Earth Day serves as a reminder of our planet's beauty and vulnerability. In the District, this day holds particular importance. Washington, DC has some of the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage by 50% by 2032. Given that buildings in DC account for over 70% of citywide emissions, we are proud to highlight buildings that are prioritizing clean energy this Earth Day!
Check out these buildings and organizations prioritizing clean energy in the District:
Festival Center
Festival Center, located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, incorporated energy efficiency throughout the building’s lighting and HVAC systems all the way down to their choice of refrigerators in their recent renovation project. Additionally, In 2023 they incorporated a solar awning that generates roughly 56,800 kWh of energy annually, equivalent to 5 American households' energy use per year.
Washington Square
Washington Square, managed by Lerner Corporation, is a 720,000 square foot commercial office building located in the heart of Downtown DC and directly above the Farragut North metro station. The building is home to a rooftop solar system containing 1,290 panels that generates over 650,000 kWh directly from the sun each year. The property has achieved a number of sustainability goals including LEED Gold, ENERGY STAR, and Fitwel certifications.
Paradise at Parkside
Paradise at Parkside, an affordable housing complex in the Kenilworth-Mayfair neighborhood managed by CT Group and owned by Telesis Corporation, underwent extensive enhancements including switching units from gas heating with electric cooling to high efficiency mini-split heat pump systems, implementing lighting projects, and installing 24 Community Renewable Energy Facilities (CREFs) across 15 buildings that serve over 500 income-qualified households across the District.
Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church
Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church has been a presence in Ward 7, serving their community for over 95 years. The church continues to evolve its mission, embracing a new way to serve District residents through the installation of a transformative solar array in its parking lot that serves 73 income-qualified households in the District by reducing their utility bills and providing energy savings of approximately $547,000 over the 15-year life of the project.
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With the District's ambitious clean energy goals, these buildings show that prioritizing energy efficiency can be a positive for businesses and residents alike.