August 2026
Image Credit: Department of Energy and Environment
Ever wanted to learn more about the creatures that live in the Potomac, Anacostia, and Chesapeake Bay? The Department of Energy and Environment’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) exhibits around 40 different species of animals including snapping turtles, largemouth bass, frogs, and eels. The center, located in Anacostia Park, offers tours for school-age groups in the mornings and is open to the public in the afternoon. AREC contributes to the Sustainable DC plan and the District’s Environmental Literacy Plan which have goals to ensure that every student in the District graduates with the knowledge to protect and restore their local environment.
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2026 District Sustainability Awardee Introduction Videos Now Available
These videos created by the Department of Energy and Environment highlight the winners of the 2026 District Sustainability Awards who were announced at Destination DC’s Sustainability Summit. Awardees highlight the work they do towards making DC the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city for all residents. Check out the videos here!
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2026 District Sustainability Award Winners Spotlight
Business category award winner To Go Green is a reusable packaging platform helping restaurants replace single-use takeout containers with durable, easy-to-return alternatives. Through trackable containers, flexible return options, and integration with delivery apps, the system allows customers to enjoy the convenience of takeout without the waste. Each container replaces more than a thousand disposables over its lifespan, reducing plastic pollution, litter, and landfill volume across the District.
Check out the award winner case studies to learn more!
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District Department of Transportation Launches the Cool Corridors Pilot
Beginning the last week of July, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) began applying solar reflective “cool pavement” coatings at five sites across the city that have been designated as urban heat islands as part of a broader effort called the Cool Corridors Multi-Hazard Resilience Study. This initiative is designed to reduce extreme heat on District streets, improve neighborhood comfort, and help create a more resilient transportation network for residents. To learn more about Cool Corridors Pilot Project check out the press release here and DDOT’s website here.
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Grants for Youth-Led Climate Projects Coming Soon
The Department of Energy and Environment will soon open applications to award grants for youth-led climate projects. This is a unique opportunity for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 to feel empowered to take action on climate and get funding to do so. Youth must get connected with a legally-registered entity, such as a nonprofit or a university, to be able to accept funds on their behalf. Grant funds will be up to $2,500 and must be used for DC-based projects that advance DC’s climate priorities of reducing carbon emissions and fostering resilience to climate change. See https://doee.dc.gov/service/youth-climate-action-fund for more information.
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Feedback Open for Kingman and Heritage Islands Trails and Amenities Design Project
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) invites residents to provide feedback as they design new amenities, increase trail access, and support additional learning and interaction with nature on Kingman and Heritage Islands, the District's first state conservation area. DOEE is hosting public engagement opportunities throughout the design process, including a site walk and charette on August 12. Registration for these events is available here. Learn more about the project and submit comments by August 31 here.
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Age-Friendly DC 2026 Livability Survey
Are you a District resident age 50 or older? We want to hear from you! The Age-Friendly DC 2026 Livability Survey asks about the issues that matter most to older adults, including transportation, housing, community services, health, communication, caregiving, and opportunities for social engagement. Your feedback helps the District better understand the experiences of older residents and guides future planning, investments, and programs that make Washington, DC a great place to grow older. Complete the survey online in English or en español by August 24.
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Energy Conservation and Green Construction Codes Listening Session
The Department of Buildings is hosting a virtual listening session on September 9 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. to hear feedback on proposed construction code updates related to energy conservation and green construction. Input will help shape the agency’s proposed updates and ensure the District’s regulations reflect the needs and real-world experiences of those who use them. Register for the session here.
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Anacostia Riverkeeper - Restoration & Stewardship Projects Manager
The Restoration & Stewardship Projects Manager leads Anacostia Riverkeeper's on-the-ground restoration initiatives by coordinating green infrastructure projects, community stewardship efforts, trash reduction programs, and habitat improvement activities that create healthier waterways and more resilient communities. The ideal candidate is an experienced project manager who enjoys both working outdoors and building collaborative partnerships. For more information and how to apply, visit their website here.
Anacostia Riverkeeper - Science & Data Manager
The Science & Data Program Manager leads Anacostia Riverkeeper's environmental monitoring and applied science programs, ensuring that high-quality environmental data inform advocacy, restoration, recreation, and public understanding of the Anacostia River. This position manages multiple science initiatives from planning through implementation, reporting, and evaluation while serving as the organization's technical lead for water quality monitoring, environmental data management, and community science. For more information and how to apply, visit their website here.
Anacostia Watershed Society - Director of Development
The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) seeks a full-time Director of Development – a top fundraiser and member of the AWS leadership team – to lead a high-performing development team and formulate and implement a creative multi-year strategy aimed at expanding the organization’s donor base, revenue, visibility, and influence, while maintaining benchmark best practices. For more information and how to apply, visit their website here.
DC Water Breaks Ground on Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project. DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, part of the Clean Rivers Project which works to help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways during heavy storms. The tunnel is expected to decrease overflow of untreated water into our creeks and rivers by 96%.
How Cycling is Empowering these DC Students of Color. Dunbar High School Physical Education Teacher Alex Clark leads the non-profit Prime Ability, which organizes biking programming for youth to use movement as a healthy outlet. Prime Ability was started to let kids take risks in a safe environment and, over six years, biking has taken Clark's students to new heights: they’ve won races in biking competitions, served as leaders in local cycling clubs, worked at bike shops, and gone on to college.
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 8 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lederer Gardens (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE). Register to attend here.
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DC Greens and Swap DC Mending Night
This workshop is all about the practical side of up-cycling: patching, fixing hems, and reinforcing your pieces. Bring in your “to-fix” items and learn how to give your clothes a second life. It’s practical, eco-friendly, and a skill you’ll use forever. During the workshop, guests will learn about the different ways to mend clothing and have an opportunity to use patches to decorate clothing and learn textile facts. The event will take place on Friday, August 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Well at Oxon Run. Register to attend here.
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Free Electronics Recycling & Take It Apart Day
Because Science in Adams Morgan is hosting a free recycling day on Sunday, August 16 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Bring in your old electronics and give them a new life or take them apart and see what’s inside. For more information, check out their website here.
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District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility Train Green Courses
The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility offers no-cost training and certification opportunities for certified business enterprises, certified-eligible firms, and DC residents to improve knowledge and skills in energy efficiency and renewable energy design, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Upcoming courses include DC Building Energy Performance Standards, Green Building Codes, and Regulations, Energy Management Systems Fundamentals, and Green Building 101. View the courses and apply here.
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Reuse DC Share Fair
Looking for a sustainable way to declutter? Clear out your closets and give your items away to someone new at Reuse DC's Share Fair. The event will be held on September 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eastern Market. Reserve your spot here.
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Kingman Island Friends & Family Day
Save the date for the Department of Energy and Environment’s 6th Annual Kingman Island Friends & Family Day! The event will be held Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kingman and Heritage Islands. Keep an eye out on https://www.kingmanisland.com/friends-family-day for more information.
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