AIRE Newsletter: March 2024

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AIRE Newsletter


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AIRE Newsletter

The Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) newsletter empowers subscribers with energy tips and informational events aimed at making Arlington a more sustainable community.

Upcoming Events

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2024 Spring Garden Kickoff

Join us for Plot Against Hunger’s 2024 Spring Garden Kickoff! We’ll have terrific speakers on gardens, food pantries, seed and seedling giveaways, and garden tips. Plus, a chance to meet gardeners, information on how to participate in the Plot program and more! Register here.

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E-Care Event

Saturday, March 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wakefield High School, 1325 S. Dinwiddie St.

The Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) is a biannual environmentally friendly drop-off event at which residents can safely dispose of Household Hazardous Materials (HHM). View the list of acceptable materials.

 

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Hosts Needed: Arlington Green Home and Garden Tour!

Sunday, June 2

Interested in hosting your home or garden? Do you know someone whose home or garden would be a great fit? Help provide ideas and inspiration to build a greener Arlington community! Learn more by clicking the below links.

In Case You Missed It

Results are in from the Renter Energy Feedback Form!

Thank you to all who participated in responding. The results below will support the design phase of residential energy education and program(s) specific to renters.

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Energy Tips

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Local Resident Optimizes Energy Efficiency Near Clarendon

A local resident has successfully optimized the energy efficiency of both his home and office. His major takeaway? It was well worth it. Below is a breakdown of his upgrades.

 

 

Office Energy Upgrades:

The office, with R-50 insulation and super insulating windows, is covered in solar photovoltaic (PV) roof shingles, complemented by a small wind turbine and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell—all seamlessly integrated with a web-enabled battery bank. 

 

Home Energy Innovations:

  • The resident’s home features:
    • Solar Daylighting: Utilizing sunlight to illuminate interior bathroom space. 
    • Solar Water Heating: A thermal panel with a solar circulation pump meet all water heating needs, plus two rain barrels collect gutter water from the yard.
    • Geothermal Ductless Heat Pump: Heats and cools the residence which has R35 insulation, double-pane argon-filled windows and thermal barrier coating reflecting out summer heat—all lowering AC energy needs.
    • Mixed PV Modules System: A combination of PV modules tied to a substantial absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery bank.
    • Extra Output PV: These panels fully power his 2023 Nissan Leaf SL Plus parked in the driveway.

 

High-Value Deployable Units:

The property also includes deployable units focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy used for training. Overall, these strategic deployments have resulted in significant electricity cost savings [of $3,000+ per year] for the building owner and resident. If you’re interested in learning more from this energy-savvy individual, please feel free to contact us.

For More Information

Missed the last edition? Find it in our newsletter archive.

 

For a variety of information related to the County's energy, climate and environmental projects, programs and policies, visit the AIRE Website.