FACS Triumphs as Phase 1 Winner of DOE’s Buildings Upgrade Prize!

We’ve got some electrifying news to share! The U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office has notified FACS that we’re a winner of the groundbreaking Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP). FACS will receive a cash award and access to expert technical assistance to develop and test ways to help faith communities to improve the energy efficiency of congregations’ buildings. As one of only 45 teams nationwide chosen as Phase 1 winners, our ideas of working with congregations to cut their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions were recognized. Stay tuned for more updates. The future is electric, and FACS is at the heart of the transformation!

Thank you, Eric!

This past September, Dr. Eric Goplerud took a bow after 12 extraordinary years at the helm of the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions. Under his visionary leadership, FACS soared uniting supporters from 200 congregations across Northern Virginia and beyond.

Eric championed energy efficiency, conservation, and resilience, with a focus on uplifting disadvantaged communities. He’s lent his expertise to climate and health advisory roles, leaving an indelible mark on local governments and organizations. He fearlessly stood before various levels of government, pushing for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Even as Eric passed the baton as board chair, his commitment to FACS remained unwavering as he stepped into an interim role leading the Buildings Up program until a new executive director arrives.

We are grateful for Eric’s dedication, passion, and leadership. You can watch Eric's insights on what fuels FACS' success here.

Are you our next Executive Director? 

Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) seeks an Executive Director who shares our passion for local climate action and climate justice. The Executive Director leads our growing organization, manages staff, volunteers, and the budget. Also, the Executive Director cultivates relations with elected leaders, faith communities, funders, and our active Board of Directors.

Apply before Friday, November 10, 2023 with a cover letter and resume to the Executive Director Hiring Committee at executivedirector@faithforclimate.org. Read more about the roles and responsibilities of this position here.

FACS Volunteer Spotlight: Suzanne Olijar

Suzanne Olijar's unwavering dedication to combating food waste and promoting composting serves as a model for environmental advocacy. In March 2023, Suzanne, along with the Fairfax FACS Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Team, introduced the Care to Share Toolkit to Superintendent Michelle Reid. The toolkit focuses on recovering acceptable foods in FCPS cafeterias, and redistributing this food to students and community members facing food insecurity. FCPS has shared the toolkit on its Get2Green website.  

Suzanne advocates for changes in Virginia's strict composting laws. She is working to expand opportunities for community-based composting, including at local churches and schools. She's built upon her own home composting methods to provide hands-on knowledge. Suzanne welcomes opportunities to share her knowledge with others at community events.

Want to become more involved in climate advocacy? Join a FACS advocacy team or email us at info@faithforclimate.org.

Tree of Life Community

A group of us are meeting to learn, discuss, and exchange information and ideas about preserving, restoring, and expanding natural systems on the grounds of faith communities. We'll focus on planting native trees and plants, establishing community gardens, removing invasive species to save native trees, composting, and implementing sustainable landscaping and lawn care techniques. Our next meeting is Thursday, November 16 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST via Zoom. 

FACS Achieves Remarkable Milestones

In Arlington County, our partnership with community leaders transformed land usage, ushered in green spaces, and curbed urban sprawl. Alexandria created the Office of Climate Action, thanks to FACS' unwavering advocacy. Meanwhile, in Loudoun County, our passionate activists played a crucial role in gaining approval for a County Environmental and Energy Strategy Plan. 

But that's not all – FACS continues to grow, with new hubs in the Northern Shenandoah and Central Shenandoah Valley!

Your support has been the driving force behind these achievements! Please join us in the 2024 NOVA TO ZERO Individual Giving Campaign – together, we can make an even greater impact.

Farewell to Andrea McGimsey

We want to thank Andrea McGimsey for her two years of service as Executive Director of FACS. Her creativity led to our on-going Solar Sanctuaries, Tree of Life, and Creation Care Kitchen programs. These initiatives helped many congregations to begin thinking about reducing energy waste and tending to their living grounds.

Andrea reached far, out into the Shenandoah Valley, and into underserved communities. We will continue and expand the work already in place.  During her tenure, FACS benefited from her deep conviction and commitment for environmental justice and climate solutions.

We wish Andrea well in her next adventures.

Nature Corner 

Pope Francis published the "Laudate Deum", an apostolic exhortation on October 4, 2023. He emphasized about his earlier call for urgent action to tackle climate change, while highlighting a failing global response to the crisis. Read here to learn more about Pope Francis and his call for us to care for our planet. 

Join a Local Advocacy Hub!

Stay connected with local news, meeting reminders, advocacy opportunities and action alerts, community wins, and more!