The City of Falls Church became the first jurisdiction in Virginia to qualify for recognition from the federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for its “Green Community Challenge” achievement, celebrated at Monday’s F.C. City Council meeting.

The city qualified by reaching the goal of purchasing three percent of all its energy uses from renewable sources. The effort involved, in addition to the city government, 163 households and the enthusiastic support of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS), the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and businesses such as Crabtree, Energy Shift, Giant, Herban Lifestyle, Hilton Garden Inn, JDM, Staples, Starbucks and the Young Group.

Tim Stevens of the Environmental Services Council and City Public Utilities Director Brenda Creel made the presentation Monday, and Public Utilities Assistant Ken Lasso was singled out for his support efforts.