09-01-2026
TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Tip of the Month: Learn, Take Action, and Earn Rewards with NVCT
Join the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) on, September 16 at 12 p.m. ET as they explore Fairfax County’s Sustain Fairfax Challenge platform!
Be the first to see the Challenge site’s new land stewardship actions and learn about how everyday sustainable actions make an impact and save money. From planting native species to soaking up the benefits of outdoor time, plus easy ways to save money on your utility bill, you’ll discover simple, practical ways to dig in and make a real difference. You will also learn how to join NVCT's group on the website and earn prizes for joining and participating in challenges!
Sign up to join and receive the Zoom link.
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Get Ready: September is National Preparedness Month
Each September, National Preparedness Month encourages families and communities to take simple steps to be ready for potential emergencies. In Fairfax County, that means preparing for hazards like severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, winter storms, extreme heat, and the remnants of hurricane season.
Residents are urged to understand their risks, create a basic family emergency plan, and build an emergency supply kit with essentials that can last at least three days. Staying informed is key, including signing up for Fairfax Alerts for timely notifications about severe weather and emergencies. National Preparedness Month is also a reminder to check in with neighbors, especially older adults and those with limited mobility.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Introducing OEEC’s New Director: Rob Sandoli
As the new director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, I’m honored to lead Fairfax County’s work to advance sustainability, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more resilient future for all who work, live and play here.
I come to this role not just as a professional with leadership experience in environmental and energy policy and program management, but as someone who is personally invested in climate solutions. At our home in Arlington, my family and I have completed extensive energy-efficiency and sustainability upgrades over the last seven years, including heat pumps to replace failing AC units; ENERGY STAR® window, door, and appliance replacements; and rooftop solar panels. We also had a professional energy audit and, as a result, completed much lower cost improvements, including caulking around windows, installing fireplace covers, adding door sweeps, and installing tinted window films on south-facing windows. These improvements have lowered our energy use, reduced our utility bills, and made our home more comfortable year-round.
Showing off the solar panels at my Arlington home where we’ve made extensive sustainability upgrades.
I’ve also put that experience to good use as a volunteer with EcoAction Arlington, where I help engage neighbors in practical actions that reduce energy use, conserve natural resources, and protect our local environment.
I’m eager to bring that hands-on experience, along with my professional knowledge, to Fairfax County’s climate and energy initiatives. In the months ahead, I’m looking forward to connecting with community members, county staff, and local leaders to:
- Accelerate progress toward the county’s emissions-reduction and climate adaptation goals
- Navigate complex challenges like data center development in ways that benefit communities and the environment
- Expand access to energy efficiency programs and clean energy solutions
I’ve already had the chance to visit county sites like the Mount Vernon Rec Center to see some of our energy innovations up close, like the mechanical equipment for the pool’s dehumidification system. Projects like this one and other award‑winning energy retrofits at places like Spring Hill and Cub Run rec centers are providing greater comfort and energy performance for county operations!
I know that a great many residents, businesses and organizations in our community are already doing important work in these areas, and I’m excited to listen, learn, and partner with you. Together, we can move climate action forward in Fairfax County and create a greener, healthier, and more resilient community for everyone.
OEEC Featured in Virgina Energy Sense Spotlight
 OEEC was recently highlighted in Virginia Energy Sense’s Partner Spotlight. Virginia Energy Sense (VES) is the Commonwealth’s official energy education program, guided by the State Corporation Commission. Its mission is simple: help Virginians understand practical ways to reduce energy use and save money, without sacrificing comfort. By promoting everyday energy‑smart choices, VES supports cleaner air, land, and water while strengthening Virginia’s economy.
OEEC is proud to partner with VES and contribute to statewide efforts that empower residents, businesses, and communities to adopt affordable, sustainable energy practices. Together, we’re advancing a more informed, energy‑efficient future for Virginia.
Learn to Turn Peak Energy Use into Profit at the Fall Green Business Partners Social
 Join the Fairfax County Green Business Partners on Thursday, October 1 for a Fall Social, “From Load to Asset: Making Energy Demand Response Work for Your Business."
Participants will explore how shifting energy use during peak times can generate revenue, lower operating costs, and support a more resilient grid, turning what is traditionally seen as a cost burden into a strategic asset.
The Fall Social is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. ET at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility, 9399 Richmond Highway, Lorton, Va., in the Mount Vernon District. This mid-morning networking event is a great opportunity for local businesses to connect, share ideas, and learn practical strategies to improve energy management in their facilities. This event is free, and space is limited. Register today to secure your spot!
County Restructures Environmental Advisory Bodies
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted in August to dissolve the Tree Commission and restructure the Environmental Quality Advisory Council, resulting in a newly chartered Environmental Commission. The change is part of an ongoing review of the county’s boards, authorities, and commissions aimed at improving efficiency, bodies with overlapping mission space, and reducing staff and planning costs.
