05-01-2024
This month’s issue includes highlights from Earth Month events; County Energy Data shows progress in reducing emissions; the application period for the Charge Up Fairfax program; a Spring into Savings webinar for Fairfax County businesses; the Spring Hill Rec Center goes solar; a new solar panel recycling program; the latest post on the Climate Matters blog; tree plantings on Arbor Day; the Park Authority’s new Wonder Wagon; nominations for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards; EQAC seeking a student member for the 2024-25 term; and much more.
 The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) was out and about at a variety of Earth Month events in April — including Providence District Earth Day Celebration, Green Reston, Vienna Green Expo, Earth Day Fairfax festival, the Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration, the Mount Vernon District Environmental Expo, and others. We were thrilled to connect with residents of all ages and pass out various resources to inspire climate action for Earth Month (and every month!)
Interested in having us at our next event? Visit our Request a Speaker page. For more ways to stay connected, follow us on X, Facebook and read our Climate Matters blog.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Charge Up Fairfax Program Open to Communities Looking to Install EV Charging
Starting May 1, community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents will be able to apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfax program.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment and less expensive to fuel and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. The convenience of at-home charging makes EV ownership more practical, but that can be a barrier for residents who may not have a private garage or driveway.
Charge Up Fairfax helps community associations —including HOAs, condominiums, clusters, and co-ops —overcome those barriers by providing both technical assistance and financial support.
OEEC will host a webinar on May 3 at 3 p.m. to address questions about the program and how to apply. Register now.
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Attention Fairfax County Businesses: Spring into Savings with May 21 Webinar
 Join us on May 21 at 12:30 p.m. for 'Spring into Savings: How to Fund Your Energy Efficiency Goals' presented by Dominion Energy, TRC, and OEEC.
In this webinar, you’ll hear about resources available to your business through the Green Business Partners Program, as well as how Dominion Energy and TRC can provide financial incentives for energy efficiency projects.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
County Energy Data Shows Progress in Reducing Emissions, Increasing Efficiency
Fairfax County Government consumed less energy for operations and produced fewer greenhouse gas emissions in fiscal year 2023 than it has in any year since it started tracking data – a significant indicator in the county’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040.
The county is working to make its operations greener and that includes switching to electricity to power its buildings – including from renewable sources like the sun – and using less water and energy overall. Data from the County Energy Dashboard shows those efforts are making a difference in shrinking the county’s carbon footprint and reducing its utility costs.
Data Highlights:
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Overall greenhouse gas emissions from energy use – including from electricity, natural gas and vehicle fuel - is down more than 25% compared to the baseline in FY 2018, due to the combination of energy efficiency measures and a cleaner supply of electricity.
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Total electricity use is down 7% from the prior fiscal year, driven in large part by the conversion of streetlights to LEDs, and energy-related equipment upgrades at the Norman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant.
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The avoided costs from energy reductions at county facilities are estimated to be $5 million per year. The term ‘avoided costs’ is used because utility rates have increased since the baseline period of FY 2018.
Virginia Energy awarded over $156 million to grow residential-serving solar projects across the Commonwealth
Recently the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced state and local government recipients for its $7 billion “Solar for All’ program. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the recipients will use the money to help low-income families and communities across the country benefit from solar energy.
The Commonwealth of Virginia was the recipient of over $156 million, and the Virginia Department of Energy (“Virginia Energy”) plans to use the money to fund more access to affordable and clean energy, increased grid capacity, workforce investments and especially bringing economic growth into underserved regions of Virginia. OEEC looks forward to working with Virginia Energy to help finance projects in Fairfax County beginning in 2025.
Go Solar this Spring with Solarize VA and Solar Switch
Are you considering enhancing your home or business with the power of solar energy? Now’s the perfect opportunity!
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.
Registration for Solar Switch is open until July 24 but residents are encouraged to sign up before the installer auction takes place on May 8. Miss the Fairfax County Solar Switch 101 Webinar on April 26? Watch the recording now!
