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Eco-City Homes Recognition Program

The Eco-City Homes recognition program is a way to recognize and celebrate Alexandrians for making sustainable choices at home.
Page updated on February 27, 2026 at 6:11 PM

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Eco-City Homes Recognition Program

Eco-City Home Alexandria

The Eco-City Homes recognition program is a way to recognize and celebrate Alexandrians for making those sustainable choices. This new recognition program is open to homeowners, renters, and condo owners in Alexandria. 

Participation is simple: all you have to do is fill out the short application online. The How to Apply section below has more information about how to do this. Whether you know it or not, it’s likely that your home already has eco-friendly features—such as LED lightbulbs and energy-efficient appliances.

Participants who earn recognition will receive window clings and yard signs to proudly display your Eco-City Home designation, as well as resources and guidance from the Eco-City team to help you in your sustainability journey.

The City is accepting applications on a rolling basis and has opened the program to as many participants as possible—so go ahead and apply, and invite your friends and neighbors to apply, too!

Incentives Available!

For a limited time, all residents who apply for Eco-City Homes are eligible to receive a home energy efficiency kit or programmable thermostat, courtesy of EcoAction Arlington. Find more details about each incentive below.

Please note that in order to be eligible, you must be a resident of the City of Alexandria, and you cannot have previously applied for the Eco-City Homes program.

Smart Thermostat

t6 pro thermostat
  • Honeywell Home T6 Pro Smart Thermostat (programmable).
  • To select the smart thermostat, you must not already have a programmable thermostat.
  • Professional installation required for warranty.

Home Energy Efficiency Kit Contents and Instructions

Each kit contains:

  • LED lightbulbs (pack of 12)
  • GHome voice-control smart plugs (pack of 4)
  • Self-stick door sweeps (2)
  • Self-stick weatherstripping (40+ ft)
  • Outlet and switch draft stoppers (8)
  • HVAC filter whistles (2)
  • Low flow showerheads (2)
  • Faucet aerators (3)

Here’s how to use this kit to save money, energy, and water:

LED lightbulbs (pack of 12): These bulbs use 87% less energy than their standard incandescent counterpart and have a lifetime of 15,000 hours. That means savings from energy efficiency and not having to replace bulbs as frequently! 

GHome voice-control smart plugs (pack of 4): Use these smart plugs to cut energy use for lights, appliances, and electronics with timers and other built-in controls.

Self-stick door sweeps (2): Install on doors leading out of the home to prevent drafts, pests, and pollutants from getting in—and to keep your heating or cooling from getting out!

Self-stick weatherstripping (40+ ft): Install where there are gaps around windows or doors to prevent air leaks, with the flexible silicon extending out to cover the gap. To install:

  1. Measure and cut the weatherstripping to the length needed.
  2. Clean the area before installing and let it dry, making sure the surface is free of debris.
  3. Line up the weatherstripping and carefully remove the adhesive backing, pressing firmly into place as you go.
    1. Note: if it’s cold, it can help to warm up the adhesive with a hair dryer.
    2. You may test the adhesive on a small area before full installation.

For full product information, click here.

Outlet and switch draft stoppers (8): Drafty outlets in exterior walls can account for up to 20% of the air leaks in your home. To install these behind switch or outlet plates:

  1. Turn off the power to the outlet or switch at the circuit breaker.
  2. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover plate.
  3. Punch out the pre-cut centers from the foam draft stopper and place in position.
  4. Replace the cover plate with the screwdriver and turn the power back on.

HVAC filter whistles (2): When dirt and dust build up in your HVAC filter, it decreases efficiency and makes your HVAC work harder, which increases energy costs and decreases the life of your system—and worsens your indoor air quality. These whistles help alert you to when to change the filter to prevent that. 

To install: 

  1. Line up the two pieces of the filter whistle on the front and back of the filter. Make sure that the taller piece (the base) is on the side where air flows into the filter, and the flatter piece (the “hat”) is on the side where air exits.
    1. If you’re not sure which direction the air flows, look around the edge of the filter frame—there is usually an arrow showing airflow direction.
  2. Press the pieces together until you hear them click into place.
  3. Re-install the filter, and replace when you hear the whistle!

The National Energy Foundation has a short instructional video to help: Furnace Filter Whistle Install on Vimeo

Low flow showerheads (2): These low-flow showerheads use only 1.8 gallons per minute. Compared to standard showerheads, the average family could save 2,700 gallons of water a year by switching to low-flow showerheads. Plus, the reduced demand on water heaters as a result would save enough energy to power a house for 11 days.

These showerheads are easy to install—no plumber needed. Instructions, plumber’s tape, and washer are included in kit. 

To install:

  1. Remove old showerhead and clean threading.
  2. Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around threading.
  3. Position washer within the new showerhead.
  4. Hand-tighten showerhead into place.

For more guidance, check out this WaterSense instructional installation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5osCKFzSbxI

Faucet aerators (3): By reducing a sink’s water flow without sacrificing performance, these aerators can save the average family 700 gallons of water every year—that’s enough for 45 showers!

To install: 

  1. Cover your drain with a cloth.
  2. Remove the old aerator.
    1. Tip: put a towel or cloth between the wrench and the old aerator to avoid damaging the metal.
    2. Hidden aerators need an “aerator key” to remove.
  3. Remove the rubber washer if needed.
  4. Twist on the new faucet aerator, using the wrench and cloth to tighten if needed.

For more guidance, check out this WaterSense instructional installation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFQiIU_zJ5U

How to Apply

Eligibility: If you are a homeowner, condo owner, or renter in the City of Alexandria, you are eligible to participate! 

Applying: The application is a short online checklist. There are separate versions for homeowners, condo owners, and renters, based on the different sustainability actions available to each:

  • Click here for the Homeowner's Application
  • Click here for the Condo Owner's Application
  • Click here for the Renter's Application

To learn more about the actions in the application and find technical and financial resources, we encourage you to check out the main Eco-City Homes page.

Here's what to expect after submitting your application: You will receive a confirmation email within 5 business days with information about your recognition and how to receive your rewards.

Eco-City Homes Program

Eco-City Homes

Visit the Eco-City Homes main program page for more information and resources about being sustainable at home, including tips for the actions in the applications.

Contact Us

Email Samantha Heitsch, City Sustainability Coordinator and Eco-City Homes Program Manager: Samantha.Heitsch@AlexandriaVA.gov

Interested in Alexandria sustainability news and resources? Follow Eco-City ALX on social media (@EcoCityALX on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter), and subscribe to the Environmental News topic on Alexandria eNews!

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