Under the new bylaws, the new 15‑member Environmental Commission will include one representative from each of Fairfax County’s nine magisterial districts, one member appointed by the Board chairman, three at‑large members, and two students. At least two seats will be designated for individuals with expertise in forestry or natural resources. Some responsibilities previously held by the Tree Commission will also shift to the Urban and Community Forestry Division within the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. The terms of all current members of EQAC expired with the board’s action.
Thank you to all past members of the Tree Commission and the Environmental Quality Advisory Council for their years of dedicated service to Fairfax County. Their commitment and contributions laid the foundation for this newly chartered Environmental Commission. Residents interested in serving on the new commission are encouraged to contact their District Supervisor for more information.
Mapping NOVA’s Hottest Neighborhoods: A Community Science Study for Cooler, More Resilient Communities
 Northern Virginia is heating up — and some neighborhoods feel it more than others. A new Urban Heat Island Mapping Project, led by Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and George Mason University’s Virginia Climate Center, brought together more than 80 volunteers to capture real‑time temperature data across the region. Their findings will help identify the hottest areas, understand why they’re hotter, and potentially guide future investments in cooling infrastructure, shade, and green spaces. Read more about the study on the Climate Matters Blog.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Energy Conservation Assistance Program Drives Local Efficiency Upgrades
 As of August 2026, Fairfax County’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) has approved over $245K in grants supporting 38 energy projects either completed or underway. Altogether, these projects represent over $1.2 million in energy efficiency improvements across community buildings and facilities.
Spanning districts throughout Fairfax County, ECAP supported projects address a wide range of energy needs — from lighting upgrades and HVAC improvements to building controls and on‑site renewable energy. Organizations seeking to reduce energy use, lower operating costs, or modernize their facilities are encouraged to apply to the program. Please note that applications must be approved prior to implementing a project or making purchases of equipment or supplies.
Save with Solar: Switch Together Program Now Open Through Nov. 18
Fairfax County residents have an extended opportunity to go solar at below‑market prices through Switch Together, a group‑buying program offered by the national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. The deadline to sign up for Switch Together is now November 18, 2026, giving residents more time to explore solar and related technologies.
Switch Together uses a competitive reverse auction to secure discounted pricing on rooftop solar, home battery storage, and EV chargers, and this year’s participants are expected to save about 21% compared with individually contracted installations. Participants in the program also have the option to lease rather than buy the system. To learn more about the program, watch the Fairfax County Summer Solar 101 webinar.
Behind the Scenes of Fairfax County’s Latest Energy Innovations
 OEEC staff recently toured several of Fairfax County’s high-performance building projects in the Mount Vernon area, getting an inside look at how sustainability is being built into community spaces.
At the newly revitalized Mount Vernon Rec Center — reopened in 2025 with upgraded ice rinks, an indoor climbing wall, pool, and Fitness Center — staff visited the high‑efficiency heating and cooling systems and the rooftop, where a solar array will be added to help power the facility.
The team also visited The Commons (formerly the original Mount Vernon High School), an adaptive reuse project currently under construction that will provide education, workforce development, and life‑skills training programs. The site will feature a geothermal system expected to boost energy efficiency by about 25%. Plans also include solar panels on flat roof areas, EV charging stations, and Low Impact Development stormwater features —elements that could help the building achieve LEED‑Silver certification.
Together, these projects highlight how Fairfax County is pairing community investment with sustainable, forward‑looking design to create a more resilient future.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Fairfax Connector Adds New Hybrid-Electric Buses to Fleet, Expanding Cleaner Transportation Options
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is expanding its eco-friendly transit options this summer with the addition of 19 new hybrid-electric buses to the Connector fleet.
“Hybrid-electric buses are expected to provide approximately 25% fuel savings and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional diesel buses,” said FCDOT Transit Division Chief Dwayne Pelfrey, “helping Fairfax Connector move toward a more environmentally sustainable fleet.”
Manufactured by New Flyer Industries and funded with state support, the new buses are part of the county’s broader effort to modernize its fleet and meet climate goals, with an additional 36 hybrid-electric buses arriving later this year through a federal Low or No Emission (Low-No) grant. Riders can expect to see the new hybrid buses on routes across the county throughout the summer.
Connector Expands Transit Fare Assistance with TRIP100
Fairfax Connector has announced the launch of TRIP100, a new Transit Ridership Incentive Program that provides qualified Fairfax County residents with a 100% fare discount on Fairfax Connector bus service. The new program, supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), replaces the previous TRIP program, which provided a 50% fare discount on Fairfax Connector.
Celebrate National Drive Electric Month
 National Drive Electric Month (NDEM) runs from September 11 through October 12, 2026, highlighting the many benefits of all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles. Communities across the country will host ride-and-drive events, demonstrations, and educational activities that make it easier than ever to learn about EV technology and ask questions directly to owners and experts.
Here in Fairfax County, residents can also take advantage of local support programs, including Charge Up Fairfax, which helps homeowners associations and other community organizations explore and plan for EV charging solutions. Additional electric vehicle resources, guidance, and incentives are available on the OEEC website.
National Drive Electric Month is a great opportunity to see how EVs fit into everyday life — and how Fairfax is helping lead the way.