You can sign up for Solarize Virginia through June 30. And register now for an informative webinar on May 7 at 6 p.m. on the benefits of solar, how our solar campaign works, and how we as a community can come together for a brighter future.
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Spring Hill Rec Center Gets a Solar Charge
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Spring Hill Rec Center is turning over a new leaf during Earth month 2024 with the activation of a brand-new 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array installed on the natatorium and gymnasium roofs as part of a multi-faceted project to enhance the energy efficiency of the popular rec center.
The new solar array, the largest to date in the Park Authority, generates enough energy to power 33 homes annually, and is expected to reduce the center’s electricity needs by 13 percent.
ICYMI: Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit Presentations are Now Available on Demand
OEEC’s Kevin Smith and Allison Homer were featured speakers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit in Washington DC on April 2-4.
Across more than 50 sessions, over 140 speakers shared their expertise, insight, and experience as they engaged with attendees on subjects like decarbonization, energy efficiency, project financing, water and waste management, communications strategies, and more.
Don’t worry if you missed it live. Explore the 2024 sessions by topic and catch up on any presentations you might have missed. You can view, download, and filter the presentations by sector and partner.
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Public Input Sought for Proposed Data Center Regulation Changes
The county is proposing updates to regulations on data centers, introducing new guidelines on noise, building design and setbacks.
These proposed changes are part of a draft Zoning Ordinance amendment authorized by the Board of Supervisors that is now open for public review. The goal is to better manage the construction and operation of these facilities as demand for data centers and the increased understanding of their potential impacts come into focus.
Residents are invited to participate in the review process by attending virtual meetings scheduled in May or by submitting comments to FFX-data-centers@Publicinput.com or by phone at 703-324-1314.
Fairfax County Couple Takes Whole House Approach to Energy Improvements
 Chris Miles, a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, has made a variety of energy efficiency updates to his home like adding solar power, installing LED lighting, purchasing a high-efficiency water heater, and using an energy monitor. All of these improvements have helped him reduce his carbon footprint, lower his utility bills, and make his home more comfortable.
Read our interview with Chris on the Climate Matters blog to find out how he and wife Susan did it, and how you can join them in becoming a climate champion!
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Plan Now for Bike to Work Day 2024
The 23rd annual Bike to Work Day will be held on 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.
Participants need to preregister for the event at https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/to reserve their T-shirt (limited to first 16,000 registrants) and be eligible for raffle prizes.
WASTE REDUCTION
Zero Waste Program Encourages Forward-Thinking Approach
You may have heard the phrase "zero waste," but what does it mean for Fairfax County?
Several years ago, the Board of Supervisors asked staff to identify ways to collaborate with Fairfax County Public Schools to improve our collective environment. From this, the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET), comprised of county/school staff and community partners, was formed to address climate change and environmental sustainability proactively and equitably.
The final meeting of the JET was held in January 2022. And the county is currently implementing the JET’s zero waste goal through the Board-adopted Zero Waste Plan. Additional JET recommendations laid out by the 2020 JET Final Report were folded into the county’s three climate and energy plans: the Operational Energy Strategy, the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, and Resilient Fairfax.
Fairfax County Now Offers a Solar Panel Recycling Program!
You can now drop off your old or unwanted solar panels at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex for eco-friendly recycling. This service is for Fairfax County residents, and it's a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability.
The Solar Panel Recycling program was officially launched in April by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). Initially kicked off as a pilot project in November 2022, this innovative initiative offers a responsible method for residents to dispose of solar panels, contributing to a greener planet.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Planting Native Trees for Arbor Day
Students, faculty and staff at Annandale Terrace Elementary School celebrated Arbor Day on April 26 with a ceremonial tree planting, along with a demonstration of dance and music.
The event took place simultaneously with Fairfax County’s 41st consecutive year being designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The recognition underscores Fairfax County's dedication to tree conservation and urban forestry.
