Climate Change & Energy

Page updated on Oct 18, 2021 at 4:37 PM
Untitled Document

Climate Change & Energy

The ways in which we consume energy are a significant driver of climate change but are also part of the solution to mitigating it. Important mitigation pathways include developing and procuring more renewable energy, improving energy efficiency to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transitioning to electric vehicles, and more. On this page, learn about the City’s energy and climate action efforts and how you can take steps to reduce energy use and emissions in your life.

Focus Areas

Climate Change

Energy

What Would You Like to Learn More About?

How do I install solar power on my home or business in the City?

How much does the City government contribute to the City’s greenhouse gas emissions?

What is the City doing to reduce energy use?

What can I do to reduce my greenhouse gas emissions?

What can I do to reduce my energy use?

What are the benefits of owning an electric vehicle?

What's New


UPCOMING Energy and Climate Change Action Plan Community Workshop

The City of Alexandria will host a virtual Energy and Climate Change Action Plan Community Workshop on Tuesday November 16, 2021, from 7 – 9:30 p.m. 

During the event, you will learn about energy and climate change issues affecting Alexandrians, specifically focused on climate change mitigation (i.e., greenhouse gas inventory, emissions, mitigation actions, and equity considerations), and you will be able to share your ideas and perspectives on how Alexandria can help mitigate climate-change causing greenhouse gas emissions from commercial and residential buildings and transportation systems. The workshop will include presentations and opportunities for participation via facilitated roundtable discussions focused on reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emission in buildings and transportation share benefits of community equity, health outcomes, and economic prosperity.

The results from this community workshop, including the facilitated roundtable discussions, will serve as valuable input on the community’s priorities as part of the update to the City’s Energy and Climate Change Action Plan. All interested community members are invited to participate, however registration is required.


Learn about the City's Energy and Climate Action Plan Update

The City is in the process of updating the Energy and Climate Action Plan (ECCAP). The ECCAP will support the City’s response to climate change impacts and environmental emergencies; align with the 2019 updated Environmental Action Plan 2040 (EAP2040); and build upon existing City energy, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate action efforts. The City’s Energy and Climate Change Action Plan update process leverages regional priority actions identified in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) 2030 Climate and Energy Action Plan, as well as the climate action planning efforts underway or completed by the City’s regional and national peers. Learn more about the City’s Energy and Climate Action Plan update here.


October is Energy Awareness Month!

For Energy Awareness Month, the City will be highlighting opportunities for residents and businesses of the Alexandria community to sustainably use energy resources and reduce climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) at home, at work, and when making transportation choices. In addition, learn more about the City of Alexandria’s programs and initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions from its own buildings, vehicles, and operations.

  • Check out these resourcesfor information and rebates to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business!
  • Learn about the City’s work to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and operations here!
  • Walking, bicycling, or taking transit are far more energy efficient transportation choices than driving – learn more about local bus & rail optionsand bicycling in Alexandria.
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) are more energy efficient than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Making the switch to an electric vehilce has become easier and more affordable - check out our EV resources to learn more!
  • Did you know the City has an Electric Vehicle Readiness Strategy? It will help serve as a roadmap to anticipate EV charging infrastructure needs of the community – learn more here!

New Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program

The City has launched a new Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program that will enable owners of commercial, multifamily (5+ units) and industrial properties to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, resiliency, and stormwater management improvements. Visit the City’s

C-PACE page for more information.


Learn more about the City of Alexandria’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy

The City of Alexandria’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy (EVRS) identifies strategic recommendations for the City to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Alexandria community. The EVRS’s development is an action identified in the City’s Environmental Action Plan 2040 to achieve the City’s greenhouse gas emission targets and goals. Moreover, the EVRS supports advancing many of the smart mobility goals under consideration in the City’s Alexandria Mobility Plan. Learn more about the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy. 

Office of Energy Management

The City of Alexandria established the Office of Energy Management in 2009 when it hired the City’s first Energy Manager. The Office of Energy Management's mission is to support the City's work towards accountable, effective, & well‐managed government. In addition, the Office of Energy Management is responsible for executing the City's climate change and energy actions to meet the greenhouse gas emission and climate action targets and goals of the City's Environmental Action Plan 2040. The Office of Energy Management includes six core services, including: Utility Acquisition, Management, & Analytics; City Operations Energy Management; Engineering and Operations Support; Energy Assurance and Resiliency; Utility Regulatory and Policy Affairs; and Community Energy and Climate Action Programs. The Office is a creative, entrepreneurial group located within the Department of General Services. To learn more about the Office of Energy Management click here!




Top