11-03-2025
This month’s issue includes a Sustain Fairfax Challenge tip of the month; winter weather preparedness tips; scenes from the Climate Action Conference; the Fairfax Energy Compass program; Green Business Partners Social invite; the Environmental Achievement Awards; updates to tree guidelines; OEEC Energy program events; an energy award for Spring Hill Rec Center; the next community conversation on EV charging; Fairfax Connector’s 40 year celebration; the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling; Fairfax Recycles Day; the return of Pumpkin Palooza; combatting invasive plants; and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Challenge Tip of the Month: Vanquish the Energy Vampires
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What Is It? Energy vampires are electronics and devices that continue to draw electricity even when they are turned off or in standby mode.
What Can You Do? You can unplug devices when they’re not in use, use power strips to easily turn off multiple items at once, and ensure electronics are fully powered down to stop unnecessary energy use.
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Even though Halloween has passed, energy vampires are still lurking in your home, draining electricity when you’re not using your devices.
Computers, printers, monitors, televisions, and other electronics can use “vampire” power even in standby mode, costing you energy and money. It’s easy to vanquish these energy vampires—simply unplug devices when they’re not in use or use power strips to turn off multiple devices at once.
A few simple steps can help you save energy all year long!
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Get Ready for Winter: Tips to Prepare Your Home, Car, and Family for Cold Weather
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What Is It? Winter preparedness involves taking proactive steps to ready your home, car, and emergency plans for extreme cold weather events like power outages, ice storms, and freezing temperatures to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
What Can You Do? You can winterize your home, stock a cold-weather emergency kit, prepare your car with winter essentials, plan for power outages, and prioritize the needs of pets and vulnerable family members to stay safe during extreme weather.
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As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare for cold weather challenges like power outages, ice storms, and freezing temperatures. Fairfax County’s Department of Emergency Management and Security suggests taking steps now to winterize your home and car.
Key preparations include upgrading emergency kits with cold-weather essentials, protecting pipes from freezing, maintaining heating systems, stocking a winter car kit, and ensuring fuel and fluids are ready for the season. Additionally, planning for power outages, prioritizing the needs of pets and vulnerable family members, and taking action before the first storm can make all the difference.
A little preparation now can save time, money, and stress when winter arrives.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Scenes from the 2025 Climate Action Conference
 The Third Annual Braddock District Climate Action Conference, held on October 18, 2025, at Lake Braddock Secondary School, brought over 200 participants together to explore actions we can take to protect and improve our watersheds during this time of climate change. Attendees enjoyed opening remarks from U.S. Congressman James R. Walkinshaw and Mason District Supervisor Andres F. Jimenez, followed by a compelling keynote from Anna-Marie Laura of the Ocean Conservancy.
The conference also featured an engaging panel discussion on local water vulnerabilities with insights from experts across government, conservation, and water services. Breakout sessions empowered residents with practical steps to mitigate flood risks and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Attendees also had the chance to win electric lawn equipment, which were raffled off by the Clean Air Partners!
The event fostered collaboration and learning, highlighting the vital role everyone plays in protecting healthy waterways. If you missed the conference, watch Channel 16's recap on YouTube.
Energy Compass Program Can Help Residents Save Energy and Cut Costs
 OEEC launched the Fairfax Energy Compass, a free program designed to help residents save energy, reduce utility costs, and make their homes more comfortable.
The program offers:
- Personalized support from local Energy Navigators.
- Expert advice on home energy systems, including heating, cooling, insulation, lighting, and solar options.
- Access to rebates, incentives, and certified contractors for energy upgrades.
“With rising energy costs and growing concern about climate change, the Energy Compass program is a vital new resource for our community,” said John Morrill, Director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “This program helps residents save money, improve home comfort, and reduce their carbon footprint—all while advancing Fairfax County’s sustainability goals.”
Residents can get started by completing an interest form, emailing energycompass@fairfaxcounty.gov, or calling (703) 324-3721.
Green Business Partners Program Plans Social Event on December 4
Attention Fairfax County business leaders: The Green Business Partners Program is having a social event on December 4, and you’re invited!
