FACS Monthly News

Local climate solutions powered by faith communities.

Help Map Heat Across Northern Virginia

We're seeking volunteers to collect temperature data in their neighborhoods as part of a citizen science project in partnership with George Mason University.

Additionally, due to the large number of routes in Fairfax County, we're looking for individuals, faith communities, and/or organizations interested in serving as Base Camps where volunteers can pick up equipment and materials for Measurement Day.

If interested in helping us host a Base Camp in Fairfax County, please send an email to [email protected].

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ICYMI: Highlights from FACS’ 10th Annual Sustainability Champions Awards

“Our community shares a commitment to co-creating a world where everyone is safe, where future generations’ interests are taken into consideration in today’s decisions, and where we recognize and know that we’re better off together.” — Rev. Russell Heiland, Unity of Fairfax

Check out our recap for amazing photos, event highlights, and the livestream of the awards ceremony to hear our 2026 Champions' inspiring stories!

See Photos & Highlights

Welcoming Our Newest Board Member: Nitin Dogra

Nitin Dogra is a technology and project management professional at Capital One. Raised in the Hindu tradition, he is inspired by the principle of seva (selfless service) and the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who taught that serving humanity is one of the highest forms of worship. He is also the creator of a YouTube initiative that encourages people to care for their neighborhoods by picking up one piece of litter at a time, inspiring others to see that even the smallest actions, when practiced consistently, can help build cleaner communities and a healthier planet.

Nitin hopes to share the Hindu tradition's deep reverence for nature while learning from and collaborating with people of all faiths to care for our common home.

Upcoming Events & Resources

Fairfax PRISM Mini-Grants for Tree Invasive Removal

Fairfax PRISM is offering community associations and faith communities in Fairfax/Falls Church the opportunity to apply for mini-grants of up to $5000 to pay for professional control of invasive plants threatening trees on common land they own or manage.

Communities will be required to provide a partial match that can be met either with money or with volunteer time.

The process is as follows:

Pre-application form (for a site visit from a Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM experienced volunteer) - may be submitted at any time, and should be submitted as soon as possible to qualify for the lower match for short-term projects.
Final Applications - A completed Application Form with attachments will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning on June 1, 2026.
Grants announced - Rolling basis beginning in late June 2026.

See Details

City of Alexandria: Pot Luck Social

Wed | July 8 | 6 PM | @Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill

The Alexandria Hub is hosting a pot luck social! This is a great way to meet the Hub Leaders and learn more about FACS' advocacy efforts in the city while enjoying food and great company. Sign up for the “City of Alexandria” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected and receive future advocacy updates!

Fairfax Solar 101 Webinar with Solar United Neighbors

Thu | July 16 | 12–1 PM | @Virtual

Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home or small business. Solar United Neighbors and panelists at Fairfax County's Office of Environmental & Energy Coordination will take you through the technology, economics and financing. You’ll also learn about the Capital Area Switch Together Program!

Find out more with no obligations and from the comfort of home. You do not need to be a Fairfax resident to attend. This will be a live presentation, so bring your questions about solar, and we'll answer them!

Data Centers in Loudoun County

Wed | July 22 | 7–8:30 PM | @Virtual

Data centers played a huge role in the state budget process this year, which will have an impact on Loudoun due to the data center industry having a huge presence in the county. Join the Loudoun Advocacy Hub for a discussion of how the budget and General Assembly session in general will influence the data center industry and our FACS priorities.

Fairfax County's Budget & Advocacy Opportunities

Thu | July 23 | 7–8:30 PM | @Virtual

With the General Assembly having finally passed Virginia's state budget, our Fairfax County Advocacy Hub will provide updates on crucial budget measures and focus on how state level priorities will impact our efforts on the local level.

Community News

♻️ Waste & Recycling: Food vendors will no longer be able to use polystyrene take-out food and drink containers as the final phase of a law passed in 2021 comes into effect. In a major win from FACS' 2020-2021 campaign, phase 1 of the ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS or “Styrofoam”) food containers began on July 1, 2025. All food vendors in Virginia—including smaller, independent restaurants, food trucks, and school cafeterias—must comply by July 1, 2026.
🌞 Clean Energy: Rockingham County opened their first utility scale battery storage system. Worth $250 million, it's the largest standalone battery storage facility in the entire PJM region. Fairfax County has received a Silver designation from the national Charging Smart program for achieving policies that facilitate the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure.

🏙️ Infrastructure: The Alexandria City Council unanimously greenlit construction and financing plans to redevelop a shuttered power plant in Old Town North into a six-block, 19-acre project with mixed-use apartment and retail buildings.

🌧️ Stormwater Management: Loudoun County launched their Stormwater Inventory - Map Modernization Project to survey and update their stormwater infrastructure, improving the county’s ability to accurately assess flood risk, support advanced modeling, and inform future land use and stormwater management decisions. Residents may see crews working near storm drains or drainage easements.

Hub Updates

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY (CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY)

The Hub discussed how to use the Sustainability Champions Award received by Harrisonburg Mennonite Church to encourage the efforts of other congregational green teams in the area. A reporter from a local newspaper will also be writing an article on the award.

They had a productive initial conversation with the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center at James Madison University about having students and faith communities plant trees in the City of Harrisonburg.

Sign up for the “Rockingham County (Central Shenandoah Valley)” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected and stay tuned to what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley.

ARLINGTON COUNTY

The School Board added funding to install geothermal HVAC for an upcoming middle school renovation, and a commitment to explore alternative financing in future Capital Improvement Plans. Hub members advocated to the School Board and worked with students who testified about the importance of funding sustainability initiatives for their future.

For July, the Arlington Hub will join our City of Alexandria Hub's Pot Luck Social on July 8th at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

The Hub's leaders have been planning on Fall actions to follow up on the Green Building Policy work of this past year and the Sustainability Plan in the works for the Alexandria Public School System.

FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip

Looking for a more environmentally friendly way to celebrate the Fourth of July? Consider spending time outdoors, supporting a local park, hosting a picnic, or enjoying a community event. Small choices can help reduce waste and your environmental impact while still celebrating the holiday.

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