11-01-2024
This month’s issue includes scenes from the Climate Action Conference; updates on Charge Up Fairfax; the Power of Faith Fairfax program; a Green Business Partners Fall webinar; the award-winning Pender Office energy project; a Solar Switch happy hour; the Exceptional Design Awards; the Innovation Station North Neighborhood
Access project; a Green Breakfast event; Fairfax Recycles Day; heating assistance programs; climate conversations to inspire action; a guide to energy efficient lighting; and much more.
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CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Scenes from the 2nd Annual Climate Action Conference
 Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s Second Annual Climate Action Conference on Oct. 26 focused on the public health impacts from vehicle emissions. Specialists in health, environment and transportation — including OEEC Director John Morrill and Environmental Analyst Kate Daley — communicated different ways for the community to go green and support a healthier, more sustainable Fairfax during panel discussions and breakout sessions. Staff from OEEC also shared resources on electric vehicles, home energy, resiliency and solar power.
Neely Law Appointed Deputy Director of OEEC
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Neely Law, PhD, was recently promoted to deputy director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
Neely has worked in the environmental field for more than 20 years, first with a national nonprofit then with Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works in 2020 and most recently with the OEEC since 2022. She has worked collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners to find innovative solutions that address economic, environmental, and social issues in urban communities.
Most recently, Neely managed the county’s Green Business Partners and Energy Conservation Assistance programs, and she has been instrumental in OEEC’s strategic planning.
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Charge Up Fairfax Helping Communities Install EV Charging Stations
Fairfax County is making it easier for residents living in homeowner associations and condominiums to access electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through its innovative Charge Up Fairfax program. The program specifically targets residents who don’t have easy access to at-home charging because they lack private garages or driveways. Applications are being accepted through November 8 for communities that qualify.
Want to know more? Listen to the recent County Conversation podcast with Charge Up Fairfax Program Manager Julie Gurnee to hear how the program is helping communities overcome the technical and financial challenges to installing EV chargers. Or watch the Charge Up Fairfax Virtual Roundtable webinar we held on September 24 to learn from program participants about their experiences.
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Empowering Congregations for a Greener Future: The Power of Faith Program
OEEC collaborates with the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) to help places of worship take climate action through energy audits and building improvements to increase energy efficiency and sustainability.
Read our recent post on the Climate Matters blog from FACS Community Engagement Manager Claudia Sanders on how the Power of Faith program is helping congregations electrify their buildings, adopt sustainable practices, and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
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Register for Power of Faith Webinar on Nov 14
 Join the upcoming Power of Faith Fairfax Webinar on November 14 at 7 p.m. ET. In partnership with OEEC, this informative session will connect houses of worship with the tools and support needed to cut wasted energy and conserve resources for their missions.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions’ program can help your faith community to develop and achieve your green energy goals. For questions about this event, email FACS Community Engagement Associate Caroline Chambers, at caroline@faithforclimate.org.
GBP Webinar Will Highlight Business Benefits of Sustainability
Calling Fairfax business leaders! Join us on November 19 at 12 p.m. for Benefits of Committing to Sustainability: The Experience of Climate First Bank, a webinar hosted by the Green Business Partners.
Guest speaker Chris Cucci, Climate First Bank’s executive vice president and chief of staff, will talk about their path in standing up a sustainability-driven and climate-branded company and how some of the business benefits accrue to their customers as well.
Sign up to attend. You won’t want to miss it!
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Spotlight on OEEC Outreach in October
 OEEC loved seeing and speaking with so many Fairfax County residents, promoting climate action and energy efficiency, and passing out free LED lightbulbs at community events in October — including the inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration, the 32nd annual Centreville Day celebration, the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions’ Climate Crisis Forum, Energy Action Month at the Pentagon, and the Robinson Secondary School Resource Fair.
Interested in having us at your next event? Visit our Request a Speaker page to schedule a presentation. For more ways to stay connected, follow us on X and Facebook and read our Climate Matters blog.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
OES in Action: Energy Performance Projects
Through its energy performance contracting program, Fairfax County is identifying high-impact, energy efficiency projects that can save money, lower carbon emissions, and make buildings more comfortable for staff and visitors.
These projects often involve upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning with high-efficiency systems, updating building automation and controls, installing rooftop solar systems, and where possible, replacing natural gas equipment with high-efficiency electric alternatives like heat pumps.
A recently completed project at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods included a new rooftop solar array, LED lighting upgrades, and upgrades to water plant and building control systems. The project is expected to reduce RCC’s greenhouse gas emissions 260 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
As of October 2024, the county’s ESCO projects have resulted in annual avoided utility costs in excess of $580,000, and more than 1,900 tons of carbon emissions abated. Visit the Operational Energy Strategy page to see a map of where energy service company projects have been completed or are planned for the next few years. And watch our Operational Energy Strategy in Action video to learn more about the county’s energy performance projects.
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Pender Building Energy Project, OEEC Director Recognized by VAEEC
Fairfax County was the recipient of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2024 Leadership Award for a project at the Pender Office Building that combined energy efficiency improvements with a new solar installation.
The award was presented on Oct. 3 at the Energy Efficiency Forum at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center. OEEC, the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority were recognized in the Government category for the project, which included several efficiency upgrades plus a new rooftop solar installation. Fairfax County was recognized in the same category in 2023 for energy projects at two Rec centers.
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At the same event, OEEC Director John Morrill was honored for his contributions to VAEEC, a nonprofit which works to advance energy efficiency and make it an integral part of Virginia’s economy and clean energy future. John had served the council as a Board member for nine years, including as Chair from 2021-2023. |
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Solar Switch Happy Hour Highlights Power of Group Purchasing Program
The Solar Switch Happy Hour on October 22 was a great opportunity to connect with fellow Virginia solar homeowners, solar installers, and the team from Solar United Neighbors. We thank everyone who helped make it a success!
