Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Monday, January 01, 2007
Contact: Mary Curtius 703-228-7943 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington County Board Unveils Environmental Initiative
Board Chairman Paul Ferguson Sets Goal: County Government to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 10 percent by 2012
ARLINGTON, VA – Arlington County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson today unveiled an environmental initiative aimed at lowering County government carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions 10 percent by 2012.
Ferguson said that local governments must act – individually and together – to combat global warming because the federal government is not moving fast enough.
“Arlington already is a nationally recognized leader in smart growth, but we know that we can do more to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate disruption,” Ferguson said. Our Fresh AIRE program sets ambitious – but achievable – goals.”
To red the full text of Ferguson's New Year's Day speech, click here.
Fresh AIRE a long-term commitment
Fresh AIRE – Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions -- is a long-term commitment by Arlington County to take specific, measurable steps to annually reduce CO2 emissions produced by County government. Among the steps the County will take in 2007:
- Increase purchase of wind-generated electricity from 3% of the total electricity purchased by the County to 5%.
- Install solar energy technology (e.g., solar water heating) in one or two County facilities to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness.
- Increase energy efficiency in County facilities, to achieve a 2% annual reduction in energy use through 2012.
- Prepare a strategic energy plan and a climate action plan for County operations and the community.
- Strengthen County’s green building policy for public buildings: require new major public buildings to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
- Plant at least 1,200 trees in 2007.
In addition, to broaden this initiative beyond its own operations, Arlington will form partnerships with other localities and organizations in the region and across the nation who are taking steps to reduce harmful emissions. The County already is a member of the Cities for Climate Protection campaign of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).
Visit the County website for more details on the initiative; background information on global warming and climate disruption; and a fact sheet on Arlington's successes to date in reducing energy needs and emissions.
The County already has initiative two important partnerships:
- ENERGY STAR™ Challenge. Arlington has joined this U.S. Environmental Protection program, joining nearly 30 state governments and 20 leading associations. The ENERGY STAR challenge calls on building owners across the country to improve the efficiency of their buildings by at least 10%. The program will help Arlington reach out to all its businesses and residents to encourage and promote energy efficiency.
- EnergyShare Weatherization Pilot Program. Dominion, in partnership with the Community Housing Partners Corporation, a state weatherization agency, has created a pilot program to offer weatherization services to eligible senior homeowners and renters in Arlington. Through a $50,000 contribution from Dominion, Community Housing Partners will weatherize the homes of 40 Arlington EnergyShare recipients and other eligible seniors.
For more information on steps Arlington County already has taken to lower emissions and improve energy efficiency, please visit www.arlingtonva.us/climate.
Arlington also will encourage local businesses and residents to reduce emissions and cut energy use. The County urges residents to:
- Drive fuel-efficient cars, walk, bike, or take transit.
- Get an energy audit – Arlington will conduct free energy audits for 20 households in 2007, to demonstrate the benefits of such an audit
- Use ENERGY STAR-rated compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Arlington's newly launched website, www.arlingtonva.us/climate, includes self-assessments, tips, case studies, information, and a blog. This website will keep the community updated on efforts in the County, across the region and around the world on best practices to cut emissions.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.