804.VAPDC
VAPDC PRESENTS THE ROBERT M. deVOURSNEY BEST PRACTICES AWARD TO THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL COMMISSION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Contact:
Connie Long
VAPDC Administrator
757-412-2664


 
Richmond, VA  The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) presented the Robert M. deVoursney Best Practices Award to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) for the NoVA Solar Map project at the Association's Annual Awards Dinner in Richmond last night.
 
The NoVA Solar Map was created by the NVRC to demonstrate to home and business owners how much solar energy can be generated by the rooftop of their home/business, and provides users with bird's-eye views of the solar photovoltaic potential of their homes or buildings. This map is the first of its kind in Northern Virginia and can be found at www.novasolarmap.com.
 
The website is an extraordinary tool for helping to promote local energy production, create local jobs, reduce strain on the electric grid and help consumers better manage their energy costs. In addition, the map provides the user with information regarding the maximum amount of solar kilowatts that can be generated on a building's roof and the associated potential electricity savings. It is part of NVRC's regional efforts with its not-for-profit partner, the Local Energy Alliance Program, to help promote energy efficiency and renewable energy through Solarize NoVA.
 
Accepting the award on behalf of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission was Robert Lazaro, Acting Executive Director of NVRC.
 
The Robert M. deVoursney Best Practices Award recognizes organizations that have initiated regional activities which have contributed significantly to the effectiveness of a region. The award recognizes innovation, excellence, commitment and/or service to the advancement of regional planning and multijurisdictional cooperation. The award showcases the creative work and ability to leverage resources and services of Virginia's PDCs.

Planning District Commissions were established by the General Assembly in 1969. There are 21 PDCs and Regional Commissions in Virginia made up of elected officials and citizens appointed by local governments. The purpose of the Planning District Commissions is to encourage and facilitate regional solutions to problems of area-wide significance. This is done by promoting the efficient development of the physical, social, and economic policies of all districts by assisting local governments to plan for the future. The PDCs of Virginia have joined together to create the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions to share best practices, and further regionalism across the commonwealth. For more information about VAPDC visit the website at www.vapdc.org

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