10-02-2024
This month’s issue includes Energy Efficiency Day; Charge Up Fairfax roundtable recording; the second annual Climate Action Conference; OEEC’s summer interns share their experiences on the Climate Matters Blog; a Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment update; groundbreaking event for the original Mount Vernon High School renovation project; a grant to support EV charging stations in Fairfax County; new Express Route 798; the Springfield Parking Garage ribbon-cutting event; ditching the gas-powered lawn equipment; a tree planting shift due to climate change; weatherizing for fall and winter; and much more.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Make Energy Efficiency Day an Every Day Event
October 2 marks Energy Efficiency Day, a national day of awareness and action around conserving energy to lower costs and improve the health of communities.
Saving energy reduces the amount of electricity and natural gas needed to power homes and businesses and helps curb greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the environment and contribute to climate change.
Fairfax County is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving its Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan and Operational Energy Strategy goals by constructing LEED-certified buildings, installing solar panels and advanced energy systems, electrifying its vehicle fleet, and implementing a Zero Waste initiative.
And residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to take one or more actions in their homes, workplaces, or schools to reduce energy use, cut costs and promote a healthier environment.
For more information and ideas that can save you money and lower emissions, check out our home energy checklist.
And if you’re visiting the Fairfax County Government Center this week, stop by our table in the second floor lobby to get more tips and info on home energy.
Your Guide to Energy Labels: How to Save When You Shop
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Making a large purchase like getting a new appliance, television, or windows requires doing some research ahead of time. You might consider online reviews, recommendations from people you know, and price... the choice is yours! But we think there is another piece of information you might want to add to the mix too: energy efficiency.
Read Your Guide to Energy Labels to help find the energy information that's important to you.
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Charge Up Fairfax Accepting Applications Until November 8
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) is accepting applications for the Charge Up Fairfax program through Nov. 8. The program provides technical assistance and financial support to community associations interested in installing electric vehicle chargers for their residents and guests.
On September 24, OEEC hosted a virtual roundtable where pilot program participants discussed their experience with the Charge Up Fairfax program. Watch a recording of the roundtable.
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Register for Second Annual Climate Action Conference on Oct. 26
 Make plans now to attend Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw's 2nd Annual Climate Action Conference on October 26.
Join Supervisor Walkinshaw, Congressman Gerry Connolly, other elected officials, OEEC and health experts to learn how we can create “A Healthier Fairfax County on the Road to Zero Emissions.” The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School and will focus on the health impacts of vehicle emissions, and the opportunities to save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Summer Internships Help Affirm Career Path for Two Students
Arushi Surve and Rosalia Coz have both wanted to work in the environmental field since early childhood. This past summer they interned with OEEC and got firsthand experience in environmental policy, planning, and community engagement.
Arushi is a student at Chantilly High School and will be graduating in the spring of 2025. Rosalia, a senior at Virginia Tech, will graduate with a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning and a minor in Pathways to Sustainability in May of 2025.
Read more about what sparked their interest in sustainability and how they are leaving a positive mark on the world through their passion and dedication on the Climate Matters Blog.
Culmore Residents Learn About Ways to Reduce Costs, Save Energy in the Home
OEEC has partnered with Second Story, a local non-profit, on its “Culmore Conversations” learning series, geared toward residents of the Culmore and Bailey’s Crossroads neighborhoods. Throughout the fall, OEEC will be engaging with residents on ways to reduce their energy use and emissions and build resilience to changing climate conditions.
The first session, which was focused on home energy, was held on September 24 at the Culmore Library. Over 30 attendees received free home energy efficiency kits and learned about improvements they could make to their homes to increase comfort, decrease their energy use and reduce costs. The September 24 session was offered in Spanish, with OEEC volunteers, Jo Doumbia and Carola Ortuno, providing translation services. A second session, scheduled for October 22 at the Culmore Library, will be focused on flooding and resilience.
OEEC is available to speak to community groups and associations on climate action, climate resilience and associated topics. To learn more, visit our Request a Speaker page on the OEEC website.
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BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Make the Switch to Solar this Fall
Are you thinking about going solar but don’t know where to start? Solar Switch offers residents and small businesses in Fairfax County and the Capitol Area a hassle-free way to install rooftop solar panels and battery storage. The program uses the power of group buying to lower the price of installing solar.
Here’s why you should go solar with Solar Switch:
- Reduce your energy bills with solar energy
- Secure a group discount on rooftop solar for your home or small business
- Access free educational webinars + guidance from solar experts
The registration window is open now! Participation in the program does not obligate you to purchase solar panels. Sign up before November 22 make the switch to solar today!
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Board of Supervisors Approves New Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment
On Sept. 10, the Board of Supervisors approved a data center zoning ordinance amendment to strengthen regulations and address concerns about noise, building design, and proximity to residential areas. The goal is to better manage the location and operation of these facilities as demand for data centers increases.
A summary of the key changes is available on the county's NewsCenter. Other relevant resources, including staff reports and recordings of past meetings, are available on the Data Centers webpage
Dig This: Original Mount Vernon High School Groundbreaking on Oct. 5
Join county leaders this month as they celebrate the next phase of construction on the highly anticipated “Human Development Center.” This project, aimed at providing “Pathways to Opportunity” for the community, will focus on education, workforce development and life skills training programs.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate the diverse programming needs of the community.
In alignment with the county’s Sustainable Development Policy, the project will incorporate a geothermal system to achieve LEED-Gold certification, ensuring 25% energy efficiency. Additionally, solar panels will be provided on the flat roof areas pending approval by the Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources. The project will also include electric vehicle charging stations.
