Fairfax schools to use Green Globes certification after state law narrows acceptable systems

FAIRFAX, Va. — Fairfax County Public Schools staff told the School Board on Sept. 16 that they will move to Green Globes certification for new construction and major renovation projects to comply with a state update that narrowed the acceptable building‑performance pathways.

Jessica Gilles, executive director of capital improvements and planning, and Scott Eschbach, director of design and construction, presented staff analysis concluding that the Green Globes rating system (overseen by the Green Building Initiative) provides the flexibility, regional familiarity and cost profile best aligned with FCPS needs. The change follows an update to the Virginia High Performance Buildings Act (House Bill 2001) that no longer recognizes the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) as an acceptable pathway.

"Green Globes provides a flexible approach that allows project teams to collaborate and prioritize key sustainability aspects such as energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable site development and indoor environmental quality," Gilles said. Staff emphasized that Green Globes includes an independent on‑site inspection and is expected to be cost‑effective while supporting the district's net‑zero energy goals.

The staff presentation traced the district's past reliance on CHPS (42 projects were registered at various stages, six had received final certification) and the legislative change that led the division to evaluate LEED and Green Globes. Staff reported consultations with Montgomery County Public Schools, regional architects and Green Globes representatives before recommending Green Globes as the preferred track.

Board members asked operational and timeline questions. Several sought to know whether already‑designed or permitted projects would need redesign. Staff said projects permitted prior to Jan. 18, 2025, are treated differently; projects still in design after that date may need to transition. Staff also said CHPS had announced a July 2027 horizon year, after which CHPS certification would not be available, creating a transition window for projects registered under CHPS.

Members sought clarity on whether Green Globes restrict materials or slow alternative delivery methods such as design‑build or construction management at risk. Staff said Green Globes does not prescribe materials and does not, in their review, impede those contracting approaches. On net‑zero goals, staff said Green Globes is consistent with the board's Joint Environmental Task Force commitments but that "net‑zero readiness" is a separate design choice the board could continue to pursue.

Superintendent Dr. Reid told the board the briefing was requested to explain how FCPS will provide compliance with the Joint Environmental Taskforce goals and the state's updated statute. Board members and staff noted this is an operational recommendation rather than a policy decision for immediate board action; staff were asked to return with comparative cost figures and examples of how two or three current design projects would score under Green Globes.

Practical implications: Facilities staff said future projects that begin planning and design in 2021 or later should aim for "net‑zero energy readiness" and will use Green Globes checklists during design and construction. Projects moving into permitting after Jan. 18, 2025, will need to comply with the new certification pathways. Staff also said many current CHPS-era designs already achieve substantial energy reductions and that the transition may not require major redesign in every case, but analysis is ongoing.

Board members emphasized the scale of capital needs and the role of county bonds and state support. The board's upcoming bond package, scheduled for voter consideration this November, will fund several projects (examples discussed included Centerville and Union Mill elementary projects, Twain Middle School planning, Western High School purchase and continued work on the Silver Line elementary project). Staff said bond projects moving into design will use the Green Globes process.

Outcome and next steps: The board received the briefing; staff recommended adopting Green Globes to remain compliant with state law. No vote was taken. Staff will provide cost comparisons between Green Globes, LEED and the former CHPS approach and will analyze how several active projects would be affected by the transition.

Why this matters: The certification framework affects project design, construction documentation, third‑party verification and the division's pathway toward energy and resilience goals under the Joint Environmental Task Force. The change is driven by state law and affects the certification route FCPS must use to verify high‑performance buildings.

What was not decided: The board did not vote to require net‑zero construction; staff characterized net‑zero readiness as a board policy choice distinct from the certification pathway. The board also did not adopt specific cost estimates or require immediate redesign of projects; staff will return with further detail.