OFFICE of ENVIRONMENTAL

and ENERGY COORDINATION

Environmental, Climate, and Energy News

03-05-2025

This month’s issue includes the Sustain Fairfax Challenge; Virginia Flood Awareness Week: help for federal workers affected by downsizing and return-to-office orders; the 2025 State of the County sustainability highlights; the Countywide Strategic Plan Annual Report; a Green Business Partners Leader Spotlight; a winter wonderland of climate data for Fairfax County; an award for Cub Run Rec Center energy project; the Vienna-Carter Library project; a new name for Solar Switch; Best Workplaces for Commuters; the Active Transportation newsletter; a textile recycling pilot program; efforts to curb illegal dumping; Foam Free Virginia; a Clean Streams Challenge in March; a Youth Conservation Camp; the Native Seedling Sale; and much more!

TAKE ACTION

Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge: Take Action for a Greener Future

Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge and see how your everyday actions can make a big difference on the environment and your community’s well-being.

This user-friendly website provides personalized resources and actionable tips to help community members take climate friendly actions, save money, and build a resilient, connected community. With the Sustain Fairfax Challenge you can:

• Explore activities tailored to your household,
• Track your impact and progress over time,
• Find a wealth of resources from rebates to how-to guides.

You can collaborate with friends, neighbors and others in group challenges and cheer each other on.

Getting started is easy! Visit sustainchallenge.fairfaxcounty.gov, create an account and start exploring all the Sustain Fairfax Challenge resources.

Prepare for Flood Risks During Virginia Flood Awareness Week

As Fairfax County’s climate changes, becoming warmer, wetter and weirder, it is imperative for residents to prepare and adjust. With Virginia Flood Awareness Week (March 9-15, 2025) kicking off soon, now is a good time to find out what you need to do to protect your property, your loved ones and yourself.

A few tips:

• Know your risk, prepare an emergency kit, and formulate a plan in the event of an emergency.
• Find out if you live in a flood plain or other flood prone area using the county Flood Risk Awareness Tool, and prepare accordingly, including purchasing flood insurance.
• Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Subscribe to Fairfax Alerts for information before, during and after flooding and other emergency events 

For those looking to safeguard their homes from flood damage, Fairfax County’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) can help. The program, which reimburses 50% of eligible floodproofing project costs — up to $5,000 per property — is open to homeowners, HOAs, condo associations, and places of worship.

Help for Residents Affected by Federal Workforce Actions

Thousands of county residents and their families have already been or will likely be affected by the new administration's efforts to downsize the federal workforce and budget. Fairfax County has created an online hub with a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss — including job search assistance, and financial help available for many health and human service programs, taxes and pet-related expenses. As federal agency and military installation employees increase their in-office work, the county is also expanding its programs to provide comprehensive commuting solutions for workers in the region. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Federal Return to Office webpage lists commuter benefits and transit options that are available throughout the county and region.

Don't Buy It, Borrow It! Library's Free Resources Support Sustainability

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If you think about it, libraries are one of the original foundations of a sustainable, sharing economy. Check out our latest post on the Climate Matters blog to find out all your Fairfax County Public Library has to offer — from its Library of Things collection to Fix-it Clinics and swap events throughout the year.

CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES

2025 State of the County Highlights Sustainability Accomplishments

In 2024, Fairfax County made significant progress toward achieving its environmental vision and the goals of the countywide strategic plan and climate action plans.

By making its buildings energy efficient, installing solar panels for clean energy and electrifying the vehicle fleet, the county cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost 28% since fiscal year 2018. Fairfax County Government’s efforts to make its operations greener also resulted in nearly $8 million in savings from avoided utility costs in fiscal year 2024.

Take a moment to look back on major milestones in environmental sustainability as well as other significant accomplishments by watching the 2025 State of the County video.

Third Annual Report on Strategic Plan Progress Released

Fairfax County has released its 2025 Annual Report, detailing the numerous ways county leaders and our agencies made decisions on the county’s priorities and the projects to pursue over the past year.

Released concurrently with the county executive’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget presentation, the report is the county’s update on progress made in 2024 toward meeting goals in the Countywide Strategic Plan. This year’s report is 90 pages, highlighting accomplishments in 10 thematic areas called “community outcomes.”

