Last month we told you about an Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination-led initiative to provide emergency air conditioning (AC) to residents of a mobile home park in Fairfax County who had little to no AC during this summer of extreme heat. Some of the homes were over 100 degrees inside.

Thanks to the combined efforts of OEEC, Rebuilding Together, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, generous donors, and many other non-profit and agency partners, the relief project at Harmony Place resulted in a total of 31 window or portable AC units installed in 29 homes, along with other critical life-safety repairs and referrals to additional services.  A total of 54 homes were evaluated for cooling needs.

This innovative pilot project was a wonderful example of community collaboration and supports multiple goals within the Countywide Strategic Plan, the One Fairfax policy and the Resilient Fairfax plan.

Read our previous article to learn more about the network of agencies and volunteers who donated their time and talent to improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

OEEC will once again be accepting applications for the Charge Up Fairfax program starting September 9. Communities can prepare to apply now by surveying residents, identifying charging locations, and reviewing governing documents and funding options. 

Join us on Tuesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual roundtable to learn more about the program. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from our pilot program participants as they discuss their experience with the Charge Up Fairfax program, how they overcame any barriers, and benefited from the technical assistance and financial support provided.

Stay tuned for more information!

The Green Business Partners Program is having a networking event on September 19, and we’re excited for you to join us!

The theme of our Green Business Social is “Be Green, See Green” and will feature local business leaders sharing insights on the monetary benefits of incorporating sustainability practices into their operations.  Green Business Leader Groundswell, in partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, will host the event at 8401 Greensboro Dr. in Tysons. The time is 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The goal of the Green Business Social is for people to network and to encourage peer-to-peer learning on how green business practices can lower operational costs, increase profits, and contribute to a healthier community. 

Space is limited so be sure to register in advance for this free event. Food and drinks will be provided. 

Interested in solar energy? The Solar Switch program is back for a new round! This group buying initiative allows residents to buy a rooftop solar system at a significant discount, with optional electric vehicle chargers and/or battery storage.

In collaboration with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, the program guarantees high-quality solar installations for residents and small businesses.

By registering for Solar Switch, you'll receive an installation proposal from pre-qualified installers. Solar Switch uses group buying to secure a competitive price for your solar installation through a reverse auction process. The current program is expected to save the average household $7,478 on a typical-sized solar installation. A 30% federal tax credit can further reduce costs, making solar energy more accessible than ever before.

Registration is free and there's no obligation to proceed with a solar installation, ensuring a safe and easy way for Fairfax County residents to participate in the program. To discover how much you can save by going solar, sign up by November 22 at SolarSwitch.com/FairfaxCounty

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Cub Run Rec Center was awarded First Place at the 2024 ASHRAE Region III Technology Awards, in the Public Assembly Facilities category, for recent facility improvements, which significantly reduced the building’s energy consumption.

ASHRAE’s Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by members who have successfully applied innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation.

“The preservation and conservation of natural resources is a key component of the Park Authority’s mission – making these types of capital projects a natural fit for our facilities,” Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole remarked. “As the county’s largest landowner, we are proud to demonstrate energy efficient practices to show that they do, in fact, make a difference both to the environment and to the bottom line. This smart, successful approach to facility improvements is something that we are replicating at Park Authority facilities across the county as systems reach the end of their useful life and require replacement.”

Through these efforts, the Park Authority is also contributing to the energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals established in Fairfax County's Operational Energy Strategy.

Fairfax County is working on a new plan to make it easier for people to get around by walking, biking or using other active modes of transportation. 

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is inviting the community to learn more about and provide feedback on the proposed Active Transportation and Trail Network, a new effort that combines and updates the Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan. The Active Fairfax Transportation Plan aims to create a safe, comfortable and connected network for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities.

FCDOT has scheduled 12 in-person open houses around the county, where transportation staff will be available with exhibit boards to talk about the plan, the process, answer questions and capture feedback. FCDOT also will hold four virtual meetings to encourage participation among those who cannot attend a physical open house.

Community members may visit the project webpage to review meeting materials, the proposed Active Transportation and Trail Network and other resources.

Want to know more? During a recent episode of the “County Conversation” podcast, Nicole Wynands, an active transportation planner with the county’s Department of Transportation, discussed the goals and vision behind this ambitious plan.

