RESTON, VA – Reston Community Center is pleased to announce it is a 2021 Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awardee.

 RCC was one of six awardees, a mix of individuals and organizations, “who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the improvement of our natural environment, raising awareness of key environmental issues in our area and inspiring others to take action,” according to the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. The awardees are chosen annually by the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

RCC was selected for recent efforts, many of which will have a long-term impact on the organization’s energy, water usage and environmental impact. In early 2020, RCC completed a renovation of the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center, replacing the aging infrastructure of the original pool with two new pools and other physical improvements.

This $5.5 million project incorporated many environmentally friendly features, consistent with RCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This project is in addition to other, ongoing RCC environmental initiatives such as a multiyear LED lighting replacement project and soon-to-be installed solar panels on its RCC Hunters Woods roof. RCC also hosted its first-ever Green Reston event in the spring of 2021, bringing the community together for outdoor activities related to sustainability.

“The 2021 Environmental Excellence Award winners are outstanding leaders and advocates who share their talents and care for the environment through both their words and their actions,” said Stella Koch, chair of the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council. “This year’s awardees have done far more than just demonstrate their passion for environmental issues. They have changed the face of our community by giving their time, energy, and expertise during an exceptionally challenging year.”

RCC’s aquatics renovation has earned several awards, including top honors (structures $5 to $25 million) in February for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) in the 2021 American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Mid-Atlantic Region awards. In October, RCC earned the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society’s Outstanding New Renovation Award (bricks and mortar) for populations of 50,001 to 100,000.

“The Board and staff of RCC are passionate about lightening our carbon footprint in any way we can,” notes RCC Board Chair Bev Cosham. “We take responsibility for doing our part to be gentle on our planet very seriously. It’s heartening to see those efforts recognized.”

To see the complete list of 2021 awardees, visit the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination online.

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