Some highlights from the Environment and Energy area in 2024 include:

• Enrolled 20 community associations in the Charge Up Fairfax program, which provides technical and financial assistance for installing EV charging stations.
• Unveiled the Wonder Wagon, the county’s new mobile nature center, at the Earth Day Festival in April.
• Approved a comprehensive update to the landscaping and screening regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.
• Launched a Solar Panel Recycling Program, providing residents with an eco-friendly disposal option for solar panels.
• Honored with the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council’s 2024 Leadership Award for a project at the Pender Office Building that combined energy improvements with solar technology.

Community members, stakeholders, and partners are encouraged to explore the report and join us in our ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable county.

Sustain Fairfax is Focus of Latest EnviroPod

In the latest episode of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco speaks with John Silcox, Public Information Officer with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, about Sustain Fairfax — an initiative designed to engage the community in Fairfax County’s climate action goals.

From reducing carbon emissions to improving energy efficiency at home, Sustain Fairfax provides resources and incentives to help residents take action.

Energy Conservation Assistance Program: Powering Projects in Fairfax County

Since 2016 Energy Conservation Assistance Program has approved $165,238 in grants in support of 29 energy projects either completed or in progress, In total, these projects will result in more than $925,000 in energy efficiency upgrades. 

Watch the Energy Conservation Assistance video to learn how the program is helping community associations, charitable organizations, nonprofits, and places of worship in Fairfax County complete energy and climate projects that save money and promote sustainability.

Green Business Partners Leader Spotlight: RTEC Treecare

As a Leader in the Green Business Partners program, RTEC Treecare takes a holistic approach to environmental conservation with tree care as well as other services to support healthy ecosystems. RTEC Tree Care recycles their green waste, has shifted to electric chainsaws, and switched their vehicles to hybrid while working to protect trees in Fairfax County.

Watch our latest Leader Spotlight video to see how RTEC Treecare is working to build a greener, more sustainable future, one tree at a time.

Fairfax Freeze: Exploring Winter Climate Patterns

This winter, snowballs have been flying, sleds have been sliding, and parents have been sighing in exasperation. It feels like an especially cold and snowy winter in Fairfax County. But you may be wondering how this winter fits into broader trends. Explore a winter wonderland of climate data in Fairfax County on the Climate Matters blog.

Don’t Miss Green Breakfast Event on Climate Action and Community Resilience

Join Sara Girello with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination for the first in-person Green Breakfast since 2019! The event is on March 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ornery Brewery, 3950 University Drive in Fairfax. Come learn more about climate action in Fairfax County and the county’s work to “Sustain Fairfax”. Girello will highlight the county’s climate plans, programs, and progress and what you can do to save money, reduce your emissions, build resilience, and help our community.

Hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, this Green Breakfast is in-person and includes actual breakfast! Registration is requested and the cost will be $15, payable in cash at the door. 

Celebrating Women's History Month

Women’s History Month, observed every March, is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually since 1987. 

In honor and recognition of Women’s History Month, Fairfax County is featuring women leaders — including OEEC’s Neely Law and Maya Dhavale — as well as events in March that highlight women’s contributions to society.

BUILDINGS AND ENERGY

County Wins National Technology Award for Energy Efficiency at Cub Run Rec Center

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), in partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), was presented with a 2024 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technology Award for successfully applied innovative building design, incorporating high standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality.

FCPA was recognized for the Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESCO) Phase 1 Project at Cub Run Rec Center in Chantilly, which took first prize in regional competition in August 2024. CMTA, Fairfax County’s contracted ESCO, was responsible for the design and construction of the project. Funding for the project was provided through OEEC.

Vienna-Carter Library Project Aims for LEED Gold

A project is underway to replace the existing Patrick Henry (renamed Vienna-Carter) Library with an approximately 19,000 square-foot one-story library and a 209-space four-level parking structure on the existing site.

The proposed facility will include a state-of-the-art library space that will support the current and future programmatic and operational needs of the library users and staff, an outdoor reading and gathering space, and a flexible community space that will be open during and after library business hours. Construction is scheduled to begin in late spring/ early summer 2025 with occupancy in summer 2027.

