Climate disruption is one of the most serious challenges facing our world today. To protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations, we must reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases by using the technology, know-how, and practical solutions already at our disposal. The Fresh AIRE – Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions began in 2007 to undertake the goal of emissions reduction in Arlington County.  

> On January 1, 2010, Board Chairman Jay Fisette announced that the County will expand its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by developing an Arlington Community Energy Plan (CEP). Check out the details and get involved.  

> Are you familiar with the financial incentives for energy efficiency?  Check out this new fact sheet to learn about available tax credits and forthcoming rebates.  Get the details to get the savings.

> New energy audit video now available on YouTube!  Others include a story on the Energerium at Potomac Overlook Park, a recent Stream Cleanup, and the Fresh AIRE Awards.  

> Do you know how much money and energy the County has saved with energy efficiency measures?  Find out from the updated Building Energy Report Cards.    

> Check out Arlington Reads!  This initiative is the Arlington Public Library’s county-wide initiative to read one thought-provoking book each year, thereby promoting dialogue and the joy of reading throughout the community.  The focus this year is food and sustainability!  

KEY ELEMENTS OF FRESH AIRE

Reduce Arlington County government’s greenhouse gas emissions 10% from 2000 to 2012.  Arlington is already a recognized leader on environmental issues, but realizes more must be done.  Arlington set this ambitious target for emissions reduction with full understanding of the challenge it represents.  We will build upon our current success (reducing emissions 2.6% from 2000 to 2005) and innovative programs with new initiatives, confident of achieving this emissions reduction goal.   Here are the key elements of the AIRE program, in addition to the strategies the County will use to lower emissions from government activities:

• Recognize, assist and encourage businesses to reduce emissions and energy needs. Partner with the federal ENERGY STAR program and other resources to help businesses cut energy use.  
• Encourage residents to reduce their energy usage and provide case studies on energy saving practices, free CFL light bulbs, and more.
• Reduce Arlington County government’s greenhouse gas emissions, through energy saving retrofits, addition of hybrid and clean fuel vehicles to the County fleet, installation of LED traffic lights, tree planting, and more.
• Increase recycling in County facilities, homes, and businesses.  Making products from recycled materials use 50 - 90% less energy than using raw materials.
• Work with other localities around the region and nation.
• Provide a website and blog to keep the community updated.

Check out the Fresh AIRE documentary:  Up Close.

Learn about Arlington's Return on Investment, or how Energy Efficiency Investments Yield Paybacks.