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Fairfax County has been 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.
From left to right: OEEC's director John Morrill, division director Kevin Smith, energy analyst Chandler Crumlin and HCD's facilities manager, Kwok Sun
The award was presented on Oct. 3 at an Energy Efficiency Forum at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center. The county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) were recognized in the Government category for the project, which included energy efficiency upgrades and a rooftop solar installation. Fairfax County was recognized in the same category in 2023 for energy projects at two Rec centers.
Constructed in 1986, the three-story, 49,000-square-foot Pender Office Building serves as FCRHA's headquarters. After an extensive energy audit of the building, a variety of energy improvements, including LED lighting upgrades, new electric transformers and air handling units, weatherization treatments, improvements to building automation system, and a new rooftop solar photovoltaic array were made to the building.
The energy upgrades were accomplished through a performance contract with CMTA, an engineering consultant and energy services company.
“Partnering with OEEC and CMTA to enhance the energy efficiency of our building not only helps us reduce operating costs but supports a healthier environment for our community.” said Amy Ginger, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development.
Since December 2023 when the project was completed, Pender has realized a 41% reduction in energy consumption— far exceeding the energy savings guarantee. The building is also on track to see nearly $44,000 in total utility costs avoidance because of these improvements.
“Pender was the first project in Fairfax County’s energy performance program to bundle holistic energy efficiency upgrades with solar, but it is not the last,” said OEEC Director John Morrill. “We are applying this model for deep energy savings in other facilities now.”
These projects support the county’s Operational Energy Strategy (OES), which aims to reduce overall energy use in county operations, buildings and fleet vehicles while increasing the use of clean ‘and renewable forms of energy. The county’s OES has a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.
About Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC)
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, a member-based 501c3, launched the Energizing Efficiency Campaign in 2023 to further the mission of advancing EE across the state by showcasing remarkable work being done in our communities and inspiring others to act. Learn more at VAEEC.org/Energizing-Efficiency-Campaign. VAEEC has presented the Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards since 2016.
Solar Switch is back for another round. The group buying program helps residents learn about and save on rooftop solar systems, optional electric vehicle chargers and/or battery storage.
The program is organized by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors in collaboration with cities and counties in the National Capital Region, including Fairfax County.
Solar Switch makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $7,478.
To date, over 6,000 households have accepted an offer from Solar Switch, including 248 in Fairfax County.
How Does it Work?
The program organizes a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. This ensures participants receive a discount on a high-quality solar installation. In addition to the group discount, residents may qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Fairfax County also waives the permit fee for solar permit applications, and the county's Department of Tax Administration provides a 5-year solar energy equipment tax exemption.
How to Participate
The final day to register and accept a personal recommendation is November 22, 2024. Participants will receive a personal recommendation immediately upon registering. It is free to register. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Visit SolarSwitch.com/FairfaxCounty to register and learn more.
Need More information?
Join Solar United Neighbors for a Fairfax County Solar Switch 101 webinar on September 26 at 12 p.m. You’ll learn about the solar program, solar technology, and financial considerations for going solar. Register for this event.
About Solar United Neighbors
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that represents the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’ s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
Fairfax County will benefit from a $3.9 million federal grant awarded to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region.
The funding, awarded by the U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, will support deploying EV chargers across metropolitan Washington. Of the total grant, $2.52 million will be allocated to Fairfax County for chargers at up to 25 sites.
Other proposed project sites are located in the counties of Arlington, Frederick and Prince George’s, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Manassas.
Fairfax County will coordinate with MWCOG to complete the installations at county-owned sites that are strategically located to meet the needs of residents, staff and guests. Sites include parking garages, park-and-ride lots, office buildings, libraries, rec centers, and community centers (See locator map below for a list of planned sites).
The county already has installed 120 charging ports at 15 locations and will be working with a consulting firm to prepare a long-term EV charging infrastructure plan for the entire community. MWCOG recently applied for the second round of the Federal Highway Administration’s CFI program on behalf of the region so Fairfax County may receive additional funding in future years.
“Making EVs more accessible and convenient for our residents - especially those in historically disadvantaged communities – is critical to reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2030,” said Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “This funding will help us continue our efforts to build out a robust and equitable EV charging network that supports the goals of our Countywide Strategic Plan and One Fairfax policy.”
Read more about the regional CFI award on MWCOG’s website.
For more information on Fairfax County’s zero emissions vehicles and EV charging network, visit the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination’s website.