Sustainability Efforts Earn 53 NJ Towns Recognition

Sustainable Jersey announces the 2018 certified towns; eleven towns achieve silver-certification

Sustainable Jersey announced today the 53 municipalities, from 18 New Jersey counties, that achieved the prestigious Sustainable Jersey certification in 2018. At nearly eighty percent participation, Sustainable Jersey has 448 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities engaged in the certification program.

“Congratulations to the municipal staff, green team volunteers and community members who have worked hard to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification,” said Randy Solomon, the executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “The Sustainable Jersey certified towns demonstrate leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.” Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts.

In the 2018 application cycle, eleven municipalities achieved certification at the more advanced silver-level: Asbury Park, Chatham Borough, East Windsor, Egg Harbor Township, Glen Rock, Hightstown, Hillsborough, Lambertville, Millburn, Mount Holly and Woodbridge (see below). Each municipality that is certified at the bronze-level must submit documentation to show it has completed a balance of the program’s sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 points. Silver-level certification requires that a town meet a minimum of 350 points.

Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability initiatives. The program culminates in a certification award to municipalities and schools that have documented meeting a set of standards. Sustainable Jersey participants have successfully implemented and documented over 9,000 sustainability actions. Over $4.9 million in grants have been provided by Sustainable Jersey to towns, school districts and schools for community-based projects that create healthy and sustainable communities in New Jersey.

Sustainable Jersey will celebrate the certified and participating municipalities at its Annual Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon held on the first day of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM) Conference on November 13, 2018. The luncheon brings together nearly 400 local and regional government officials, green team members, industry professionals and sustainability leaders. The program will celebrate sustainability excellence, innovation and leadership in New Jersey. The event is open to the public, register: http://bit.ly/AnnualLuncheon2018.

2018 SUSTAINABLE JERSEY CERTIFIED MUNICIPALITIES (alphabetical by county)