12-03-2024
This month’s issue includes the Climate Action Viewer; a Team Excellence Award for the Harmony Place relief project; the Green Business Partners Fall webinar recording; environmental upgrades at Oakmont Rec Center; updates on the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project; results of the Solar Switch fall 2024 campaign; the 2024 Environmental Excellence Award winners; Friends of Tree Awards; Dark Sky lighting; sustainable party planning; an open house at Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant; extended hours for county farmers markets; a warning about shredding scams; fall emergency preparedness tips; and much more.
 We value your feedback and would like to know how we are doing in delivering environmental, climate and energy news from Fairfax County. Please take a moment to complete this short survey to help us enhance our newsletter. The survey will take less than 5 minutes. Survey closes on Dec. 15.
You can also share your questions, comments, or shoutouts with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination at oeecinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Serve Up a Sustainable Party or Event this Holiday Season
 ‘Tis the season when everyone gets together to celebrate the holidays with food, fun, family, and friends. If you have hosted a party before, then you know that with great festivities comes great waste. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Fairfax County’s Zero Waste team has ideas for how you can make your holiday party, or any celebration, as sustainable as it is enjoyable. Some examples are:
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Use online invite services or use recycled paper stock and envelopes, and keep it recyclable with no glitter or stickers!
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Stay away from single use items and decorate with seasonal produce or local flowers.
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Offer reusable plates, cups, and silverware for your guests.
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And gift mindfully with experiences or gifts from local businesses.
Get more of these eco-friendly holiday tips on the Climate Matters blog.
Celebrate the Season with Climate-Friendly Gifts
 The holiday season is upon us — a special time to gather with our loved ones, share laughter, and exchange heartfelt gifts. While we’re wrapping up presents, let's also wrap our thoughts around how our choices can positively impact our planet and community.
At OEEC, we’re all about going green! Read our Climate Matters blog to for thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping this year.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Interactive Map Tracks Progress Toward a Greener Future
 We’re tracking our progress as a community toward a greener future with the Climate Action Viewer.
The Climate Action Viewer is an interactive map tool that pinpoints sustainable actions like green buildings, solar installations, EV charging infrastructure, recycling centers and throughout the county.
Use the map to find opportunities for climate action near you including where to bring compostable waste, recycle glass and charge your electric vehicle.
County Staff Earn Team Excellence Award for Harmony Place Relief Effort
 A group of county employees who mobilized an emergency heat relief project at Harmony Place Mobile Home Park this summer were recognized with a Team Excellence Award from Fairfax County.
The effort at Harmony Place in the Franconia District resulted in a total of 31 window or portable air conditioning units installed in 29 homes, along with other critical life-safety repairs and referrals to additional services.
OEEC staff who were recognized for their contributions include Allison Homer, Melanie Malsch and Kelly Zitzer. Congratulations team!
ICYMI: GBP Webinar on Benefits of Sustainability
 Did you miss our Fall Green Business Partners Webinar on Benefits of Committing to Sustainability: The Experience of Climate First Bank? Not to worry! – a recording of the November 19 event is now available for on-demand viewing.
Guest speaker Chris Cucci, Climate First Bank’s chief strategy officer, shared strategies for standing up a sustainability-driven and climate-branded company and how the business benefits accrue to their customers as well.
Spotlight on OEEC Outreach in November
 OEEC staff were out and about in November, promoting climate action, energy efficiency, and resiliency at community events — including the Fairfax Recycles Day event on November 16.
Director John Morrill spoke at the graduation of the Energy Masters Volunteers on November 12. Deputy Director Neely Law presented at the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions’ Power of Faith Webinar on November 14 to share tools and resources for houses of worship looking to conserve energy. OEEC staff also shared information and resources on the Energy Conservation Assistance Program and the county’s climate and adaptation plan Resilient Fairfax at a Faith Communities in Action networking event on November. Watch the recording.
