Arlington County is a world-class residential, business, and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. Arlington is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington County maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools, and enlightened land use, receiving the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002.

Through its partnership with the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, Arlington County commits to continuing its energy management practice of ‘continuous improvement’ within its building inventory and to encourage the private sector to participate in the Challenge as well. This includes cost-effective upgrades with new technologies, effective operations and maintenance of facilities, and transparent data sharing practices through building energy report cards on the County’s website and energy performance labels in building lobbies.