Join fellow DC Metro area residents in pledging to try an alternative to drive-alone commuting by participating in Car Free Day on September 23. Riding the bus, walking, or biking are a few ways to avoid the stress of driving on congested roads and reducing harmful pollutants that affect the quality of the air we breathe. With the benefits of potential cost savings, increased physical exercise, fewer cars on the road and a cleaner environment, everyone is invited to try a new way to get around!

All are welcome to take the Car Free Day pledge whether you’re a resident, commuter, or student.  Once you take the online pledge, you will automatically be entered into a raffle for all sorts of great prizes.

FCDOT is also proposing to add 16 stations to the Capital Bikeshare network in Annandale, Seven Corners, and Bailey’s Crossroads.

The Capital Bikeshare system has more than 77 locations in Fairfax County. In addition to helping people commute, run errands, and ride to entertainment/leisure destinations, Capital Bikeshare also provides an important first mile/last mile connection to public transit options. E-bikes were added in March 2023.

FCDOT is accepting comments on the Bikeshare expansion plan through Sept. 6.

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is requesting feedback from residents on their current trash and recycling practices and their opinion on proposed countywide zero waste strategies through a quick online survey.

DPWES will summarize and share the survey responses with the Board of Supervisors to help inform their review of the draft Solid Waste Management Plan this winter.

By participating, you could win a $100 gift card. The survey will be open through September 30, 2024.

Did you know that you can compost your food scraps at home using the power of worms? If you have room for something the size of a laundry basket, you have enough space for a worm composting bin!

Special worms called red wigglers can break down their own weight in food every week, producing a rich form of finished compost you can add to houseplants or garden beds. Worm bins may be kept indoors or in a protected location outdoors (garages are ideal). Along with food scraps, you can add shredded paper and brown cardboard to the bin for the worms to break down. This is a wonderful way to reduce waste and recycle resources at home.

Come build your own worm composting bin and learn how to get started (you’ll get the worms, too!) at an upcoming workshop at Walker Nature Center in Reston on Saturday, September 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. This workshop is hosted by Clean Fairfax, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, Pollinative Sustainable Land Management, and Reston Association. Cost to participate is $40 per household (to make one bin). Space is limited, so sign up early!

Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence (FEEE), the county’s employee green team, had a busy month maintaining several of the native gardens across the Government Center campus. Over 20 county employees volunteered for FEEE’s August workday series, helping to clean up the Herrity Plaza Gardens, as well as two gardens at the Government Center – the Comfort Women Memorial Peace Garden and an installation along the Ellipse Stairs. Employees weeded Japanese stiltgrass, lespedeza, and other invasives that were overrunning the native grasses and perennials in these installations.

The native gardens provide several ecological benefits by reducing stormwater runoff and erosion, sequestering carbon, and supporting native pollinators, birds and other fauna. In addition, the gardens enhance the grounds for employees, visitors and nearby residents. Volunteers and other organizations, like Operation Stream Shield, provide regular maintenance services at these sites.

One of the gardens that FEEE helps maintain is part of the larger Herrity Fountain Treatment Train that also includes the green roof on the Herrity Building Parking Garage and the Herrity Pond.

To top off its August workday series, FEEE organized a tour for members to learn more about this stormwater runoff reduction technique and the benefits provided to the local watershed. With educational signage installed on the green roof and in the Herrity Plaza Gardens, those interested in following in FEEE’s footsteps can take a self-guided tour.

OEEC will be out and about this fall to share information and resources on ways an individual can go green at home, work and play.  Want to know more about reducing your carbon footprint, buying an EV, switching to solar, or making your home more energy efficient and resilient to climate change conditions? Be sure to visit the OEEC resource table at one of these upcoming events:

• Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate Community Day, Sept. 7, 12 to 3 p.m.
• Emergency Preparedness Fair, Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, Sept. 8, 12 to 4 p.m.
• Faith Communities in Action Interfaith Resiliency Conference, Fairfax Church, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Salsa in the Park: A Celebration for Nature Conservation, Alabama Drive Park, Sept. 20, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Providence Day and Back to School Celebration, Marshall High School, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions Climate Crisis Forum, Meridian High School, Oct. 7, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Centreville Day, Historic Centreville Park, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

International Literacy Day is September 8 - a great reason to revisit our Eco-Lit Reading List for some compelling climate-related reads that are available to residents of all ages through the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL).

In addition to literature, residents can check out Conserve (Energy) Kits, thermal cameras and other items to more easily take climate action through FCPL’s Library of Things.