Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE)

04/22/2021

Happy Earth Day Arlington!

COVID-19 reminds us that global action is possible to address and mitigate dire threats. It also shows how quickly governments — including Arlington’s — can act given the urgency. The conversation shifts from what should be done to what must be done.

We’re experiencing the possibilities of collective action right now.

Working with residents and businesses, the Rethink Energy team remains committed to addressing climate change to create a carbon-neutral Arlington along with similar efforts around the world.

Together let’s keep working toward that healthy and sustainable future.

Click below to learn about how you can take action in the solar co-op, with an electric vehicle, through green home certification, and more.

https://www.arlnow.com/2021/04/17/rethink-energy-earth-day-2021/

Happy Earth Day Arlington!

COVID-19 reminds us that global action is possible to address and mitigate dire threats. It also shows how quickly governments — including Arlington’s — can act given the urgency. The conversation shifts from what should be done to what must be done.

We’re experiencing the possibilities of collective action right now.

Working with residents and businesses, the Rethink Energy team remains committed to addressing climate change to create a carbon-neutral Arlington along with similar efforts around the world.

Together let’s keep working toward that healthy and sustainable future.

Click below to learn about how you can take action in the solar co-op, with an electric vehicle, through green home certification, and more.

https://www.arlnow.com/2021/04/17/rethink-energy-earth-day-2021/

04/05/2021

Rethink Energy: New 2021 Solar and Electric Vehicle Charger Co-op

⚡⚡New 2021 Solar and Electric Vehicle Charger Co-op!⚡⚡

If COVID has shown us anything, it’s that collective action is possible to address a global issue. As the COVID vaccine rolls out, we are watching history being made in so many ways.

On the topic of global collaboration, for the first time, Arlington County is joining a group of other D.C. area local governments to form the Capital Area Solar Co-op.

Launched on April 1, 2021 (no joke), this regional Solar Co-op opportunity will be available from now until the end of August 2021 for residents all over the Capital Area!

Click to learn more, attend an info session, and join the co-op.

More than 230 Arlington homeowners have already participated in the county’s Solar and Electric Vehicle Charger Co-op.

03/09/2021

Rethink Energy: We’re Hiring -- Join Our Team

Do you live and breathe renewable energy and energy efficiency? Do you have a keen community commitment, a brain for scaled sustainability programs and the experience that proves it?

Does the idea of completely transforming the way energy is generated, transported and stored (with an expert team that loves this, too) excite you? If so, we have the perfect job for you!

Come join our dedicated and fun-loving team to create a carbon-neutral Arlington.

The Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management is looking for an energy program manager.

12/29/2020

Rethink Energy: Duct Sealing Is More Important Than You Think This Winter

Duct Sealing Is More Important Than You Think - Learn More and Take Action Today!

https://www.arlnow.com/2020/12/12/rethink-energy-duct-sealing-is-more-important-than-you-think-this-winter/

This weekend's Rethink Energy explains how duct sealing can help you save money and improve indoor air quality this winter.

12/29/2020

Your input matters!

We want your input on the Community Energy Plan Implementation Framework. Comments are being accepted until January 15, 2021.

https://arlingtonva.konveio.com/community-energy-plan-implementation-framework-draft

10/22/2020

Congratulations to AHC Affordable Housing on the newly completed APEX housing project.

AHC “Flipped the Switch” on 342 solar panels at The Apex, a new 256-unit affordable apartment community on the banks of Four Mile Run in South Arlington, VA. The 130 KW solar installation is the largest solar panel array on a multifamily apartment building in Northern Virginia.

We applaud your leadership and have enjoyed working with you on this project.

“AHC is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and to Arlington’s Community Energy Plan, while at the same time improving our residents’ quality of life,” said AHC President and CEO Walter D. Webdale. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to reduce our operating expenses while also cutting back on carbon emissions. Converting a portion of our energy source to renewables is a win for everyone – the community, our residents, and for us.”

Full Press Release: https://www.ahcinc.org/flips-the-switch/

08/20/2020

8/21 is the final day to sign up for the Arlington Solar Co-op in 2020.

Take advantage of one of the last big federal solar tax credits. This year the solar tax credit will be 26 percent. In 2021, it will be 22 percent and in 2022 and beyond, it won’t be available for homeowners at all.

160+ families have plugged into the Co-op so far this year. Operators are standing by.

THANK YOU to everyone that has already taken action to help our community reach 100% renewable electricity by 2035!

https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/coops/arlington-solar-ev-charger-co-op/

08/11/2020

Rethink Energy: Last Chance for Solar!

