candidates for the 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards offered by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Winners serve as a role model for the region, and are recognized in front of local, regional, and national officials for their innovative climate stewardship projects and programs that engage and serve the region’s underserved communities.
Climate efforts are recognized in three categories: government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions. The deadline for submissions is June 30. For more information, visit the awards page.
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Capital Area Solar Switch Makes the Switch to Rooftop Solar Easy and Affordable for Residents
Solar Switch is a program offered by the Department of Energy and Environment and nonprofit Solar United Neighbors that makes it more affordable for homeowners to install solar panels. Optional add-ons such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers are also available through the program. Solar Switch conducts a rigorous review of installer qualifications, ensuring participants receive a high-quality installation from a trusted installer.
Registration is open until July 24 at SolarSwitch.com/WashingtonDC but residents are encouraged to sign up before the installer auction takes place on May 8.
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GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Request for Applications - Youth Bicycle Clinic and Ride Event
The Department of Energy and Environment seeks eligible entities to educate youth in the District on bicycle maintenance, safety, and basic repairs and to (1) help them become bicycle pioneers in their respective communities, (2) deepen their knowledge and exposure to engineering concepts, and (3) encourage them to seek alternative forms of transportation. The amount available for the project is approximately $50,000. For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1719631. Applications are due May 20.
JOBS
Department of Energy and Environment – Program Analyst (2 openings)
These positions are located in the Urban Sustainability Administration’s Green Building and Climate Branch to support early implementation of all-electric and deep efficiency requirements in District Government projects. The positions will support District agencies integrating net-zero energy principles from early design to delivery through coordination with program and design teams, connecting to technical partners and exploring innovative financing solutions, and building partnerships with agencies and their networks in the building community to leverage experiences to inform the development of a net-zero energy code. For more information and to apply, visit careers.dc.gov and enter job ID 25625. Applications are due April 30.
Department of Energy and Environment – Environmental Engineer
This position is in the Air Quality Division of the Environmental Services Administration. The incumbent in this position serves as an expert Environmental Engineer, applying 1) professional knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of engineering concerned with facilities and systems for controlling pollution and protecting human health and the quality of air, land, and water resources to provide a healthful environment; and 2) an understanding of and the ability to utilize pertinent aspects of chemistry, biological sciences, and public health that pertain to the control or elimination of pollutants. For more information and to apply, visit careers.dc.gov and enter job ID 25712. Applications are due May 3.
Department of Energy and Environment – Program Analyst
This position is in the Urban Sustainability Administration, Sustainability and Equity Branch and will help support and expand the District’s Donation and Reuse Program (Reuse DC). The primary responsibilities of this position include developing creative outreach materials and leading the donation and reuse grant program. Other tasks include assisting in the development of new donation and reuse opportunities, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, nonprofits, and other District Agencies to promote the goals of the program, assisting in events, such as community repair clinics and clothing swaps, and maintenance of the Reuse DC website. For more information and to apply, visit careers.dc.gov and enter job ID 25815. Applications are due May 10.
EVENTS
eCYCLE Collection Events for Recycling Covered Electronics
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.
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Thursday May 2, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle at Catholic University of America in O’Boyle Hall parking lot at Harewood Rd NE & Fort Slemmer Dr (Ward 5)
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Sunday May 12, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Collection vehicle at Palisades Farmer’s Market on corner of MacArthur Blv NW and 48th Pl NW (Ward 3)
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Saturday May 18, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Collection vehicle on corner of Georgia Ave NW between Madison St NW & Longfellow St NW adjacent to Emery Heights Community Center (Ward 4)
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, May 18, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW). Register to attend here.
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Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition Rise Above: Building Flood Wise Communities Workshop Series
Join the Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition to learn the basics of flooding, including the types of flooding and what a floodplain is, where and how flooding affects your community, and much more. The next session will be held in-person on May 9 at the FH Faunteroy Community Enrichment Center from 6:00– 8:30 p.m. For more information and to register, email info@w7rhcc.org.
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DC Solar Switch 101
Join a virtual event from Solar United Neighbors about the basics of solar energy on June 26 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. This informative session is open to everyone intrigued by the potential of solar energy. Here’s what you can expect to explore: 1) Understanding the ins and outs of solar energy, including technology, financing options, benefits, key considerations, and any queries you may have. 2) Discovering federal tax incentives offering a generous 30% rebate on solar and battery storage installation costs. 3) Gaining insights into solar solutions tailored specifically for DC residents. 4) Unveiling the time and cost-saving advantages of partnering with the solar co-op.
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Looking for Volunteer Events?
The Sustainable DC team maintains a calendar of volunteer opportunities on the Sustainable DC website. The calendar features volunteer events with community organizations that advance the District’s sustainability goals. If you would like to receive biweekly emails with upcoming volunteer opportunities, you can sign up through the form on the bottom of the volunteer webpage.
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2023 Potomac River Report Card: This recently published report from the Potomac Conservancy highlights the successes and obstacles it and other organizations in the region have had in reaching the ultimate goal of making the Potomac River swimmable and fishable.
National Park Service Prepares For $113 Million Multi-Year Repair To Tidal Basin And West Potomac Seawalls This article details upcoming restoration plans for the seawall surrounding the Tidal Basin. The seawall is in need of restoration due to damage caused by rising sea levels directly associated with climate change.
Volunteer for the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy Creates A Cleanup Tracker: This article highlights the work of a volunteer with the Ward 8 Woods Conservancy who was able to create an online database that tracks all of the organization’s clean-ups since 2018. |
