Green Business Recognition Program
*NEW* Help get the word out while you shop! Print these business cards at home and leave them with your favorite local retailer or restaurant! Let them know the Office of Climate Action is here to help them get recognized for their sustainable practices.
To learn more and apply, visit the program website: Green Business Recognition Program webpage.
The Office of Climate Action is proud to launch the Green Business Recognition Program, which will provide recognition to Alexandria businesses that are taking actions to ensure their business practices align with the sustainability goals of the City and consumers. The work being done by these businesses is crucial to achieving the Environmental Action Plan 2040 goals, including reducing city-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and by 80 to 100% by 2050. The Environmental Action Plan 2040 can be found here: Environmental Action Plan 2040 | City of Alexandria, VA (alexandriava.gov)
Businesses can opt-in to the program by applying to one of three tiers of recognition—from establishing a sustainable foundation, to becoming emerging sustainability leaders, to being sustainability champions. Businesses that earn recognition will receive marketing materials and support, including physical and digital decals to show your participation, inclusion in City communications on green businesses, and guidance from the Office of Climate Action on taking sustainability efforts to the next level.
If you would like to receive eNews updates about the program, please subscribe to Alexandria eNews and select the Green Business Recognition Program topic.
Energy Efficiency & Electrification
Visit this page to learn about reducing your home or businesses energy use, what electrification is, and get connected to programs!
About Us
The creation of the City’s Office of Climate Action marks a monumental achievement aimed at combating climate change through a city-wide approach to empower the Alexandria community to actively participate and contribute to sustainable action.
The City of Alexandria has a long history of fighting the climate crisis. As the first locality in Virginia to adopt an Eco-City Charter in 2008, the City of Alexandria has been at the forefront of progressive environmental change and action at the local level. In 2011, the City published an Energy and Climate Change Action Plan to promote local actions to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare for the impacts of climate change. In 2019, the City declared a Climate Emergency and adopted its Environmental Action Plan (EAP) 2040, which sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment, promoting sustainability across sectors, and increasing community engagement. In 2023, the City updated the Energy and Climate Change Action Plan to support implementation of the actions in EAP 2040 and identify additional actions to further reduce emissions and better address the impacts of climate change, with a focus on equity.
The Office of Climate Action will work closely with City departments, other governmental entities, and the community in achieving EAP2040 and ECCAP commitments.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Eco-City to learn more about the City's strategic effort to achieve sustainability.
Eco-City Academy
The Alexandria Eco-City Academy provides an opportunity for Alexandrians to learn about the City’s climate goals, services, and programs, and empower them to help others take advantage of programs and take individual actions. This includes learning about the City’s Environmental Action Plan (EAP), the steps City programs are taking to achieve these goals, and the resources available to individual residents to do their part to achieve the goals of the EAP.
Sessions are a combination of lectures and interactive activities. Class topics will include Climate Change and Introduction to Eco-City; Government Energy and Residential Energy; Transportation and Environmental Services; Green Buildings, Land Use, and Open Space; Solid Waste and Water Resources; and Environmental Health and Air Quality.