The Frederick County Sustainability Commission is accepting applications for its 2020 Sustainability Awards. Awards are based on leadership, innovation, and success in sustainability. Awards are available to Individuals (non-students), Students/Student Groups, Nonprofits, and Commercial Enterprises. Self-applications or nominations of others accepted. Applications are due February 13, 2020. Contact: Dawn Ashbacher, dashbacher@frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-6864.  For more information, click here. 

The Power Saver Retrofits (PSR) program will continue to provide energy saving home improvements to low to moderate income households in 2019.   Click here for more information!

Frederick County Executive Jan H. Gardner, Frederick County officials and OSER staff recognized Certified Households at the 8th annual Green Homes Challenge Recognition event on Thursday, March 28, 2019.    Click here for event information!

Frederick County officials and OSER staff will recognize Certified Households at the 8th annual Green Homes Challenge Recognition event on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the Delaplaine Arts Center.  Since Frederick County launched its Green Homes Challenge in January 2011, more than 850 households have met one or more of the three Green Homes Challenges: Be a Power Saver, Be a Green Leader, or Be a Renewable Star.   Winners of the 2019 Sustainability Awards will also be announced at the event.

The Frederick County Sustainability Commission is accepting nominations for its 2019 Sustainability Awards to recognize individuals and organizations in Frederick County that have made an outstanding contribution in helping the county advance sustainability efforts. Awards are presented based on demonstrated leadership, innovation, and success in sustainability. Awards are available to individuals, nonprofits and commercial enterprises.    Click the following link for more information:  2019 Sustainability Awards.

In time for Earth Month, County Executive Jan Gardner launched the 2018 Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program on Thursday, April 5, 2018 to encourage property owners to have their septic systems pumped out every five years. Regular pumping of septic systems every five years maintains the effectiveness and longevity of systems and reduces nutrient pollution leaching over time.

The Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program targets all homeowners with a septic system and offers a $75.00 rebate every five years. The current average septic system pump-out is $270.00. 2018 Rebates will be available for approximately 330 homeowners who have their septic pumped between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2018. To learn more about the Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program or to download an application, visit our website or contact Linda Williamson.

What a beautiful day we had for our Green Leader Brigade "Tree Diversity" skill-building session on October 7th!  Thank you to Jenny Willoughby, Sustainability Manager for the City of Frederick and to their Chesapeake Conservation Corps volunteer, Yash, for taking our group on a very informative walk through Waterford Park in Frederick.  Participants learned about tree canopy, diversity and choosing the right tree for the right place.   Thank you to everyone who participated!   If you would like more information about the Green Leader Brigade and our upcoming events, please email Sustainability@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

We will recognize certified households at our 7th annual Green Homes Challenge Recognition Event on March 29, 2018.  It's a fun evening, and certified households are eligible for a prize drawing from our event sponsors!   If you haven't certified yet, there is still time!   You will get one entry for each challenge you are certified in!  

Diversity in the urban forest is critical to growing canopy and knowing your trees can keep the canopy healthy!  Join us for a free Green Leader Brigade "Tree Diversity" skill-building session on October 7th from 10 a.m. - 12 noon in Waterford Park in Frederick.  In this training, participants will learn about 12-15 important trees for the Frederick area and how they can be used in the landscape. Waterford Park is an excellent location for learning about canopy, diversity, and choosing the right tree for the right place. Registration is required!   Call 301-600-7414 or email Sustainability@FrederickCountyMD.gov to register. Registration ends October 5th.

Is pet waste a problem in your neighborhood?   Let us know what you think about pet waste in your neighborhood and help us raise awareness by taking the survey!