01-02-2025
This month’s issue includes resolutions for a more sustainable new year; the Sustain Fairfax campaign; county energy savings and emissions reductions in fiscal year 2024; new communities in the Charge Up Fairfax program; new Energy Conservation Assistance Program projects; the Better Climate Challenge; the Judicial Complex Redevelopment Plan; an EnviroPod with Supervisor Andres Jimenez; the 2024 Annual Report on the Environment; the Wiehle Avenue Pedestrian Bridge ribbon cutting; the future of waste collection in Fairfax County; the plastic bag tax success story; recycling right this holiday season; the county’s hypothermia prevention program; the salt smart campaign; winter preparedness tips; and much more!
 2025 is here, which means New Years resolutions are top of mind for many. There’s no better time to look at your habits and see what changes could be made to reduce your environmental footprint while potentially saving money!
Read our latest blog for seven ways to be more sustainable in 2025 and beyond, including buying intentionally and upgrading your laundry day.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Fairfax County Steadfast in Climate Action Amid Federal Changes
A Letter from the John Morrill, Director, Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Despite the potential for setbacks at the national level due to upcoming changes in federal environmental policy, Fairfax County is moving forward with initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Our Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The county has made significant strides in this effort: overall, the community greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 30% from 2005 to 2020, despite a 12% growth in population over that time. Similarly, carbon pollution from government operations has fallen by almost 28% since fiscal year 2018.
At the same time, we are implementing our Resilient Fairfax plan, designed to help us adapt to the “warmer, wetter and weirder” conditions we’re already experiencing due to the extreme heat, flooding and severe storms that threaten our community.
We are currently preparing updates to our Climate Action Dashboard and an annual report detailing progress in 2024 and plans for 2025.
Nationally, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has already provided substantial funding for green jobs and ambitious climate initiatives. Half of the $105 billion allocated by the IRA for grants and awards has been spent or committed, helping support our local efforts. While the President-Elect has expressed intentions to roll back federal climate regulations and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, we will remain vigilant and proactive locally.
Our Board of Supervisors is committed to achieving the county's climate goals, but it will require continued dedication from our community. Together, we will ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Fairfax County.
Join the Sustain Fairfax Campaign
Fairfax County is taking bold steps towards a greener future with the launch of the Sustain Fairfax campaign. This initiative is designed to engage and empower the community to take action on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campaign focuses on key areas such as conserving energy, promoting sustainable transportation and protecting natural resources,
At the heart of Sustain Fairfax is a commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient community. Residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of programs and activities that support sustainable living. From energy-saving tips to flood-protection initiatives, there are numerous ways to get involved.
To learn more about Sustain Fairfax and how you can contribute to a more sustainable future, visit the campaign’s official website at Sustain Fairfax. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Fairfax County remains a vibrant and thriving community for generations to come. Join the movement today and be a part of the solution!
County Cuts its Carbon Emissions by Nearly 3% in FY24
Fairfax County Government continues to make steady progress on its Operational Energy Strategy goals to curb its greenhouse gas emissions and to lower its energy use.
County operations saw a 2.7% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in fiscal year 2024 (FY24) compared to the previous year. Total electricity use is down over 5% from the prior fiscal year while natural gas emissions decreased by less than 1%.
Overall greenhouse gas emissions from energy use – including electricity, natural gas and vehicle fuel – is down nearly 28% compared to the baseline in fiscal year 2018, due to the combination of energy efficiency measures in county operations and a cleaner supply of electricity.
Fairfax County Shows Commitment to Cutting Carbon Emissions through DOE’s “Better Climate Challenge”
 Fairfax County Government has ambitious goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, including becoming carbon-neutral by 2040.
Reaching that goal will require a sustained, multi-pronged effort to reduce fossil fuel use in county facilities and operations. Fortunately, programs like the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge are helping Fairfax County and other jurisdictions across the country make progress toward those goals by sharing innovative solutions, offering technical assistance, and providing peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Read more about the Better Climate Challenge on the Climate Matters Blog.
Fairfax County Announces Four New Communities to Charge Up Fairfax Program
OEEC is pleased to welcome four new communities to the Charge Up Fairfax program and to celebrate the first two communities to complete installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
The Charge Up Fairfax initiative is aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by providing community associations with the resources and support necessary to install charging stations for residents and guests. The newly selected communities include:
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Lakepointe Community Council Homeowners Association in the Braddock District
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Windsor Park Homeowners Association in the Franconia District
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Midtown North Condominium Unit Owners Association in the Hunter Mill District
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Encore of McLean Condominium Unit Owners Association in the Providence District
"We are thrilled to welcome these four communities into the Charge Up Fairfax program," said OEEC Director John Morrill. "By expanding the network of EV charging infrastructure close to home, we are fostering a greener future and making it easier for residents to embrace electric vehicles, which produce no tailpipe emissions and are better for the environment.”
