Giulia Manno Finds Dream Job in Prince William County
When Giulia Manno got the chance to serve her home community of Prince William County as its environmental and energy sustainability officer, she saw it as a dream opportunity.
Her previous work had far-reaching impacts, managing waste reduction programs under the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful and as an environmental analyst for the World Bank. Along the way, she learned that sustainability goes beyond recycling, installing solar panels and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. Above all, she says, it’s about caring for one’s neighbors.
“That includes people, plants, animals and future generations,” Manno says. “Leaving a safe and healthy environment for them is one of the most impactful things I can do with my time.”
Manno was hired to develop an ambitious master plan to meet goals set by a 2020 Prince William County Board of Supervisors resolution, including achieving 100% carbon neutral county government operations by 2050.
The plan prioritizes actions like providing more bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Prince William County, planting and protecting trees, increasing commercial building energy efficiency and protecting natural water resources.
Manno’s team has taken a strategic lead, educating the public while working with local government staff to move every facet of the county’s operations in the direction of its hopeful future.
“My office is not installing solar on buildings and we’re not doing the stream restoration, but we are creating the strategy and being the liaison between all the different departments,” Manno says.
Her office also informs residents and businesses about how they can make sustainable choices and helps make those options easier to obtain. They’ve worked to streamline the county’s solar permitting process and educate residents on energy conservation, weatherization options for homes and commercial buildings, and related federal tax incentives.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has recognized the county government as a sustainability partner for the past 10 years. Last year, it highlighted the creation of Manno’s role and office, as well as achievements made by various other Prince William County departments. Examples included the initiation of a chemical waste reduction program, the resale of compost materials from food waste disposed at a county facility, and the installation of veggie and pollinator gardens at local fire stations.
“We can get more done together,” Manno says.
She suggests becoming educated on the impacts of your daily activities and making the best choices that you can within your resources and capabilities.
“Don’t worry about being perfect,” Manno says.
Consider taking small steps, such as consolidating your shopping trips, riding the bus once or twice a week or purchasing more efficient appliances. You might also join a local nonprofit or volunteer group to work on nature restoration projects or neighborhood cleanups.
Manno encourages learning about issues and opportunities and supporting what aligns with your values.