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 Capital 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. Sign up before November 22 to get a free assessment from a vetted installer with no obligation to purchase.
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Exceptional Design Award Winners Announced
The 2024 James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards recipients have been announced, and among the honorees was the new Woodlands Stewardship Education Center.
The facility — which was designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge — was recognized as an exemplary model of environmentally-sensitive design that creates a seamless connection between built and natural environments.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards, celebrating four decades of commitment to design excellence in Fairfax County. Since the program was established in November 1984, more than 300 local projects have been recognized for their dedication to enhancing the visitor experience at each site through innovative architecture and sustainable practices.
The design awards program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and administered by the County's Department of Planning and Development in cooperation with the County Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Groundbreaking of Innovation Station North Neighborhood Access Project
 On October 2 Fairfax County public officials and guests broke ground on the Innovation Station North Neighborhood Access Project, which aims to improve bicycle and pedestrian access to the Herndon and Innovation Center Metrorail stations.
Chairman Jeffrey McKay expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “This project is not just about infrastructure; it's about creating a community that prioritizes accessibility and connectivity. By reducing the distance between our neighborhoods and the Metrorail stations, we’re investing in a more sustainable future for our residents.”
Construction of the station is expected to be completed by Fall of 2025.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Native Bees Need Native Flowers Focus of Green Breakfast in November
In the wild and in our yards, the conservation of native bees depends on native flowering plants. Native bees are picky about which plants they pollinate, with some relying on a single species of flowering plant. The more specialized a bee species is, the more likely it will be of conservation concern.
Join Sam Droege, Wildlife Biologist with the US Geological Survey, for a Green Breakfast event on November 9. to learn about the interdependence of native bees and native flowering plants, and how you can help by planting the right flowers and flowering bushes. This event is free and no prior registration is required.
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s popular Green Breakfasts are now virtual! All Green Breakfast programs begin at 9 a.m. and are hosted on Teams. You can view the Green Breakfast YouTube playlist to see past Green Breakfasts.
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WASTE REDUCTION
County to Recognize Fairfax Recycles Day with Event on Nov. 16
 In honor of Fairfax Recycles Day, the county’s Solid Waste Management program is hosting a Drop-Off and Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, November 16. The event is at the Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Recyclables you can drop off on Fairfax Recycles Day include: e-waste, glass, food scraps, batteries, textiles, and plastic bags. Only small e-waste items can be accepted at this event (smaller than 24” x 24”, such as laptops, computers, cell phones, toner and ink cartridges, mice, keyboards, power supplies, and audio equipment).
Recycling is an integral part of the county’s ambitious Zero Waste Plan, which aims to divert 90% of waste from disposal and reduce the overall waste generated by 25% by 2040.
For updates on this event, check @ffxpublicworks on Facebook and @ffxpublicworks on X.
Let the Gourd Times Roll with Pumpkin Palooza!
 Are you wondering what to do with your pumpkin after the fall holidays If home composting isn’t an option, take part in the annual Pumpkin Palooza! This year, the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program will turn your post-Halloween pumpkins into compost gold. Just bring them to the pumpkin collection cans, along with your gourds, at the I-95 Landfill Complex or I-66 Transfer Station through November 15 at the following days and times:
- Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make sure all decorations, including glitter, paint and candle wax, have been removed to prevent the pumpkins from being rejected for composting.
TAKE ACTION
Have Climate Conversations that Inspire Action, Not Arguments
With the holiday season fast approaching, family gatherings are the perfect time to turn spirited debates into enlightening discussions. Climate change is a complex topic, but it doesn't have to be taboo.
Discover how you can shift the conversation from sensitive to inspiring in our latest post on the Climate Matters Blog.
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Get Winter Weather Prepared
According to NOAA’s latest Winter Outlook, Virginia residents should prepare for some interesting weather patterns this upcoming winter season. The forecast, which covers December 2024 through February 2025, shows that La Nina conditions will play a major role in shaping our winter weather.
The eastern seaboard, including Virginia, is expected to experience warmer-than-average temperatures with equal chances of below-average, near-average or above-average precipitation.
Even with a potentially warmer winter, it’s crucial to be prepared for severe weather events by assembling an emergency kit for your home and car, signing up for Fairfax Alerts and staying informed.
Need Help with Heat? Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold
The cold weather is coming, and you may be eligible to receive help with home heating bills through two energy assistance programs that are accepting applications now.
The Fuel Assistance Program helps eligible households in meeting their energy needs by supplementing the cost associated with their primary heat source. The Crisis Assistance Program is designed to help households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources.
If you or someone you know needs help with home heating costs during the coldest months of the year, apply to the Fuel Assistance and Crisis Assistance programs online or by calling 833-5-CALL-VA (833-522-5582).
Light up Your Life with Energy Efficient LEDs
 It's a bright idea to use energy-efficient lighting for your home or business. But with so many different types of light bulbs available for purchase, how do you know which type of bulb is the right choice for you?
OEEC has you covered! Check out our Guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting to learn about the different types of lightbulbs you can buy, including how much energy they use and how to dispose of them properly.
Slay your Home’s Energy Vampires
 Halloween has come and gone, but you may still have some spooky "vampires" lurking in your home. Do you feel like your energy bill is higher than it should be?
It may be that you have devices that are sucking up energy when you don’t expect it — such as when they’re not in use or fully charged. If left unchecked, vampire energy could be a nightmare for your wallet, amounting to 10-20% of your monthly electricity bill.
To find your energy vampires, look for devices with a remote control, standby indicator light, or built-in clock. Then take steps like unplugging devices that are fully charged or not in use, using smart power strips, and programing devices to “sleep” after a certain period of activity.
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