04-02-2024
This month’s issue includes a new Green Business Partners Leader spotlight video; going solar with Solarize Virginia and Solar Switch; spring and summer energy savings tips; the latest posts on the Climate Matters blog; the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center project; plans for Bike to Work Day 2024; a permit fee waiver for electric vehicle charging stations; an Operation Stream Shield spring cleaning at Herrity Gardens; a Youth Conservation poster contest; information on Earth Month events in April; and much more.
John Morrill has been appointed director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC). Morrill brings over 30 years of experience in energy and environmental issues and has served as acting director of the OEEC since March 2023.
The office was established in July 2019 to lead the county's interdepartmental activity on environmental and energy plans, policies and programs, including climate action and resiliency. OEEC works to connect county departments, authorities, businesses and residents to effectively advance the county’s environmental and energy goals.
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 There is so much discussion about sustainability these days, but what does that mean for our economy? And what are actions we can take to refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle?
Understanding the difference between weather and climate can help you understand the broader patterns and changes that occur in our environment, and why they matter.
Read our latest blog posts on the circular economy and how to support it, and the difference between weather and climate.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Green Business Leader Spotlight: Inova Health System
As a Leader in Fairfax County’s Green Business Partners, Inova Health System has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability for more than 10 years.
Watch our latest Leader Spotlight video to see how Inova has reduced its environmental impact by switching to eco-friendly disposable containers and reusable water bottles, launching a food composting initiative, offering alternative transportation options for team members, and achieving LEED® certification at six buildings.
Ready to join them? The Green Business Partners program recognizes and supports businesses that are actively engaging in or interested in adopting sustainable business practices that advance climate action and help create a carbon neutral economy. The program has two different levels of participation: Members and Leaders. The program is free to join and includes a variety of networking, educational and promotional benefits.
Visit the Green Business Partners page to see a full list of members and join the program.
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BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Go Solar this Spring with Solarize VA and Solar Switch!
Two programs available to Fairfax County homeowners – Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch – make it easy to install a quality rooftop solar system at a lower price. The programs vet and select reputable solar panel installers, who in turn offer discounted prices to program participants (typically at least 10% lower than the regional average). And homeowners can register for free without any obligation to purchase solar panels.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Solarize Virginia, which is offered by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). Last year alone, 292 Virginia residents went solar through Solarize, 223 of whom were in Northern Virginia. Solarize is open April 1 through June 30 this year. During this time, program participants can attend free webinars and receive expert opinions about the feasibility of solar panels for their buildings. To sign up for free or learn more information, go to www.solarizeva.org
Solar Switch is a group buying program offered by Solar United Neighbors that helps homeowners and small businesses purchase a complete rooftop solar installation with optional add-ons, such as battery storage and EV chargers. During the most recent Solar Switch program, households saved an average of $4,115 on a typical solar installation. The federal solar tax credit can further reduce system costs, making solar energy more accessible than ever before. To find out how much you can save by going solar at your home or small business, sign up by July 24 at SolarSwitch.com/FairfaxCounty.
Dominion Energy Program Pays For Solar Installation For Qualifying Customers
Want to solar but can’t afford the cost? Dominion Energy’s Income and Age Qualifying Program (IAQ) Solar program. provides no-cost solar installation and maintenance to qualifying customers in Virginia.
The solar program acts as a companion to Dominion Energy's Energy Efficiency Programs, both reducing customers' energy use AND providing clean energy generation on site.
Qualifying households must first receive energy efficiency measures that reduce their energy waste. Following the completion of energy efficiency measures, households are then eligible to apply for the IAQ Program. The program pays for the upfront cost of installation and includes a 25-year warranty for maintenance and repairs at no cost to the customer.
To be eligible for the free program, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have a household annual income that does not exceed 80% of the local area median income as set forth by Virginia Housing or 60% of the state median income as determined by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development , whichever is greater.
- Be 60-years-old or older with a total household income that does not exceed 120% of the Virginia median income as defined by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development income guidelines.
Since the program will sunset at the end of the calendar year, residents who may be eligible should act now. To learn more about the program, call 888-366-8280.
ICYMI: Electrify Your Home with Rebates and Incentives: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar
OEEC’s latest webinar, “Electrify Your Home with Rebates and Incentives: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar”, explores tax credits available to Fairfax County homeowners who are making energy efficiency and electrification upgrades.
Not only will you learn about tax credits, you’ll also hear from energy experts from U.S. Department of Energy and Honeywell.
Don’t worry if you missed it live. You can view the recording now.
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Spring and Summer Energy-Savings Tips
Looking for ways to save energy and keep costs down while keeping your home cool during the warm spring and summer weather? The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver site offers these tips and more:
- Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows during the day.
- Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room.
- Consider lighting options that operate at cooler temperatures.
- Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes for better efficiency.
Visit OEEC’s Home Energy page for even more ways to save money and reduce your energy use.
Need Help with Lowering Your Utility Bills? CHP Energy Solutions Can Help!
Is your home uncomfortable or difficult to heat and cool? Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions provides no-cost, government- and utility-funded improvements to increase the energy efficiency, health, and safety of your house or apartment. This can include installation of insulation, LED light bulbs, heating & cooling repairs and upgrades, and more, at zero cost to qualifying landlords, homeowners and renters.