The project has the goal to achieve a minimum of LEED® Gold certification, 50% energy reduction over current ASHRAE standards, Net Zero energy design and will utilize all electrical systems and equipment. The project includes a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel system and geothermal heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and achieve Net Zero energy.

Solar Switch Announces New Name and Commitment to Expanding Sustainable Energy Solutions

Solar Switch, a key program in advancing clean energy solutions, is announcing a new name and brand identity: Switch Together.

For the past two years, Fairfax County has partnered with Solar Switch to offer more accessible pricing for high-quality solar installations to our residents. More than 1,600 households across the county have explored if solar is right for them through the program, and this number continues to grow.

The team behind the group buying program, including nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, is committed to making sustainable choices accessible and straightforward for everyone — and this goes beyond just solar. Their program also includes EV chargers and batteries, and their new name reflects their growing services. While the refreshed brand includes a new name, new logo and identity, the same committed team remains at the company. No existing contracts, warranties or ongoing negotiations will be impacted by this change.

The next campaign starts on March 19. Stay tuned for more details soon!

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

I Want to Buy an Electric Vehicle, But...

Recently OEEC staff member Julie Gurnee shared what she learned after replacing an aging family car with an electric vehicle. Her experience may help you answer questions about making the switch to an EV.

Fairfax County Honors “Best Workplaces for Commuters”

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently recognized 12 employers who have taken steps to encourage environmentally-friendly commuter practices, reduce traffic congestion, and preserve the region’s air quality, recognizing them as a “Best Workplace for Commuters” (BWC).

Honorees included Advanced Simulation Technology Inc., Brookfield Properties, Operated by CBRE, Groundswell, Inova Center for Personalized Health, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, RT West, Operated by JBG Smith, Scout Space, Silverline Center, Silverstone Senior Living, Systematic, Transurban North America, and Tysons Community Alliance.

"With the executive order to return to in-person work, commuting in the National Capital Region is about to get much more complicated,” said Marcus Moore, Fairfax County Department of Transportation senior transportation planner. “Programs like ‘Best Workplaces for Commuters’ offer a way to celebrate those employers who not only make it a little easier for their employees to get to the office, but also ease congestion through commuter benefits to reduce the volume of cars on our roads.”

ActiveFairfax Posts New Transportation Newsletter!

Stay informed about ways to be more active and navigate the NOVA region via walking, blading, or biking as the spring weather approaches. Check out Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s new Active Transportation Newsletter February Issue to find out about pop up events and more!

*Wanna dive a little deeper? Check out the County’s Active Transportation Toolkit.

Fairfax County Launches New Manual for Multimodal Transportation Studies

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has announced a new Comprehensive Transportation Analysis, a tool for developers, transportation industry practitioners and community members to study the impacts of proposed changes to a transportation system or planned land use.

While Fairfax County’s commuting roots began with helping drivers get from their suburban bedroom communities to their jobs downtown, Fairfax County commuters now may be taking transit downtown, commuting across the county, biking to school, or walking to the library or the store.

The Comprehensive Transportation Analysis is available online from FCDOT and features a User’s Manual and Quick Guide for download.

WASTE REDUCTION

New Name for Stormwater and Wastewater Management Programs

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is rebranding some of its programs to better reflect their work and services to sustain our environment. Over the next few months changes to reflect the new names will be rolling out on documents and brochures, the county website, building signage, swag, etc. The changes include:

• Water Resources and Infrastructure (WRI) is the new name of the program that comprises the Stormwater Management and Wastewater Management programs.
• The Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility (NMCWRF) more accurately describes the work at the plant and is a more positive side of the clean water mission.
• Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) is the new moniker for the Urban Forestry Management Division. 

New Trash and Recycling Services Could be Rolling Your Way

Fairfax County is considering a new waste collection system through Unified Sanitation Districts (USD). Under USD, the county would manage waste hauling contracts directly with collectors, making the process easier for residents in single-family homes. All residential waste collection would be conducted by private collectors.

While this trash and recycling system service model is common both regionally and nationally, it is new to Fairfax County. To help residents learn more about this proposed change, the county launched a new webpage with more details and answers to frequently asked questions.

For the latest waste management updates, you can also subscribe to the Fairfax Recycles newsletter and follow DPWES on Facebook and X @ffxpublicworks.

