The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) recently hosted the Energizing Efficiency Webinar, an engaging and insightful event that celebrated past Energizing Campaign participants and their energy efficiency projects impacting Virginia, as well as the launch of VAEEC’s 2025 Energizing Efficiency Campaign. Held on Tuesday, February 19th, 2025, this webinar brought together three expert speakers and compelling projects. The event kicked off with an introduction to the VAEEC, and our work as a leading voice for energy efficiency since 2012. 

Our first speaker was Jessica Greene, Virginia Energy’s Energy Outreach Coordinator. Jessica started with a history lesson on the Energizing Efficiency Campaign, which invites submissions from across the Commonwealth to highlight impactful energy-saving projects. This campaign provides a platform for all projects—big or small—to showcase their contributions to energy efficiency. She emphasized Virginia Energy’s intent to participate in the 2025 campaign and promoted the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Sub-Grants for local governments. 

Samantha Hudson, Sustainability Division Director at Henrico County, detailed the impressive sustainability measures integrated into five of Henrico County’s Libraries, which achieved LEED Gold certification in 2021. Key features of the libraries include enhanced energy efficiency, reduced energy use by approximately 50% compared to the baseline model, improved indoor air quality, daylight accessibility, and sustainable materials. All features contribute to decreasing the building’s carbon footprint. Her presentation included multiple gorgeous photos of the Fairfield Library, which she encouraged participants to visit if they could.

Bryan Burris, Vice President of Energy Conservation at project:HOMES, presented their weatherization efforts on Tangier Island, a remote community in the Chesapeake Bay with limited access to resources. This project, supported by the Community Energy Innovation Prize, tackled key challenges such as high contractor costs and aging infrastructure. Notable achievements include training local subcontractors to sustain long-term efficiency improvements, as well as upgrading insulation, air sealing, and HVAC systems to enhance energy conservation.

The Energizing Efficiency Webinar successfully highlighted the VAEEC’s commitment to energy conservation, innovation, and community engagement. The event not only provided a platform to showcase impactful projects but also reinforced the importance of sustainable practices in shaping a more energy efficient future. With initiatives like the 2025 Energizing Efficiency Campaign now underway, we continue to lead the charge in making energy efficiency a cornerstone of its clean energy vision.