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Homeowners and renters can see if they qualify by calling 888-229-3714 or by visiting chpenergysolutions.org. CHP Energy Solutions is the VA Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) designated weatherization provider for the Fairfax community. All improvements are provided at no cost and are based on a site assessment and program guidelines. |
Willard-Sherwood Project Aims for LEED® Gold Standard
An exciting and innovative project is underway in the heart of Fairfax City that will bring health, wellness and recreation together on one campus. Fairfax City and Fairfax County are jointly redeveloping the current Joseph Willard Health Center (JWHC) and the city’s Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center into a single location.
The project will replace the old Health Center with a new, 102,800-square-foot facility designed to reach Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification by using less water and energy and employing all-electric building systems and equipment.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Plan Now for Bike to Work Day 2024
Registration is open for Bike to Work Day 2024 (Friday, May 17)! This year, Fairfax County has 27 different pit stops for bicyclists. Additionally, Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) and other local governments will host dozens more throughout the National Capital Region.
Sign up for this free event, hop on your bike, and visit your chosen pit stop to enjoy great giveaways, snacks, entertainment, and a festive celebration of our favorite active transportation mode.
Fairfax County DOT Designated a “Bicycle-Friendly Business”
The League of American Bicyclists recently recognized the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) with a silver level Bicycle-Friendly Business designation. The recognition was awarded after an extensive review of FCDOT’s facilities and programs to support its two-wheeled commuters, along with how the agency works to encourage bicycling in the community. The award duration lasts four years through 2028.
Good News if You’re Installing an EV Charging Station
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized an 18-month extension for an exemption of all electrical and building permit fees for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). The current exemption, which was scheduled to expire on May 1, 2024, has been extended through October 31, 2025
The exemption supports the county’s climate goal for a carbon-free Fairfax —“a future for Fairfax County that is healthy, sustainable, and economically prosperous without local greenhouse gas emissions”—as well as the Environment Community Outcome Area of the Countywide Strategic Plan.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Think Spring! 12 Ways to Get Ready for Gardening and Growing Season
 With temperatures rising and spring bulbs poking through the earth, Fairfax County has tips/services to get your lawn and garden ready for spring.
Calling a master gardener, picking up free mulch, getting a soil test, removing invasives, and planting natives are just some of the county resources available to gardeners, growers and those who dabble in between.
Operation Stream Shield Spruces Up Herrity Gardens
In a display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, the gardens at the Herrity Building on the Fairfax County Government Center Complex have been given a renewed lease on life this spring, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Operation Stream Shield and guidance from landscape architects of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division.
The effort put into the spring cleaning of Herrity Gardens is more than a beautification project; it's a vital initiative for promoting biodiversity and supporting the local ecosystem.
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Attention Youth: Conservation Poster Contest Entries Welcome
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) is accepting entries in the annual Youth Poster Contest now through September 27.
The poster contest is a national competition sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts and offered locally at the district level. District winners advance to the state level. Virginia state winners will advance to the National Contest. National winners are recognized each year at the NACD Annual Meeting. The contest is open to public, private or home school students, girl scout/boy scout troops, etc.
Posters can be mailed to NVSWCD or dropped off by appointment or scanned and emailed to ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov. For contest rules and more information on how to enter, visit the Conservation Poster Contest page.
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TAKE ACTION
Celebrate Earth Month with Events in April
Fairfax County is joining communities around the world in celebrating Earth Month, to highlight the need for environmental stewardship and sustainability for a healthier planet. Make plans now to participate in county events throughout April that will provide awareness, education and opportunities for positive actions:
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Providence District Earth Day Celebration, April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kingsley Commons
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Green Reston, April 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Reston Community Center
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Town of Vienna Green Expo, April 18, 7 to 9 p.m., Vienna Community Center
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Earth Day Fairfax 2024, April 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sully Historic Site
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6th Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo, April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fort Hunt Park
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Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration, April 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Annandale Pop-Up Park
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Earth Daze Event, April 28, Aslin Beer Co., Herndon
OEEC will have a table at these events providing information on our programs. Come say hello! Want to find other ways to make an impact? Clean Fairfax has an Earth Month+ 2024 page, which includes the Clean Fairfax Earth Month+ Calendar. Find the many community cleanups, Earth Day events, and other environmental happenings that are going on around Fairfax County this spring. You can also find links to Earth Month+ resources and get connected with meaningful environmental efforts.
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Visit Fairfax County Farmers Markets in 2024 and Consider Composting
The opening of the 2024 Farmers Market season is fast approaching and the Park Authority, along with dozens of local food producers, will have tons of fresh and healthy foods waiting for you at all 10 markets located throughout the county.
The 2024 season begins April 17 with the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Market. Don’t forget you can drop off your food scraps at Fairfax County Farmers Markets — composting is a powerful way to reduce trash, combat climate change, build nutrient rich soil.
Prepare for Emergencies by Taking New E-Course
The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security recently launched a new e-learning course, Introduction to Preparedness.
The goal of the course is to empower Fairfax County residents to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
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