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Energy Conservation Assistance Program Powering Solar and Insulation Projects
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is helping to power energy projects for common interest communities, places of worships and nonprofit organizations across Fairfax County — including a 136.3 kilowatt solar array on a parking lot canopy at Holy Comforter Church in Vienna, a 31.898 kilowatt photovoltaic solar system at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, and insulation remediation and duct improvement work at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, among others in 2024.
Church of the Holy Comforter’s solar project includes the installation of 325 solar panels, which are expected to generate 216,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, producing all the electricity for its current usage.
This initiative will not only reduce the church’s carbon footprint but also lower energy costs over the 30-to-50 year lifespan of the panels, allowing more resources to be directed toward community outreach programs.
Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church received a grant of $10,000 to support the installation of a solar project that will offset their annual energy use by 100%. The solar project is also eligible for the federal Inflation Reduction Act (Direct Pay) tax credit, which will help accelerate the payback period to less than 8 years.
Mount Vernon Unitarian Church's insulation project was an important step in improving energy efficiency for a historic building on its campus and will save over $1,400 annually in utility costs. The project was recommended after an ASHRAE Level II energy audit — also supported by the program — that was completed in early 2024.
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program provides technical assistance and matching reimbursement grants to qualifying organizations for energy conservation and resiliency projects. Since the program started in fiscal year 2016, it has approved $145,238 in grants in support of 29 energy projects either completed or in progress. In total, these projects will result in over $880,000 in energy efficiency upgrades.
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Coming Soon: Your Chance to Shape the County’s Development
Fairfax County’s next round of the Site Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process will officially kick off on Jan. 13, 2025. SSPA is the county’s process for giving the public a way to propose a land use change, known as a “nomination,” in the Comprehensive Plan for a single site or collection of sites.
The Comprehensive Plan guides land use and development decisions in the county and sets forth the community’s future vision. The nomination period will run from Jan. 13 through Feb. 13, 2025, and nominations will be accepted online through PLUS. PLUS is Fairfax County's Planning and Land Use System which allows customers to create and submit applications online, pay fees, track application status and receive electronic notifications.
To get involved and submit a nomination for the 2025 Countywide SSPA cycle, visit the program webpage for more details and community resources.
EQAC Releases 2024 Annual Report on the Environment and Announces Public Comment Meeting
 The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) has released its 2024 Annual Report on the Environment. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the county's environmental status, highlighting key areas such as land use, air and water quality, transportation, waste management, climate change, and ecological conservation.
In conjunction with the release of the Annual Report, EQAC invites all residents to participate in the Annual Public Comment Meeting, scheduled for January 8, 2025. This meeting provides a unique opportunity for community members to share their environmental concerns, suggestions, and feedback directly with the council.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Board of Supervisors Approves Judicial Complex Redevelopment Plan
 The Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the development plans for the Judicial Complex, paving the way for the transformation of a critical civic campus into a vibrant, sustainable hub.
The multiphase plan aims to expand public services, preserve historic elements and introduce new community amenities. The project prioritizes environmental stewardship with energy-efficient building designs, sustainable landscaping and modernized stormwater management systems.
The first phase is set to begin in late 2025 and includes a new 150,000-square-foot office tower with sustainable features and integrated open spaces.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
New EnviroPod on Environmental Equity with Supervisor Jimenez
On the latest episode of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco speaks with Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez on his decade-long advocacy for environmental equity and sustainability.
Learn how Fairfax County’s One Fairfax policy guides environmental initiatives, the importance of community engagement, and innovative solutions to challenges like stormwater management and climate change.
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Wiehle Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Ribbon Cutting
Fairfax County and NOVA Parks recently inaugurated the new Wiehle Avenue Pedestrian Bridge at the W&OD Trail, a sustainable transportation project which enhances connectivity while reducing congestion and emissions.
For 50 years, the W&OD Trail has connected communities throughout the Northern Virginia area. The new bridge offers a safer route through a major Reston intersection, and easy access to nearby Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. Other minor roadway and sidewalk modifications are also being finalized.
For more details, visit the Wiehle Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project page.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Green Breakfast Event Will Answer Question: Does this Animal Need Help?
There are many different species of wildlife in our area. They adapt quickly to living around and among us. They are resourceful and self-sufficient. However, sometimes they have issues as a result of human and natural occurrences. The question is: when do they need our help and when should we leave them alone? Join Carolyn Wilder of the Wildlife Rescue League for a Green Breakfast event on January 11 as she discusses laws related to human/wildlife interaction, issues affecting wildlife and ways to help animals-when they need it.
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s Green Breakfast series is a bimonthly gathering to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting on a Saturday morning. Visit NVSWCD’s Green Breakfasts Events page to learn more and see past events.
WASTE REDUCTION
County Moving Ahead with Centralized Waste Collection System by 2030
Fairfax County is ramping up to deliver a new waste collection system in the next five years. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has proposed setting up Unified Sanitation Districts as part of a larger effort to update the county’s 20-year solid waste management plan and meet greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability goals.