Fairfax County Kicks-Off Textile Recycling Pilot

A textile recycling pilot program has been launched in the county.

In partnership with a New Jersey-based company called Helpsy, DPWES’ Solid Waste Management Program is implementing the pilot to provide residents with a convenient way to recycle unwanted textiles. Helpsy is dedicated to extending the life of clothing and reducing textile waste. Items accepted include clothing, shoes, and household fabrics.

Items can be dropped off at the new blue collection bins located next to the Recycling Loop at the I-66 Transfer Station. It’s near where residents also can drop off recyclable materials and food scraps for composting.

Board Requests Report Aimed at Curbing Illegal Dumping

Fairfax County will be considering proposals to refine how it deals with illegal dumping. The Board of Supervisors asked County Executive Bryan Hill and staff to return by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on June 30, with an outline of existing programs, an analysis of existing programs aimed to curb dumping, and any new strategies they might propose. The request was made as a result of a memorandum from the county’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) that laid out both concerns and possible solutions.

In its memo, EQAC proposed targeting more comprehensive ground-level outreach to small-business owners, residents with limited English proficiency and communities around dumping areas.

Foam Free Virginia Aims to Eliminate EPS

Expanded Polystyrene, or EPS foam, is often used in food packaging and takeout containers. It is very lightweight, does not biodegrade, and is frequently seen as litter. In the water, animals can mistake toxic foam pieces for food.

As a result of these issues, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation to phase out EPS foam use in food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, and cafeterias.

Many establishments are already switching to EPS-free packaging materials such as fiberboard and aluminum foil. All Virginia establishments will need to do so soon. By July 1, 2025, food establishments with 20 or more locations must stop using EPS containers, and by July 1, 2026, all remaining food establishments must comply.

For more information, visit Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's foam free resources webpage.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Clean Streams Challenge: World Water Day is on March 22!

Submitted by Clean Fairfax

Ever wonder where that stray plastic bottle or snack wrapper goes when it escapes the trash can? Unfortunately, much of it ends up in our streams, rivers, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay!

In Fairfax County, most water pollution comes from escaped trash and chemicals running off our streets and sidewalks when it rains. Road salt, motor oil, lawn chemicals, dog poop, and other pollutants mix with rainwater and wash straight into our waterways, harming wildlife and even affecting our drinking water. For example, within a few days, the uncollected poop from just 100 dogs can produce enough bacteria to pollute an entire bay - gross! But the good news is, we can stop this pollution in its tracks.

Now more than ever, it’s up to each of us to play our part in protecting our own health and environment. 

This World Water Day (March 22), join Clean Fairfax and take action!

1. Organize a community cleanup—Clean Fairfax provides free cleanup supplies to help you tackle litter before it reaches our waterways. Request yours here.
2. Be Bay-Wise and skip the chemical lawn fertilizers and pesticides - use compost instead to support healthy and resilient soil.
3. Adopt a storm drain near your home and keep it clear of debris.
4. Always pick up your dog’s poop. 

Together, we can keep it real, keep it classy, and keep our water clean!

Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on their website at www.cleanfairfax.org and follow them on social media: IG/X: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.

Attention High School Students: Apply Now for Youth Conservation Camp

A week-long youth summer camp sponsored by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will be held July 13-19, 2025 on the Virginia Tech campus. This program will focus on forestry, soil, aquatics, and wildlife to teach 9th-12th graders more about the natural world with hands-on experience with conservation professionals.

Northern Virgina Soil and Water Conservation District offers financial assistance and nominates campers in this selective program. Learn more and download the application on the NVSWCD website. The application due date is April 20.

Native Seedling Sale Has Started

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District's 2025 seedling sale is now open for orders. Support local conservation efforts by purchasing packages of native seedlings, rain barrels, composters, and native plant guides. Pickup dates are March 28 and 29.

More Environmental, Climate, and Energy News Online

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's monthly "Environmental, Climate, and Energy" e-newsletter is dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate action plans, programs and policies. To see past issues of this newsletter, visit our website!

Learn More about the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) leads the county's cross-organizational development and implementation of effective environmental and energy policies, goals, programs and projects. OEEC engages county departments, authorities, businesses and residents to advance environmental and energy priorities and address community needs. To stay updated, visit our X and Facebook pages.