This evening networking event brings together GBP Members, Leaders, and Allies to connect, share insights, and celebrate how sustainable business practices advance both environmental and economic goals across Fairfax County. Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination will host the event at Spaces Reston Station (6th Floor), 1900 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston. The time is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Highlights will include:
- Networking with businesses and community leaders;
- Recognition of Partners completing the GBP Facilitated Impact Tracking (FIT) Pilot; and
- A short “Sustainabites” showcase highlighting partners’ innovative sustainability practices
The event is free and light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required.
Environmental Achievement Winners Honored at Award Ceremony
 Fairfax County recently honored the winners of the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that have made remarkable contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
This year’s winners include a senior planner advancing climate resilience, a wastewater director restoring ecosystems, a Fairfax County Public Schools team fostering environmental literacy, a dedicated advocate for habitat restoration, a grassroots partnership promoting sustainability in underserved communities, and a business championing circular fashion and textile waste reduction.
The awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC). A committee of the council selects awardees from a pool of nominations.
A ceremony was held on October 30 to celebrate the EE Award winners, along with the recipients of the Friends of Trees and James M. Scott Exceptional Design awards.
County Updates Tree Guidelines to Strengthen Climate Resilience
 Did you know that some tree species are better able to withstand warmer, wetter, weirder climate conditions? Additionally, did you know that some tree species do a better job of absorbing floodwater, serving as a wind barrier, or mitigating heat?
Fairfax County is amending the tree section of the Public Facilities Manual to include climate resilience and adaptation considerations. The Public Facilities Manual is used as a guide by developers when they are deciding which trees to plant to receive tree canopy credits from the county.
To learn more, tune into the Board of Supervisors Environmental Committee (BOSEC) on November 25 at 3 p.m. on Government Channel 16.
Upcoming Events Highlight Electric Vehicle and Energy Programs in Fairfax County
 Discover how Fairfax County is advancing sustainability through innovative programs for electric vehicles and energy conservation. Join OEEC staff in two upcoming events to learn more:
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Fairfax County’s Electric Vehicle Initiatives on November 6. Hosted by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority on Zoom, this session will feature Rama Mitry, Charge Up Fairfax Program Manager, and Julie Gurnee, EV Readiness Program Manager. Learn how programs like Charge Up Fairfax support residents, businesses, and community facilities with EV charging incentives, resources, and readiness tools, shaping the future of sustainable transportation in Northern Virginia. Register now.
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Green Breakfast on November 8. Join Rama Mitry and Maggie Beetstra at the virtual Green Breakfast, hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, to explore three impactful energy programs:
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District facilitates these bi-monthly events to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting on a Saturday morning. The virtual Green Breakfast programs start at 9 a.m. on Teams. For more information and the meeting link, visit the event page.
Be sure to catch these opportunities to learn more about Fairfax County’s commitment to sustainability and how you can participate.
Updated Land Use and Development Data Now Available on Tysons Tracker
 The Tysons Tracker, your go-to source for development of the Tysons Urban center, is now updated with data and projects from June 2024 to June 2025. The interactive platform sheds light on Tysons’ progress in the areas of land development, transportation, environmental stewardship, public facilities, parks, and general implementation efforts.
In addition to the annual updates, several new features launched on the Tysons Tracker include new data on housing, additional bicyclist and pedestrian focused data, an interactive map of stream restoration projects, and public facility funding information
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Park Authority Honored with Energy Efficiency Award for Advancements at Spring Hill Rec Center
 The Fairfax County Park Authority was awarded the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) award in recognition of its exceptional energy efficiency improvements at the Spring Hill Rec Center. This honor highlights FCPA’s leadership in sustainability and its commitment to reducing energy consumption across its facilities.
Completed in 2024 through a partnership between the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, Fairfax County Park Authority, and CMTA, the project included LED lighting retrofits, a revamped Building Automation System, and Fairfax County’s first geothermal HVAC system with pool waste heat recovery, alongside a solar photovoltaic array that generates 366,000 kilowatt hours annually. The project achieved a 37% reduction in energy use along with a savings of more than $116,000 annually in avoided utility costs.
“The Spring Hill Recreation Center project is not only one of the largest geothermal HVAC and solar installations in the county but also a proof of concept for large-scale energy retrofits and renewable integration," Kevin Smith, OEEC’s division manager for energy programs. “This effort showcases how innovations like this can help us reach our goal of carbon neutrality in government operations by 2040. Energy efficiency remains central to our climate goals, and these partnerships are key to making ambitious projects like this successful.”
