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Fairfax County Public Schools has saved more than $100 million in cumulative energy costs since 2013 after sharply reducing consumption across more than 28 million square feet of building space.

The school system cut energy use by 31% from 2014 levels, exceeding its 10-year reduction target of 20%. It also lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 46% since 2008—even while adding more than three million square feet of facilities and growing enrollment to more than 180,000 students.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said the reductions reflect FCPS’ commitment to conserving resources and providing students with healthy, sustainable learning environments.

The gains came through a combination of energy-efficient construction, equipment upgrades, improved building controls, and conservation efforts involving students and staff.

FCPS has earned certification through the Collaborative for High Performance Schools Virginia and is considering LEED or Green Globes certification for future construction projects. Those standards emphasize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, and sustainable building materials.

New buildings are also being prepared for possible net-zero energy use, meaning they could eventually produce as much energy as they consume over a year by pairing efficient designs with renewable sources such as solar or wind power.

Since 2022, the school system has converted lighting to LEDs, improved its energy-management systems, removed outdated controls, and installed solar panels. FCPS has also replaced water heaters, HVAC equipment, and plumbing fixtures with more efficient models.

Smart meters, energy audits, awareness campaigns, system upgrades, and Get2Green classes are helping students and employees understand and reduce energy consumption. Teachers are participating through after-school sustainability programs, while additional training is planned for annual staff development.

Other initiatives include composting, expanded recycling, and planting environmentally friendly vegetation. FCPS says the combined efforts have reduced its carbon footprint while making schools healthier and more comfortable.

Janice Syzmanski, chief of Facilities and Capital Programs, described sustainability as a shared responsibility involving the Board of Supervisors, School Board members, administrators, student organizations, parent-teacher associations, businesses, and community groups.