Fairfax County is highlighting energy efficiency during Energy Efficiency Week, observed from October 1 to 7. The county encourages residents, businesses, and the community to adopt energy-saving practices not only during this week but throughout the year.
According to county officials, adopting energy efficiency measures helps reduce utility costs, lowers air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, supports public health, and creates more sustainable communities. It also contributes to economic growth by supporting over two million jobs in industries such as manufacturing and construction across the United States.
Since 2009, Fairfax County has focused on energy efficiency through its Operational Energy Strategy. The county reports achievements including constructing 45 LEED-certified buildings—one of which is certified Platinum—installing rooftop solar panels on 13 facilities with plans for more installations in the future, updating HVAC systems with high-efficiency models, and reducing electricity consumption by government operations by 15% since 2018.
Energy efficiency efforts are part of Fairfax County’s broader climate strategy. The Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan sets goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
Residents are encouraged to participate in programs such as the Sustain Fairfax Challenge—a web-based platform that tracks sustainability actions—and the Fairfax Energy Compass program, which provides free guidance on home energy improvements.
For further details about these initiatives, information is available on the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination’s webpage.