The VAEEC is a statewide organization that promotes energy efficiency as a path to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability. This award was presented at VAEEC’s 2025 Fall Forum on October 16.
From Drafty to Delightful: How a Fairfax County Resident Transformed His Townhome through Electrification
Reston residents Jeff and Heidi Warrington have been on a journey to make their townhome more energy-efficient and fully electric. Through thoughtful upgrades like weatherization, a heat pump water heater, and an induction stove, Jeff and his wife have reduced their energy use by 21% in the first year and cut utility bills even more since — while enjoying a more comfortable and sustainable home.
Read our interview where Jeff reflects on his motivations, challenges, and the resources that helped him along the way on the Climate Matters Blog!
Fairfax County Solar Projects Surpass 1 Million Kilowatt-Hour Milestone
 Fairfax County Government’s solar installations have collectively generated more than 1 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy in 2025 to date— a significant milestone in the county’s commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Since 2023, the county has installed solar on more than a dozen public facilities with many more in the works. These projects demonstrate its dedication to clean energy solutions that benefit both the environment and the community.
One of the latest renewable energy projects was completed at Fire Station 28, Fort Buffalo (formerly Seven Corners) which now has a 40-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system providing power to the facility.
See a virtual tour of the Fort Buffalo Fire Station and learn more about renewable energy projects at county facilities.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Gurnee Gets "Green Leaders on the Move" Award from GWRCC
OEEC’s Julie Gurnee was among those honored by Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) with a Green Leaders on the Move award at their annual conference. The awards recognize people for their leadership in promoting sustainability and clean energy in the DC Metro area.
The GWRCC conference brought together leaders in clean energy and transportation to network, collaborate, learn and lead the change. Gurnee served on a panel on “Women in Clean Energy.” Gurnee has been with Fairfax County since 2012 and is a Climate Mitigation Specialist at OEEC who manages Fairfax County’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Strategy, supports the Charge-Up Fairfax Program, and works on the Green Business Partners Program. Congratulations Julie!
Join a Community Conversation on EV Charging on November 13
 Join officials from Fairfax County and the city of Fairfax, the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for a second community conversation on electric vehicles and EV charging stations.
The event is Thursday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway. Your voice will help shape the future of clean transportation in Fairfax County.
Be Part of Planning the Region’s Transportation Future
 The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board has released Visualize 2050, the draft long-range transportation plan for metropolitan Washington. Whether you walk, bike, ride transit, or drive in the National Capital Region, you are encouraged to comment on the Visualize 2050 plan now through November 21.
Take a Moment: What We Can All Do to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
 Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone — whether walking, biking, or driving — plays a role.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, as required by Virginia law. Pedestrians should cross safely at marked crosswalks when possible, make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and wear bright clothing or use lights when walking in low visibility conditions. Cyclists should ride with traffic, follow road laws, use signals to communicate intentions, and use lights and reflectors to increase visibility at night or in poor weather.
By following some simple practices, we can work together to make Fairfax County's roads safer for everyone.
Fairfax Connector Celebrates 40 Years of Service, Connection and Growth
 Local officials, past and present transit leaders and partners came together last month to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fairfax Connector. Fairfax County’s premier bus service has connected millions of riders with destinations throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1985.
From a humble beginning with 10 routes and 33 bus operators along the Route 1 corridor, Fairfax Connector has grown into the largest, farthest-reaching bus service in Virginia with 93 routes and serving more than 250 million riders over 40 years. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to keep public transportation reliable, safe and accessible for all Fairfax County residents.
“Fairfax Connector is not just a bus service; it’s a lifeline for our county,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said. “As a kid familiar with the Route 1 corridor, I saw firsthand the profound impact this service has on families. The Connector doesn’t just get people from Point A to Point B—it shapes lives by giving people access to what they need to thrive.”
Board of Supervisors Recognizes Volunteer Group for Advancing Cycling in the County
The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) is a volunteer-led organization working to make bicycling fun, safe, sustainable and accessible for people of all ages in Fairfax County. In recognition of 20 years of contributions to advancing cycling in the county, the Board of Supervisors honored FABB at their October 14 meeting.
Since 2005, FABB volunteers have been an effective voice among Fairfax County transportation professionals, elected officials, community advocates and leaders. FABB’s capstone effort was the successful adoption of the County’s first Bicycle Master Plan and Map, which was approved in 2014.
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WASTE REDUCTION
Celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day with a Drop-off and Touch-a-Truck Event!