Each year since 2021 the county’s Urban Forest Management Division has participated in Arbor Day planting events at local schools. Planting trees native to Fairfax County helps the environment by absorbing carbon emissions and providing food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Find information and resources about the benefits of trees, how to choose the right species, where to buy native trees and more on the county’s Trees page.
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County Employees Clean up Gardens for Earth Day
About 20 Fairfax County employees celebrated Earth Day on April 22 by participating in a gardening event on the Government Center campus.
Volunteers pulled English ivy, honeysuckle vine, Chinese lespedeza and other invasive plant species in the garden beds surrounding the Herrity building, which is home to the county’s Park Authority, Department of Planning and Development, and Land Development Services.
The gardening event was hosted by Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence (FEEE), the employee green team. FEEE hosts volunteer and learning opportunities throughout the year to engage with county employees on environmental initiatives and exchange ideas on ways to be more sustainable in the workplace.
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‘Rolling Wonder’ — Fairfax County Park Authority is Taking Nature on the Road
Fairfax County Park Authority’s brand new mobile nature center – the Wonder Wagon – is bringing environmental and nature-based educational programs directly to underserved areas of Fairfax County.
The new fully electric, highly decorated van is the Park Authority’s first nature center on wheels, providing engaging experiences to communities throughout Fairfax County and particularly those where access to the Park Authority’s five brick-and-mortar nature centers may be challenging. Guided activities and demonstrations help residents understand their connection to their local environment and how simple, everyday actions can help enhance water quality, care for land, plants and animals, and increase the enjoyment we can all experience living in a healthy environment.
Join the Wonder Wagon in a free exploration of nature at a park near you! To see where it is rolling to next, check out the calendar of events on the Wonder Wagon page. For additional information, please contact FCPAWonderWagon@fairfaxcounty.gov
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Participate in the Native Garden Tour and Big Plant Sale
Make plans to participate in two events happening in May to help get your garden ready this spring.
Join the Mount Vernon District – the Native Garden Tour and Open House on May 4! Come stroll through the new native perennial gardens at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, explore native plant gardening and maintenance approaches. Learn about natural landscaping grant opportunities and connect with local native plant organizations.
Make a day at Green Spring Gardens for the Annual Spring Garden Day and Big Plant Sale on May 18. This popular event features a variety of vendors and countless assortments of native plants — from the tried-and-true varieties to the rare and unusual. Get garden advice from Master Gardeners or enjoy local artists, food vendors or baked goods though the Friends of Green Spring Gardens Bake Sale.
TAKE ACTION
Nominate a Climate Champion for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards
Now is the time to recognize the people and organizations within our community who take the time and initiative to care for our natural spaces and resources which benefits all who live, work and play in Fairfax County.
If you know a person, business or organization who deserves recognition for the work they do to protect our environment, nominate them today for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards.
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Apply to be a Student Member of EQAC for 2024-25 Term
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by May 6.
See the Backyard Bubble at Fairfax Ace Hardware on May 19
Did you know operating a gas lawn mower for 1 hour emits the same amount of air pollution as driving a car 45 miles?! Clean Air Partners – a public-private partnership educating the greater metropolitan Baltimore-Washington region about the health risks of poor air quality – strongly recommends switching to electric lawn tools. And they’re hosting events at Ace Hardware stores around the DMV this month to help people do it.
On May 19, they’ll be coming to the Fairfax Ace Hardware. Stop by to:
- Enter to win green lawn tools
- Learn about backyard clean air hazards associated with lawn tools and other yard equipment
- Take a selfie with the Backyard Bubble
Join OEEC at this event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and do your share for clean air!
Learn How the National Flood Insurance Program Can Help
If your home or business is in an area that could flood, you could benefit from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It provides affordable flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners.
 Flood damage can be devastating financially, but having the right insurance protects you.
Take Advantage of Cooling Assistance Program for Seniors
Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?
The Senior Cool Care Program is a program that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home by providing air conditioning units or fans for eligible older adults, age 60 and older.
The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2024. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948.
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