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
Oakmont Rec Center Reopens with Impressive List of Environmental Upgrades and Facility Enhancements
The Oakmont Rec Center has reopened after a monthlong closure during which the facility underwent an impressive list of environmental upgrades and building improvements that include mechanical and plumbing systems and many aesthetic changes throughout the facility. These upgrades have enhanced both the functionality and appearance of the center, ensuring a better experience for visitors.
Key improvements include: a new exhaust system and ducts in the natatoruim and upper lobby, an expansion of the HVAC system, and new roofing and skylights to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and waterproofing. Other upgrades were made to the natatorium, fitness and exercise rooms, and locker rooms.
These changes will ensure that the facility continues to provide a safe, modern and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
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Fairfax Shares Final Design of Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center
The redevelopment of the Joseph Willard Health Center and Sherwood Community Center sites is progressing toward the construction phase.
Staff updated the community on the final design concept on Nov. 16. This joint county and city project aims to transform the downtown Fairfax location into a single destination for health, wellness, fitness, childcare and performing arts.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the new campus will incorporate green building features aimed at achieving LEED Gold certification and net-zero energy performance. The facility will be all-electric, using advanced energy-efficient systems and rooftop solar photovoltaic panels for carbon-free electricity. Plans also include thoughtfully designed interior spaces for art displays, outdoor playgrounds for the childcare programs and a rooftop recreational area with bocce ball courts for the senior center.
More Fairfax County Residents Have Solar Panels with Solar Switch
Thanks to the Capital Area Solar Switch program, more than 500 Fairfax County residents have registered for the fall campaign, receiving discounted offers from vetted installers! Of those, 125 homeowners have accepted their offers. So far in 2024, nearly 50 solar installations have been completed with more to come!
The current Solar Switch campaign has ended but Fairfax County has resources and incentives to help you go solar. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit by adding solar panels to your home, saving money while protecting our environment.
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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
You’re Invited to Fairfax Connector’s Winterfest 2024
 Fairfax Connector invites you to the second annual Fairfax Connector Winterfest. The event will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the new Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Garage located at 7039 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150.
The event will be open to everyone from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will include all three of the specially designed holiday buses, along with games, crafts, refreshments, and pictures with Santa. Entry is free but registration is requested.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Fairfax County Recognizes 2024 Environmental Excellence Award Winners
 Fairfax County recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards.
This year’s winners include a Dark Sky advocate who promotes efforts to reduce light pollution, a high school senior who started her own nonprofit organization to train other youth climate champions, three county employees working on waste reduction and plastic pollution initiatives, and a community association dedicated to preserving natural habitats for its residents.
“Fairfax County is fortunate to have climate champions working in our community, and we are proud of this year’s winners for finding innovative and practical ways to promote a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable community,” said Braddock District Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw, Chair of the Board’s Environmental Committee. “This year’s winners show us that efforts in any capacity can help better our environment.”
Since 2000, the county has issued the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary leadership within the community and exceptional dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the county’s natural resources. The awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council with support from OEEC.
Tree Commission Announces 2024 Awardees
The winners of the 2024 Friends of Trees Awards have been selected by The Fairfax County Tree Commission. The recognition honors two individuals and two groups for their outstanding contributions to tree conservation and the county’s urban forest.
“The winning individuals and nonprofits are perfect examples of what we can achieve together to save trees and improve green spaces. The results are a better, healthier quality of life for county residents, both now and in the future,” said Tree Commission Chair Cindy Speas as she praised the winners for their passion for trees and the county’s urban forest.
Since 1999, the Friends of Trees awards has recognized actions that conserve and expand Fairfax County’s tree canopy. The awards honor those who protect and preserve existing trees and habitats, increase the urban tree canopy, educate the public on tree maintenance, and highlight the value and benefits of trees. Developers going beyond county requirements in tree preservation are also eligible.
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Dark Sky Lighting: A Solution to Light Pollution
 The Dark Sky conservation movement is committed to reducing the light pollution that harms the natural world and hinders our enjoyment of the nighttime sky. Read our recent post on the Climate Matters Blog for more about the problem and how sky-friendly lighting can also help you sleep better, save energy and protect plant and animal life.
