Partner Spotlight: Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Tell us a little bit about Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) leads Fairfax County’s efforts to address climate change and environmental sustainability. OEEC works across county departments, with the Board of Supervisors, and with many community partners to implement programs to achieve the county’s environmental and climate goals. We coordinate energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in county operations, working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. OEEC also provides a variety of programs to help residents, businesses, and other organizations save energy and reduce their carbon footprint and be more sustainable.
How does Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination help Virginians reduce their energy consumption?
OEEC offers and promotes programs that improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and other organizations.
For residents, the Fairfax Energy Compass is a free resource to help make homes more comfortable and more energy efficient. The program connects residents with Energy Navigators who can answer technical questions about energy efficiency and electrification, identify relevant incentives, and offer a list of certified contractors.
For businesses, the Green Business Partners (GBP) program recognizes and supports businesses that are actively working to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and advance broader sustainability goals in Fairfax County.
For community organizations and nonprofits, OEEC offers two programs that can help with lowering energy use and operating costs through specialized programs. The Energy Conservation Assistance program provides grants and expert guidance to organizations implementing energy efficiency updates—such as lighting, HVAC, and building envelope upgrades—reducing both energy consumption and utility bills. Charge Up Fairfax helps communities plan and install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, supporting the transition to cleaner transportation. By making EV charging more accessible, the program reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports broader energy and climate goals.
What are some ways Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination works locally to embrace energy efficiency?
OEEC advances energy efficiency locally by guiding energy-efficient design and construction standards for county facilities, promoting high-performance building practices, and encouraging the use of technologies such as LED lighting, building automation systems, and efficient HVAC equipment. Programs like Fairfax Energy Compass for residents, Green Businesses Partners for companies, and the Energy Conservation Assistance Program and Charge Up Fairfax for community organizations and nonprofits provide practical guidance on cutting energy use while also pointing users to additional resources—such as utility programs, federal and state incentives, and technical tools—that can help fund and strengthen their efficiency and clean energy projects. Through these initiatives, OEEC helps residents lower energy costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more sustainable and resilient local community.
How can Virginians get involved with Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
One key way to participate is through the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, a web-based platform which encourages residents to take practical, everyday actions that reduce energy use and support sustainability at home and in the community. Residents can also stay informed and engaged by subscribing to OEEC’s monthly e-newsletter, which highlights current initiatives, events, and opportunities to get involved, and by following OEEC on Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates and resources. Residents, businesses, and community organizations can also partner with OEEC by sharing resources and information to promote energy-saving and sustainability practices and programs in their own networks. By joining the Challenge, partnering on local initiatives, and helping share information within their networks, Virginians can directly support OEEC’s work and strengthen the county’s environmental and energy efforts.