
At the 2024 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, attendees had the opportunity to see efficiency and decarbonization efforts in action at a variety of D.C.-area buildings. Read on to learn more about the strategies and technologies these facilities are deploying to accelerate progress toward emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation.
AlexRenew
AlexRenew, Alexandria’s wastewater treatment facility, serves over 320,000 people and cleans over 13 billion gallons of used water. During the tour, attendees learned about Hazel, a state-of-the-art 380-ton tunnel boring machine that was custom-built to construct a new tunnel, which will prevent sewage pollution in waterways.
Barry Farm
The first African American homeownership community in Washington, D.C., the Barry Farm neighborhood is a thriving community. Built in 1867, buildings were ripe for robust efficiency upgrades. Attendees joined multifamily partner Preservation of Affordable Housing to tour the construction project, which will incorporate passive house standards, renewable energy sources, and more, while also preserving the neighborhood’s integrity.
Cannon + O’Neill Office Buildings
Recognized as some of the most efficient federal buildings, the Cannon and O'Neill Office Buildings have made significant achievements in energy and water efficiency. Attendees learned about implemented upgrades as well as the challenges and opportunities related to making sustainable improvements while preserving historic elements.
Library of Congress
Participants attended a walkthrough of the Thomas Jefferson Building and discussed the Library of Congress and the Architect of the Capitol’s Energy Savings Performance Contract work, which totaled roughly $63 million and included extensive renovations to the historic buildings.