Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center Opening
One of the standout sustainability features of the Monument Drive project is its stormwater management system.
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is proud of the work our local government partners and other governmental entities are undertaking to improve sustainability of the region.
We are pleased to share a guest blog post from NVRC Commissioner and Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw on a new parking garage opened by the County with a number of environmental and sustainability enhancements.
On June 20, Fairfax County cut the ribbon and opened the Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center.
The opening of this project culminates Fairfax County’s and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ commitment to deliver a high-quality facility, while still incorporating the County’s sustainability goals.
One of the standout sustainability features of the Monument Drive project is its stormwater management system. Beyond meeting basic requirements, the facility incorporates a green roof and rain garden, which help mitigate runoff and promote biodiversity. The project's focus on recycling construction waste also showcases a commitment to reducing landfill waste, with more than 85% of materials diverted from disposal. These efforts minimize environmental footprint while also demonstrating sustainable construction practices.
Energy efficiency is another cornerstone of the Monument Drive facility. The entire lighting system uses LED lights, including sensors for occupied parking spaces – a simple yet effective step to reducing electrical consumption. The project also has photovoltaic panels on the roof, increasing local renewable energy generation. These measures align with Fairfax County's broader sustainability initiatives which aim to decrease energy consumption and promote clean energy alternatives.
The facility's design prioritizes multimodal transportation options to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. Features like EV charging stations and dedicated spaces for ride-sharing services encourage alternative transportation modes, contributing to reduced emissions and improved air quality in the I-66 Corridor. The integration of Capital Bikeshare rentals and enhanced pedestrian pathways underscores a commitment to promoting active transportation and reducing traffic congestion.
The garage not only enhances regional transportation infrastructure but serves as a model of sustainable development. By incorporating advanced stormwater management, energy-efficient lighting, and support for alternative transportation modes, Fairfax County created a facility that not only meets current needs but also prepares for a more sustainable future. This project demonstrates how infrastructure investments can align with environmental stewardship goals, benefiting the community.
About the Northern Virginia Regional Commission
NVRC is a consortium of thirteen local governments representing more than 2.5 million residents. While only 3% of Virginia's land mass, Northern Virginia has a GDP of $276 Billion which is 41.6% of the GDP of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Northern Virginia’s GDP is larger than 24 states and the District of Columbia and if a country would be the 48th largest economy in the world.