Green Breakfast Webinar on Native Bees and Plants Now Available
In the wild and in our yards, the conservation of native bees depends on native flowering plants. A recent Green Breakfast webinar featured Sam Droege, Wildlife Biologist with the US Geological Survey, on the interdependence of native bees and native flowering plants, and how you can help by planting the right flowers and flowering bushes. You can view the Green Breakfast YouTube playlist to see this event and other past Green Breakfasts.
WASTE REDUCTION
Clean Fairfax Encourages Sustainable Shopping Habits this Holiday Season
This holiday season, Clean Fairfax encourages everyone to rethink their shopping and merry-making habits to create new, more sustainable habits.
Support your local economy by shopping at community farmers markets, maker spaces, and arts and crafts markets.
Did you know that a single reusable bag can offset 500-1000 single-use plastic bags every year? Next time you are out shopping, remember your reusables. And if you are organizing a market or shopping event, make it a goal to promote reusable bags and containers over single-use items.
Clean Fairfax recently published a Plastic-Free Toolkit to help farmers markets — as well as holiday bazaars, craft and art market — reduce or eliminate single-use plastic bags. Check out the toolkit online, download a full .pdf version, or download a one-page summary (English/Spanish). Clean Fairfax will also give an online presentation about the Toolkit at the Tuesday, December 17th meeting of the Virginia Plastic Pollution Prevention Network. Register here to attend.
Three Farmers Market Locations Extend Their Season Into December
Fairfax County Park Authority’s Farmers Markets provide locally grown produce and other food items at locations throughout the county. While most market locations begin to wrap things up with the turning of the season, three market locations have extended their market schedule into December.
The Burke, Reston, and McCutcheon/Mount Vernon farmers market will continue to be open in December, giving the community fresh options as the weather starts to cool down. Food scrap collection has also been extended beyond the markets closing, which means more opportunities to turn your food waste to compost!
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Podcast, Open House Event Highlights Work of Wastewater Management
On the latest episode of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco spoke with Lisa Good of Wastewater Management division of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Service, who describes in awe-inspiring detail the complex infrastructure and the human resources it takes to get Fairfax County’s water clean. She clears up some misconceptions about the things people flush and send down the drain.
Want to see for yourself? Come see the science, engineering and hard work it takes to clean water and keep the public and environment healthy at an Open House at the award-winning Norman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant in Lorton on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include plant tours, touch-a-truck, refreshments, activities and more.
TAKE ACTION
Consider Energy-Efficient Window Coverings to Reduce Heat Loss
Window attachments — like blinds, shades, or solar screens — can help with this loss of energy by providing comfort, regulating temperatures, and lowering energy bills. The exact savings will depend on the type of attachment, the season, the climate, and how the attachment is used.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window attachments are products that can be attached to a window either internally or externally to improve energy performance, create a more comfortable environment, reduce glare, provide privacy and enhance the appearance and value of your home. When choosing window attachments, look for products certified with the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC)
For more energy tips, see our Climate Action Checklist, which includes over 70 actions that can help you save money and lower your carbon emissions.
Be Aware of Shredding Event Scams
Fairfax County is warning residents of potential scams involving shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. Take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams by visiting the county News Center.
Be More Prepared for Emergencies this Fall
Fall is more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. The season also brings its own set of challenges for staying safe and prepared — the weather changes rapidly, daylight hours get shorter, and winter storms might come early.
Fairfax County’s Department of Emergency Management and Security has some tips to help you get ready for autumn emergencies while enjoying all the season has to offer. This includes getting home and car emergency kits ready, preparing for home heating needs, and watching for deer and other wildlife on the road.
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Need Help with Heat? Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold
The cold weather is here, and you may be eligible to receive help with home heating bills through an energy assistance program that is accepting applications now.
The Crisis Assistance Program helps households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. An energy emergency is determined when a household has no heat or is in imminent danger of being without heat.
If you or someone you know needs help with home heating costs during the coldest months of the year, apply to the Crisis Assistance program. The open application period closes on March 17. Learn more at Virginia CommonHelp or call 855-635-4370.
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