Adopted in 2021, the Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan calls for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. In addition, the county hopes to achieve “zero waste” — defined as the diversion of at least 90% of solid waste from landfills — by 2040.
During the Board of Supervisors’ Environmental Committee meeting on December 10, DPWES Division Director Matthew Adams discussed the new model to replace the current system, where most residents hire private haulers. Under this plan, the county will manage waste hauling contracts directly with collectors, making things easier for residents in single-family homes. The updated solid waste management plan could also introduce a “Pay as You Throw” system that charges residents based on the size of their trash carts.
Plastic Bag Tax Successfully Reduces Waste and Supports Sustainability Efforts
 The county’s plastic bag tax is proving to be an effective tool in reducing plastic bag usage, according to data recently released by the county. Since 2022, when the bag tax begun, 3.6 million fewer plastic bags have been used by consumers in the county.
The data shows a positive and sustained decline in disposable plastic bags throughout the past few years:
- In 2023, there was a reduction of approximately 1.6 million plastic bags used compared to the previous year.
- And when comparing the first eight months of 2024 to the same period in 2023, an additional 2 million plastic bags were eliminated from use.
That’s nearly 4 million bags so far that will never find their way into county waterways.
“We are seeing the results of this program in the significant reduction of plastic waste,” said Jeffrey C. McKay, Board of Supervisors chairman. “The bag fee has never been about generating revenue but about changing behavior that helps our planet and helps our community reduce litter. However, any revenue that is generated is applied directly to cleaning up our streams, supporting litter reduction and providing reusable bags to vulnerable populations."
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle This Holiday Season
 It's always a wonderful time to recycle, especially after the holidays when there are usually more items to consider!
Items such as paper holiday cards, gift bags/boxes and electronics are more abundant. There may be more food scraps following large holiday dinners, as well as single-use items like red cups (not recyclable), paper plates and plastic utensils.
Fairfax County’s holiday recycle guide includes do’s and don’ts for recycling as well as ideas to make the New Year less wasteful.
Recycle Batteries Right
All batteries contain chemicals. Some of these chemicals — especially lead, nickel, cadmium, mercury, zinc and silver — can be problematic if they are leaked or released into our environment. This is why it is important that they be handled correctly according to type.
The Solid Waste Management Program office, located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 458, accepts certain types of rechargeable batteries and single-use/alkaline batteries in its collection box. Batteries labeled “alkaline” or “carbon zinc” can be placed in household trash or taken to a household hazardous waste site such as the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex.
Grow Your Business by Applying for the 2025 Farmers Market Season
Calling all local farmers and food producers! Applications are now open for food producers to participate in the wildly popular Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets in 2025. If you’re passionate about what you grow or make, this is your chance to share it with the community!
The Fairfax County Park Authority manages 10 farmers markets at locations across the county. Markets are from mid-April until the end of December each year. Visit the Farmers Markets vendor website for more details, or email FCPAFarmMarkets@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions.
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TAKE ACTION
Hypothermia Prevention Program Now Open Through March 31
The county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program is in place to ensure no one experiencing homelessness sleeps outside during the winter. Individuals in need of immediate shelter, food and other supportive services may contact or visit any of the adult shelters or one of the regional Hypothermia Prevention Program locations.
If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think is at risk of hypothermia, call 703-691-2131.
Salt Smart to Protect Our Environment
Salt used to melt snow and ice can make it safer for us to walk and drive around. However, salt use can also harm water quality (especially our drinking water), impact plants and animals, and damage infrastructure and vehicles.
Winter Salt Awareness Week is January 27-31 and aims to raise awareness about the damaging effects of winter salt use.
 Since there’s no easy or cheap way to remove salt from our environment, we can all do our part to reduce the amount of salt we use and be #WinterSaltSmart by following a few tips:
- Shovels may be all that you need around Northern Virginia. To make it easier on your back, there are versions with wheels. Remember to take breaks and avoid overloading your shovel with wet snow.
- When purchasing salt, be sure to read the ingredients and choose the material based on the “Lowest Practical Melting Temperature” not the “Eutectic Temperature.” Avoid all nitrogen and phosphorus salts.
- Assemble an emergency or storm preparedness kit and have traction materials ready.
- After the storm, sweep up the extra salt or traction material and use it again next time winter weather hits.
Stay Safe and Prepared this Winter
When winter’s icy grip takes hold, being prepared can make all the difference. Stay safe and ready for whatever winter throws your way – whether you’re at home, on the road or outdoors. Some tips from the county’s Emergency Preparedness Blog include:
- Prepare an emergency home kit
- Get your furnace checked by a pro
- Put fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid risk of fires during a power outage
- Clear all snow and ice from your car – not just a tiny window
- Check tire pressure and tread
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