DGS Celebrates Earth Month with 15 Years of Sustainability Progress and Award-Winning Projects

DGS to Highlight Sustainability Progress Through Virtual Town Hall and Guided Media Tour of John Lewis Elementary School

(WASHINGTON, DC) - The DC Department of General Services (DGS) is spotlighting 15 years of leadership in sustainability and energy innovation across the District Government's public building portfolio in honor of Earth Month. From award-winning net-zero energy schools to expanded renewable energy and HVAC preventative maintenance, DGS continues to deliver facilities that are efficient, resilient, and built to serve future generations.

"DGS is committed to delivering projects that stand the test of time," said DGS Director Delano Hunter. "Under the leadership of Mayor Bowser, we have made bold investments in sustainability and energy that not only meet today's needs but also support the long-term health, efficiency, and resilience of our communities for generations to come."

Over the past 15 years, and prominently under the direction of Mayor Bowser, DGS has significantly reduced DC government's environmental footprint while improving occupant health and lowering utility costs. DGS' Sustainability and Energy division (DGS SE) uses data to guide how the agency plans and manages sustainability projects.

Key highlights include getting more than 35% of the agency's electricity from renewable energy sources and continuing to update the DGS Energy Management Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings, while also supporting high-performing and net-zero new construction. DGS SE also oversees recycling and organics collection programs, providing guidance and engagement initiatives to increase participation and support the District's Sustainable DC goals for waste diversion, clean energy, and a low-carbon future.

Under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser, DGS has accelerated its sustainability work over the past 12 years and delivered real results for District residents. This includes saving taxpayers $35 million through two recent solar photovoltaic (PV) contracts that will provide 20 years of electricity at no cost, along with a range of major sustainability investments and achievements, including:

• Delivering nine (9) net-zero energy schools, with 14 more in development, positioning the District as a national leader in sustainable school design;
• Launching DC government's first HVAC preventive maintenance program to improve system efficiency, reduce breakdowns, lower costs, and support sustainability goals;
• Executing the nation's largest municipal wind power purchase agreement;
• Delivering one of the nation's largest onsite municipal solar portfolios, increasing the District's solar capacity by 70% at execution;
• Developing three (3) additional solar project bundles that will double DGS' current solar capacity to 35.87 megawatts;
• Receiving U.S. EPA Green Power Leadership Awards for Excellence in Green Power Use;
• Ranking annually since 2013 among the U.S. EPA's top public-sector Green Power Partners, and;
• The District received the prestigious C40 Cities Award for Global Leadership on Climate Change at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP21)
• Adams Education Campus (Oyster Adams Bilingual School) received the 2025 NAFA Clean Air Award from the National Air Filtration Association, recognizing the school's modernized facility for excellence in indoor air quality and air filtration management;
• Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health, complying with the DC Green Building Act, is the first new full-service hospital in D.C. to achieve LEED Healthcare Gold certification. It is pioneering sustainable hospital design;
• Truesdell Elementary School received the 2026 Sustainability & Resiliency Excellency Award by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE);
• Earning major sustainability and design recognition in 2025 with multiple DGS projects honored including John Lewis Elementary School's Net Zero Energy, LEED Platinum, and WELL Platinum certifications and a national AIA award, along with additional recognition for Banneker Academic High School, Raymond Elementary School, and recreation centers like Stead Park, Joy Evans, and Reservoir Park.

Looking ahead, DGS will continue building on this momentum by advancing DC Government's first energy savings performance contract (ESPC), expanding on-site solar through power purchase agreements, launching a centralized remote HVAC troubleshooting center, reviewing bids for a five-year organics collection program, and accelerating building electrification across the portfolio.

Additionally, DGS' External Affairs division will offer a guided tour of John Lewis Elementary School, the first school in the world to earn LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, and Net Zero Energy certification, to highlight the award-winning sustainability features in honor of Earth Month.

To learn more about this work and what's ahead, join DGS tonight, Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. for a virtual Quarterly Town Hall focused on sustainability. Hear directly from the DGS Sustainability and Energy and Capital Construction teams about how these efforts are shaping more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible facilities across the District.

RSVP to receive the link: s.dc.gov/SustainabilityDGSTownHall.

For more information about DGS sustainability and energy initiatives, visit dgs.dc.gov.

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