02-01-2024
This month’s issue includes information on OEEC’s new Climate Matters blog; a video highlighting Fairfax County Government’s efforts to go solar; a Green Breakfast webinar on resources for energy conservation and efficiency; a new rule regarding the tax credits available for buying an electric vehicle; Dominion Energy’s incentive programs for commercial facilities; a Data Centers report; the county’s hypothermia prevention program, and much more.
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination has launched its Climate Matters blog – a space to share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors.
Read our first 2 entries - one from our intern extraordinaire Maiya Justice about her experiences working for OEEC and how it shaped her views on the climate crisis, the other about the role of greenhouse gas emissions in climate change.
Be sure to look for new blog posts every couple of weeks.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Green Business Partners Program Welcomes New Leader
Fairfax County’s Green Business Partners program recognizes and supports businesses actively engaging in or interested in sustainable business practices that advance climate action and help create a carbon neutral economy. The program has two different levels of participation: Leaders and Members.
The program is free to join and includes a variety of networking, educational and promotional benefits.
Recently, the program welcomed a new Leader: BXP, Reston.
Visit the Green Business Partners page to see a full list of members and join the program.
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ICYMI: Conserve Energy, Save Money and Take Climate Action with OEEC
A Green Breakfast event on January 13 featured Neely Law from OEEC who shared energy conservation and the resources available through the Energy Conservation Assistance Program.
The Energy Conservation Assistance program provides cost-share reimbursement grants to eligible organizations in the county to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and save on utility costs.
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District facilitates these bi-monthly virtual events on Saturday mornings to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting. All Green Breakfast webinars begin at 9:00 a.m. and are hosted on Teams.
Learn more about upcoming Green Breakfast events.
Spotlight on OEEC Outreach: Sharing Energy Saving Tips with Area Scouts
OEEC staff and volunteers shared home energy and climate action information with two area cub scout groups in recent weeks.
HomeWise program manager Sara Girello and volunteers from the program provided a hands-on demonstration on home energy efficiency to cub scouts from Pack 1967 at the Fairfax County Government Center on Dec. 14. The team— including OEEC’s Melanie Malsch — were back out again on January 8 at United Christian Parish to share energy tips with cub scouts from Pack 1169.
Interested in having an expert from OEEC speak at your next event? Visit our Request a Speaker page to learn more and to submit your request.
Save the Date: Ceremony to Celebrate Leaders in Design, Environmental Excellence and Conservation on Feb. 27
Fairfax County will celebrate the individuals, county employees, organizations and businesses who are helping to create a more sustainable future at an awards ceremony on Feb. 27.
The event will take place at the Government Center at 5 p.m. and will recognize the 2023 winners of the Environmental Excellence , Friends of Trees and James M. Scott Exceptional Design awards. The event will be televised on Government Channel 16.
The Environmental Excellence Awards recognize those who demonstrate leadership and go above and beyond to advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policies. The Friends of Trees Awards highlights exceptional, outstanding, and innovative tree conservation actions in Fairfax County. The Exceptional Design Awards recipients are recognized for their commitment to design that enhances the experience of site users and visitors.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Operational Energy Strategy in Action: Going Solar
Moving away from fossil fuels in favor of renewable forms of energy to power its buildings helps the county save money, reduce its carbon emissions, and promote a healthier environment. Fairfax County has installed rooftop solar panels on five county facilities with 18 more projects in the pipeline.
See how Fairfax County is going solar in support of its Operational Energy Strategy.
Sign Up for Solar Switch by Feb. 13
Fairfax County residents have until Feb. 13 to sign up for Solar Switch, a program to help homeowners and small business install solar panels and battery storage systems. By signing up for the program, you can access a group discount that will help you save on solar panels with or without battery installation. Registering comes at no cost, and you're under no obligation to buy solar panels. Visit SolarSwitch.com/WashingtonDC to learn more.
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Dominion Energy Offers Incentive Programs for Commercial and Industrial Customers
Kickstart your 2024 energy efficiency goals at your commercial facility with Dominion Energy’s new incentive programs! Healthcare and Hotel & Lodging facilities can now apply for industry-specific incentives for a variety of upgrades. These improvements can result in increased comfort, safety, and energy savings, potentially boosting your bottom line and increasing customer satisfaction.
Beginning this year, all commercial and industrial customers can also receive cash incentives with the C&I Custom Energy Solutions Program. Now is an excellent time to get started saving energy and reaching your sustainability goals.
Contact Dominion today to find out how much you can save in your healthcare, lodging, or commercial & industrial facility! Dominion Energy’s Healthcare, Hotel & Lodging, and C&I Custom Energy Solutions programs are administered by TRC, a third-party implementation specialist that helps businesses save energy.