Whether it’s winter coats, batteries, eyeglasses or electronics, unwanted recyclables can be dropped off when the DPWES Solid Waste Management Program hosts the upcoming Fairfax Recycles Day event.
The event on November 15, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., is FREE for county residents. The location is the Backlick VRE parking lot, 6900 Hechinger Drive, Springfield.
Attendees can also stop by the Touch-a-Truck area for an opportunity to check out some of the large vehicles and heavy equipment used by DPWES and other county agencies, such as a fire engine, flusher truck, CCTV truck, and trash and recycling trucks.
Let’s Talk Trash about Plastic Bag Tax
 In the latest episode of "Trash Talk," Solid Waste staff talk with OEEC’s Stephanie Cadena about how Fairfax County is working to discourage the use of plastic bags in our community via the five-cent plastic bag tax. Between January 1, 2022, and June 31, 2025, the bag tax has generated over $8.3 million in revenue to support the distribution of reusable bags and environmental education and litter mitigation efforts. Find out how many bags have been taken out of circulation, as well as learn about a few of the environmental initiatives funded by these monies.
Pumpkin Palooza: Repurpose Pumpkins and Reduce Holiday Food Waste
Reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment this fall by repurposing pumpkins and minimizing holiday food waste. Leftover Halloween pumpkins and gourds can be dropped off at the I-66 Transfer Station, free of paint, glitter, and candles, or composted at home to enrich your soil.
During holiday gatherings, plan ahead by shopping according to your guest list, store food properly to extend freshness, and get creative with leftovers to avoid throwing them away. Compost scraps like peels and cores at home or drop them off at local compost facilities like the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex. These simple steps not only cut down on waste but also make your celebrations more sustainable and enjoyable.
You Can Do It Differently This Year: Holidays without the Expense, Stress, or Waste
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
Are you fretting about how you are going to put together the traditional holiday EVERYTHING for EVERYONE in light of all the overwhelming uncertainty in our region? You don’t have to. We can do it differently this year, and going forward. Join us for a thoughtful discussion with show-and-tell holiday ideas that are low cost, low waste, and low stress. And absolutely memorable. Clean Fairfax’s Executive Director and Chief Holiday Officer Jen Cole will be presenting at the Pohick Regional Library on Sunday, November 9 at 2 p.m. All are welcome!
If you aren’t able to attend on November 9, check out the Clean Fairfax Speakers Bureau and book a presentation by Jen or our other staff and colleagues who can speak to your group on a variety of educational topics. We are thrilled to add our newest staff members, Safiya Farid, Clean Streams Coordinator, and Daniel Malagon, Bilingual (Spanish) Outreach Associate, to the roster!
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on our website at www.cleanfairfax.org and follow us on social media: IG/X: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Dogue Creek Stream Restoration Project Launches at Greendale Golf Course
Golf Fairfax recently shared details about the upcoming Dogue Creek Stream Restoration Project at Greendale Golf Course, an initiative led by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) in collaboration with Fairfax County Park Authority.
The project is scheduled to begin on Nov. 3 and will include stream and pond dredging, streambank stabilization and stormwater infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are designed to enhance water quality, control erosion and sediment, reduce flooding risk, and improve the long-term sustainability of the golf course.
Fairfax PRISM Kicks Off Week of Action to Combat Invasive Plants
Join a Fairfax-wide effort to help control invasive plants and protect trees. The recently formed Fairfax Tree Rescuers Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (Fairfax PRISM) is kicking off its work with a Week of Action on November 8-15, 2025, and they need your help! True to its mission to facilitate a community-wide effort by residents and organizations to fight invasive plants, protect our trees, and promote the native species that sustain our local ecosystems, Fairfax PRISM Is inviting residents to join them at launch events across the entire county — join any of these tree rescues to learn about invasive plants and what you can do to help!
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RESILIENCY
Get Help with Heating Costs this Winter
 The Fuel Assistance Program helps Fairfax County households with home heating costs during the coldest months of the year. The application period for the program ends November 14, so don’t wait to apply!
Eligibility includes meeting income criteria, citizenship requirements, and specific household needs. Cooling assistance, for example, is available to homes with an elderly person, someone living with a disability, or a child under six.
To learn more and submit your application, visit CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or call 833-522-5582.
Don't Be the Last to Know: 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!
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