WASTE REDUCTION
A Request to Shape the Future of Waste, Recycling, and Zero Waste Innovation
 Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is seeking innovative ideas to help advance its waste diversion and zero waste goals, and the Solid Waste Management Program has opened a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to gather broad input from industry partners, public agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.
The RFEI invites concepts across a wide range of areas — including recycling, diversion, processing, disposal, public‑private partnerships, and new approaches to daily operations — and welcomes technology solutions, program enhancements, service models, and long‑term strategies that could roll out in stages. Insights from the submissions will help shape both near‑term improvements and long‑range planning for the future of Fairfax County’s solid waste system.
Responses are due October 30, 2026.
Did You Know? There’s a Right Way to Drain a Swimming Pool
 As summer wraps up, many community and housing complex pools prepare for seasonal maintenance, but draining chlorinated water must be done carefully. Knowing the proper discharge steps for draining pools helps protect our waterways while keeping facilities in good condition and Fairfax County Stormwater staff has guidance that can help.
Borrow a Reusable Party Kit from Clean Fairfax
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
Clean Fairfax is excited to announce a new program: we now offer reusable party kits for anyone in the community to borrow. Whether you are hosting a birthday party, holiday get-together, or an event for your community group or business, we have party kits to lend!
Rather than spending money on disposable, single use paper plates, plastic cups and cutlery, you can borrow our reusable kits for your event needs. Clean Fairfax kits are made of sturdy dishwasher-safe reusable plastic that can be cleaned, returned, and offered again to the next community member who needs them. This saves money, reduces wastes, and conserves our resources while supporting a circular community model.
Clean Fairfax has four kits for adult gatherings, each serving up to 30 guests, and a children’s party pack for up to 36 guests.
- Each adult party kit includes: large plates, small plates, bowls, cups, cutlery (forks/knives/spoons) and a tablecloth.
- Each children’s party kit includes: plates, bowls, cups, cutlery (forks/knives/spoons) and a tablecloth.
- We also have the following add-on items available for you to borrow: serving trays, large and medium serving bowls, serving spoons, tongs, and fun cocktail/mocktail cups.
The kits are free to borrow, although a suggested donation is always appreciated. There is also a refundable $50 deposit required to secure the kits. The party kits are available for pickup at the Clean Fairfax office at 10400 Eaton Place, Fairfax, VA and can be borrowed for up to a week. Kits must be returned clean and dry. Reserve your reusable party kit online at the Clean Fairfax website.
Clean Fairfax is an independent 501c3 nonprofit that encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement.
Learn more at www.cleanfairfax.org and on social media: IG/Threads/Bluesky: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil
NATURAL RESOURCES
Board of Supervisors Approves “Resilient Trees” Amendments
On August 25, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the “Resilient Trees Amendment,” advancing significant updates to the Public Facilities Manual and County Code to ensure the trees planted today can thrive in a changing climate.
These updates modernize the county’s Tree Selection and Canopy Cover Guide to prioritize long‑lived, climate-ready species that support a healthier urban forest.
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Key improvements include:
- Expanding the list to 114 tree species, adding more native and climate‑resilient options while removing poorly performing, non‑native trees.
- Adding detailed trait information (such as climate adaptation strengths, vulnerabilities, and survivability) to help designers and arborists choose the right tree for the right place.
- Updating native species tiers to better reflect canopy value and long‑term performance.
- Aligning planting seasons and field tagging practices with current climate data and industry standards to improve tree survival.
Resilient trees are critical infrastructure — they cool neighborhoods, reduce flooding, improve air quality, and support public health. With the Board’s approval, Fairfax County is taking a major step toward growing a stronger, more durable tree canopy for the future.
Free Trees Available for Residents and Community Groups
 Fairfax County is expanding opportunities for residents and community groups to plant trees and strengthen the county’s urban forest through two free tree distribution programs now accepting applications.
- Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, residents can receive up to two free, high-quality one‑gallon native trees — shipped directly to their homes — with initial priority given to neighborhoods ranking high or very high on the Social Vulnerability Index.
- Applications are also open for the Fairfax County Tree Distribution to Community Organizations program, which provides professionally grown, landscape quality trees at no cost to civic groups, volunteer organizations, and faith-based partners, with priority for projects in or near highly vulnerable communities.
Together, these programs make it easier than ever to plant locally appropriate trees, boost shade, reduce energy use, and help communities across Fairfax County become cooler, greener, and more resilient.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY
Fairfax County’s AC Rescue Program Reaches 100 Households Helped
Fairfax County’s AC Rescue program has reached an important milestone: 100 households assisted since its launch. The program provides emergency air‑conditioning replacement or repair for eligible residents facing unsafe indoor temperatures, helping vulnerable households stay cool during extreme summer heat.
With rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves, this support has become a vital part of the county’s efforts to protect community health and enhance climate resilience. Residents can access that offer cooling assistance — AC Rescue, Cooling Assistance and Senior Cool Care — ensuring vulnerable households have multiple pathways to stay cool and protected. If you or someone you know is experiencing a heat crisis, call Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880.
Stay in the Loop! 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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