Hannah Kelley | TRC Companies
Energy Advisor, Dominion Energy Conservation Program
Call: m. 804.588.2357; o. 888.366.8280
Email: hkelley@trccompanies.com
Visit: dominionenergy.com/hotel OR dominionenergy.com/healthcare
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Data Centers Report and Recommendations Addresses Environmental Issues
The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development recently released a set of findings and recommendations that address some of the environmental and energy concerns around data centers.
Data centers are buildings that house computer servers and network connections, and over the next decade their numbers are expected to double to keep up with the demands of smart technology. There are currently more than 12 data centers located in Fairfax County.
In May of 2023 the Board of Supervisors directed county staff to study the industry and provide recommendations on how data centers should be located and permitted. The study looked at issues like energy and water demand, air quality, noise and aesthetics associated with data centers to inform guidelines and standards that might be incorporated into the county’s Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. View the Guidelines for Data Centers page to read the report and recommendations.
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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Funding Awarded for Fairfax County Schools’ Electric Bus Fleet
Fairfax County Public Schools’ bus electrification program got a jolt thanks to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency award of approximately $16.6 million to purchase 42 additional zero-emission buses.
The EPA’s Clean School Bus program created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is allocating $5 billion of funding over five years to fund clean school buses that improve air quality for students and reduce emissions.
FCPS currently has 31 electric buses in operation, which were acquired from programs administered by the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and Dominion Energy. These programs provided money to cover the difference in price between an electric and diesel bus.
Fairfax County's Joint Environmental Task Force, which included representatives from the Board of Supervisors and School Board, set a goal of transitioning the FCPS school bus fleet to electric or carbon-neutral by 2035.
Good News for EV Buyers: Tax Credits Can Now Be Applied at Point of Sale
It’s easier now to claim the tax credits available for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles.
Starting January 1 of this year, buyers of new and used electric vehicles (EV) can reduce the upfront purchase price of their vehicle by the amount of their Clean Vehicle Tax Credit if they transfer the credit to their car dealer.
Previously, eligible EV buyers could only receive this credit after filing their tax returns. Additional requirements apply for vehicles delivered on or after Jan. 1, 2024, and the amount of the credit will depend on whether the vehicle meets critical minerals and battery components requirements for vehicles delivered after April 17, 2023.
Visit our Electric Vehicle page for more information and resources to support your EV buying decision. You can also find more information on consumer in this IRS document on Transferring Clean Vehicle Tax Credits.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Landscaping and Screening Amendment Requires Additional Tree Coverage
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently approved a Zoning Ordinance amendment that increases the percentage of interior parking lot landscaping, among other landscaping and screening requirements.
Updating the Zoning Ordinance to support sustainable land use and to expand tree canopy and green spaces is among the strategies of the Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan and Resilient Fairfax. Specifically, the new landscaping and screening provisions of the Zoning Ordinance furthers the efforts to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect and mitigate urban flooding, which are among the top climate-related hazards. Landscaping also helps create a healthy, attractive, and livable community for all.
Overall, the amendment reorganizes the landscaping and screening Section of the Zoning Ordinance; increases the percentage of interior parking lot landscaping; establishes shade structure requirements for parking structures; revises the transitional screening and barrier requirements; establishes requirements for street frontage landscaping; and modifies a variety of other landscaping and screening regulations.
To view the staff report and other details, please visit the Landscaping and Screening amendment webpage.
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Register Now for 2024 Conference for Spanish-Speaking Landscape Professionals
Sponsored by Plant NOVA Natives, the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Park Authority, a Conference for Spanish-Speaking Landscape Professionals will take place on March 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Attendees will learn more about the benefits of native plants and tips for managing invasive species Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Questions about this event can be directed to plantnovanatives@gmail.com
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TAKE ACTION
Apply to Be a Vendor, Exhibitor at Earth Day Festival 2024
The Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for another Earth Day Festival on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. This event is the largest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County and brings together thousands of community members in a celebration of the outdoor with fun-filled, family-friendly activities, exhibits, entertainment and food. Vendors and exhibitors interested in participating in the event must submit their applications online by February 12.
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Hypothermia Prevention Program Now Open Through March 31
Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program is in place to ensure no one experiencing homelessness sleeps outside during the winter. The program provides warm shelter, food, clothing, connections to supportive services and more for unhoused individuals.
Unhoused adults in need of immediate shelter, food and other supportive services are welcome at any of the adult shelters or regional hypothermia prevention program locations. Families needing assistance can call Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880.
Stay Informed and Prepared with Fairfax Alerts
Fairfax Alerts is the county’s comprehensive emergency notification system that allows residents to receive real-time updates and emergency alerts as well as public safety, traffic, weather, transportation and general county news.
Signing up for Fairfax Alerts is a proactive step towards staying informed, prepared, and safe during emergencies and other important events. With customizable alerts, multiple addresses and various delivery methods, Fairfax Alerts ensures you receive the information that matters most to you, right when you need it.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource. Visit Fairfax Alerts today and stay in the know while on the go.
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