Last solar info session of the year - TODAY at noon.

Please join us.

Sigh up for Arlington's Solar Co-op and learn more about going solar at the last solar info session taking place August 11.

07/13/2020

Rethink Energy: Are You Ready?

When the power goes out - nothing works. Are you ready?

Learn how to make an emergency plan and kit in the latest Rethink Energy.

07/08/2020

ART - Arlington Transit

ART - Arlington Transit is a beloved engine of our community. Learn how Arlington Transit is making the ART buses clean and safe for passengers.

At Arlington Transit, safety is the highest priority. See the steps ART is taking to keep passengers and operators safe, and to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

ArlingtonTransit.com/covid19

06/23/2020

Arlington Solar & EV Charger Co-op | Solar United Neighbors

June Solar Co-op Info Sessions start today at 6pm!

More than 80 Arlington families have already joined the co-op this year.

Click below to RSVP for an info session on 6/23, 6/26, or a battery storage101 info session on 6/30.

https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/coops/arlington-solar-ev-charger-co-op/events/

Install solar or an EV Charger with the co-op! The co-op is open to homeowners and businesses in Arlington County and surrounding areas including Fairfax County, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Vienna.

04/29/2020

TODAY, join the last April solar and electric vehicle co-op info session at 6 pm. Learn how you can take advantage of one of the last big federal solar tax credits before they are phased out in 2022.

RSVP here for the info session: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FH4MS3hWRA-QFbnh0zJqtg

04/22/2020

Life can change faster
than we imagine. How we
adapt is the test.

This is an Earth Day we must not forget.

We’re experiencing the possibilities of collective action right now. COVID-19 reminds us that global action is possible to address and mitigate dire threats like climate change.

Working with residents and businesses, the Rethink Energy team remains even more committed to addressing — and defeating — climate change with the help of a carbon-neutral Arlington and similar efforts around the world.

Together let’s keep working toward that healthy and sustainable future. We can do it. There really isn’t a choice.

https://www.arlnow.com/2020/04/18/rethink-energy-an-earth-day-we-must-not-forget/

04/09/2020

3 Virtual Solar and Electric Vehicle Co-op Sessions!

RSVP to learn about the co-op process and how you can take advantage of one of the last big federal tax credits for solar.

https://www.arlnow.com/2020/04/04/rethink-energy-virtual-solar-co-op-info-sessions/

03/09/2020

Rethink Energy: Vote Today!

We want to hear from you. What events should we consider this year to help Arlingtonians save energy, money, and leave a lighter footprint on the environment?

In this week's Rethink Energy select what events the Rethink Energy program should focus on this year.

02/14/2020

Rethink Energy: New Arlington Solar Calculator!

Did you hear about Arlington's recent solar purchase?
Learn just how big it is compared to your civic association.
Try out the new calculator:

In this week's Rethink Energy learn about Arlington's new solar calculator.

01/30/2020

BREAKING NEWS!

This week the Arlington County Board approved a partnership with Dominion Energy Virginia to purchase power from a solar farm in southern Virginia. Arlington's portion of the solar farm will be 475 acres.

As of 2022, 80% of Arlington County's electricity will come from solar power. That means that your streetlights, community centers, libraries, fire stations, water treatment facility, and offices will all be powered with solar.

These are exciting times, indeed!

Learn more: https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-county-partners-with-dominion-energy-to-help-achieve-energy-goals/?fbclid=IwAR2IiT3Us6PLg1IK7gTISG43eKB6EqW17p11BYfRJZtPryrjAJQoCfELJK8

01/28/2020

Rethink Energy: 2020 Editor Pick -- Community Energy Plan

Thank you Arlington Magazine for honoring the Community Energy Plan as the Editor Pick for the Best of Arlington Magazine 2020! You recognize that the effects of climate change continue to accelerate; Arlington is not sitting idly by.

If you haven’t had the chance to take a look at it the final version of the Community Energy Plan, click here to give it a read >>> https://go.aws/36s2XzG

12/20/2019

Rethink Energy: Holiday Shopping Picks

Last-minute gift ideas? We've got you covered with our 2019 picks.

In this week's Rethink Energy learn more about the Gen Less campaign and discover a few shopping picks for the holidays.

10/28/2019

Arlington County Virginia – Government

TONIGHT! Join us on Facebook Live for a virtual session where a cross-disciplinary panel will host an interactive dialogue about the intersection of housing and the environment.

LIVE: Housing & the Environment

10/02/2019

October 2nd is National Energy Efficiency Day!

Did you know #EnergyEfficiency could meet 1/3 of expected power needs by 2030?