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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Grant Program Award Will Support Expanding EV Chargers at County-Owned Locations
Fairfax County will benefit from a $3.9 million federal grant awarded to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region.
 The funding, awarded by the U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, will support deploying EV chargers across metropolitan Washington. Of the total grant, $2.52 million will be allocated to Fairfax County for chargers at up to 25 sites.
“Making EVs more accessible and convenient for our residents - especially those in historically disadvantaged communities – is critical to reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2030,” said Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “This funding will help us continue our efforts to build out a robust and equitable EV charging network that supports the goals of our Countywide Strategic Plan and One Fairfax policy.”
One Year of Owning an EV: Lots of Smiles for the Miles
This past June, Chris and Susan Miles reached their one-year anniversary of owning a battery-powered electric vehicle. From saving on fuel costs to enjoying quiet, smooth drives with convenient access to fast charging, switching to an EV has been a game-changer for this Fairfax County couple.
Read their post on the Climate Matters blog to learn more and join the EV revolution.
New Route 798 Express Bus Connects Tysons, VA to Bethesda, MD
Fairfax County recently launched new Fairfax Connector Express Route 798 bus service.
Route 798 provides regional connectivity between Tysons West*Park and Tysons Metrorail Station in Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland. This new connection serves major employment centers such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Downtown Bethesda.
Elected officials, project partners and stakeholders gathered on September 19 to celebrate this multijurisdictional transportation milestone.
Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey McKay expressed his enthusiasm for the new route, stating: "Route 798 represents a critical step forward in expanding regional transit options for Fairfax County residents. This new connection between Virginia and Maryland will not only provide an easier commute but also support our long-term goals of reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transportation options. We are proud to be part of a solution that enhances mobility across the region and strengthens the connection between our states."
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Fairfax County Celebrates Completion of Springfield Parking Garage
The new Springfield Community Business Center Commuter Parking Garage officially opened to the public on September 14, following a ceremony attended by county officials, community leaders and residents.
The state-of-the-art facility, located in the heart of Springfield, is designed to enhance public transportation and improve commuter convenience in Fairfax County. It offers 1,050 parking spaces, including reserved spots and charging stations for electric vehicles, bicycles and carpooling for those seeking eco-friendly transportation options. Green features of the building include a 166-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to generate electricity. The garage also features advanced safety and security measures such as 24/7 surveillance, enhanced lighting, and emergency call stations, making it a safe and convenient option for commuters.
The opening of the Springfield Garage coincided with Fairfax Connector's service changes, which also took effect on September 14.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
Tree Planting Season Shifts Due to Changing Climate
What may seem like merely an administrative change is actually a signal flare for a changing local climate.
County staff recently determined that, due to the increasingly warming climate in Fairfax County, the start to tree planting must move from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 and that the duration of the window would extend through all of winter. This new tree planting time from Oct. 1 to May 31 ensures the optimal health and survival of newly planted trees.
Adam Lipera, Forest Conservation Chief from Fairfax County’s Land Development Services, says, “Adapting to the changing climate is crucial for the success of establishing newly planted trees. Warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns, extreme weather events, and changing soil conditions are just a few of the challenges that can significantly impact tree growth and survival as a result of climate change.”
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TAKE ACTION
Leave the Leaves, Ditch the Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment
Did you know a gas leaf blower pollutes nearly 300 times as much as a pickup truck?
Gas-powered lawn equipment — such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other devices used to clear debris and maintain landscaping — is bad for our environment and our health. Newer electric lawn care equipment is more efficient and doesn’t need oil changes or filter cleaning, making it less complicated and costly.
Making a few simple changes to your lawn maintenance routine can help all of us breathe a little easier:
- Replace your gas-powered lawn tools with eco-friendly electric or manual
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Make your own mulch by “leaving the leaves” and gas clippings instead of bagging and sending to the landfill.
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Mow less often by letting your grass grow a little taller.
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Engage in Environmental Stewardship for Health and Well-Being on October 10th, Mental Health Awareness Day
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
Many of us know intuitively that getting outside in nature makes us feel better. A growing number of scientific studies show that connecting to and caring for the natural world supports our own personal health and well-being. In fact, a 2022 meta review by the National Institutes of Health found that health outcomes improved with exposure to nature in 92% of studies. Another experiment conducted recently in Louisville, KY called The Green Heart Project showed that when a neighborhood was planted with more trees and shrubs, residents experienced a 13% reduction in inflammation, which has positive impacts on cardiovascular health.
Both spending time outdoors and engaging in volunteer community service also generate positive effects on mental health, such as reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and greater self-esteem. When you contribute to something larger than yourself, you aren’t just giving to others; you also gain from the experience!
This fall, why not test the theory yourself? October 10th is Mental Health Awareness Day. In honor of the day, consider joining or organizing a community cleanup in your neighborhood. You can request free cleanup supplies on the Clean Fairfax website. Such efforts connect you to your community and to your surroundings. You’ll also be improving the health and beauty of our shared environment.
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on the Clean Fairfax website at www.cleanfairfax.org or follow them on social media: IG/X: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
Weatherize Your Home for Fall and Winter Energy Savings
From installing window coverings, to programming your thermostat for maximum efficiency, small steps can make a big difference in your comfort and savings this time of year.
The U.S. Department of Energy offers several tips to save money and energy while staying comfortable during the cool fall and cold winter months. Many of these tips can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings.
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Set the thermostat as low as is comfortable when you are home and awake. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn the thermostat back to save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
- Before the cold sets in, schedule a tune-up for your furnace, boiler or heat pump to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency.
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Use weatherstripping, caulk or door sweeps to seal gaps and prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
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Open curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
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