This #EEDay2019, let’s work together to cut energy waste. Learn more about how you can save energy: EnergyEfficiencyDay.org.

09/30/2019

First U.S. "Gas Station" Ditches Oil For Electric Charging.

It's happening folks. The electric car revolution is underway.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a29265643/electric-only-gas-station/

09/30/2019

Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE)

09/30/2019

Climate change is serious.
Businesses, residents, and governments must act.

On September 21, 2019, the Arlington County Board unanimously adopted a significant update to the Community Energy Plan that sets ambitious targets for transforming the County’s energy sector, with goals for buildings, transportation, and more.

Specific commitments include:
• Arlington will be carbon neutral by 2050
• 100% of Arlington’s electricity will be from renewable sources by 2035
• Arlington County Government operations will achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2025
• Energy equity will be considered during implementation of the Plan

LEARN MORE:
https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-sets-ambitious-goals-in-updated-community-energy-plan/

https://environment.arlingtonva.us/energy/community-energy-plan-cep/

07/19/2019

...

SO MUCH SUNSHINE IS GETTING WASTED TODAY!

July 24 is the next Arlington Solar and Electric Vehicle Co-op info session - mark your calendar and spread the word!

Solar has never been more affordable!

https://secure.everyaction.com/h4VARowwuU2g2vIYvcfa9g2

07/15/2019

Rethink Energy: No-Cost Weatherization For Income and Age Qualifying Home Energy Improvements

High utility bills disproportionately impact those with lower incomes. No-cost weatherization is one way to help.

Please share this with those that may benefit.

This weeks Rethink Energy highlights the Income and Age-Qualifying Home Improvement program.

06/17/2019

IT'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO INSTALL SOLAR

Attend an info session to ask questions about going solar, get answers and learn about the process.

>>> Wednesday, July 24

06/17/2019

Rethink Energy: It's Never Been A Better Time To Go Solar

IT'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO INSTALL SOLAR --

Attend an upcoming info session to ask questions about going solar, get answers and learn about the process.

>>> Thursday, June 27 or Wednesday, July 24

If you've been thinking about solar, now is the time to take action. This weeks Rethink Energy invites you to attend info sessions on the solar tax credit on June 27 and July 24.

06/04/2019

***TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT***

Stop by for the Community Energy Plan Open House at Central Library from 7-9pm.

We'd love to see you, answer your questions, and talk about the future of energy in Arlington.

Meet Rich, Arlington's community energy coordinator. He's hosting tonight's open house on improving the County's long-term energy plan. He knows what he's doing. And he'll have snacks. https://www.arlnow.com/2019/06/04/arlingtons-latest-energy-plan-up-for-public-review-tonight/

05/31/2019

Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE)'s cover photo

05/22/2019

The 17th Annual Green Home and Garden Tour will be held June 2 from 1-5 p.m.

Please join us to see some amazing homes, gardens, and more!

https://www.arlnow.com/2019/05/18/rethink-energy-green-home-garden-tour-june-2/?fbclid=IwAR3O21axq8_xtI70kaLST7dGFo8W1l11QoYTn-jBaGRqgCrnsg-D4OIyEzc

04/22/2019

Rethink Energy: Home Show & Garden Expo on April 27

Free workshops on creating a sustainable home. #EarthDay2019

https://bit.ly/2Iyz49d

Arlington's Home Show and Garden Expo returns this month on April 27 and Arlington's Rethink Energy team will be there all day.

04/08/2019

Rethink Energy: Green Home Choice Certification Awards

Congratulations to the homeowners, architects and builders who were honored at the recent Green Home Choice certification ceremony.

Congratulations to the homeowners, architects and builders who were honored at the recent Green Home Choice certification ceremony. Thank you for helping to create a more sustainable Arlington one project at a time!

04/02/2019

Rethink Energy: Climate Crisis and Solutions

Catch up with former County Board Member Jay Fisette and hear a panel discussion on Arlington's Plan.

https://www.arlnow.com/2019/03/23/rethink-energy-climate-crisis-and-solutions/?fbclid=IwAR1DvpZlhGgDh7ryvDfEyEXWIHnbb8ToPr3eIRsg4X3zl_iFyBZQM2yLpRg

This regularly-scheduled sponsored column is written by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy team (AIRE). This county program helps you make smart energy decisions that save you money and leaves a lighter footprint on the environment. This week we are highlighting an upcoming event sponsore

02/25/2019

Guess what duct tape DOESN'T fix?

https://www.arlnow.com/2019/02/23/rethink-energy-duct-sealing-is-more-important-than-you-think/