11 Sustainable Energy Projects Awarded Funding

Grant recipients from seven NJ counties: Bergen, Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Union

Sustainable Jersey announced today the eleven municipalities selected to receive Sustainable Jersey grants funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund. Two $30,000 grants and nine $10,000 grants were distributed to fund proposals for adding electric vehicles (EVs) to municipal fleets, solar projects such as the purchase of solar technology, completion of solar energy feasibility studies and solar education; and innovative energy efficiency projects in municipal buildings.

“The need for innovative energy projects has never been more urgent as New Jersey tops the list as one of the fastest-warming states in the nation,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “These grant recipients demonstrate leadership and a commitment to advancing climate action that will help New Jersey meet more ambitious targets moving forward toward a low-carbon future.”

“The Gardinier Environmental Fund is committed to conserving the Earth’s energy resources and enhancing renewable energy measures,” said Gene Wentzel, president, Gardinier Environmental Fund. “We are proud to stand alongside Sustainable Jersey, and to continue to fund worthy projects that support our mutual goals in New Jersey.”

Since 2009 the Sustainable Jersey Grants Program has distributed over $5.5 million in grants to New Jersey schools and municipalities to help make their communities more livable, environmentally friendly, and prosperous.

GRANT RECIPIENTS (alphabetical by county)

*County*	*Recipient*	*Grant*	*Project*
Bergen	Oradell Borough	$10,000	Solar Generator Project: Oradell Borough will purchase two solar generators to power the local farmers market and other events. The purchase will allow the Borough to reduce its carbon footprint and make the seasonal farmers market more environmentally friendly.
Bergen	Teaneck Township	$10,000	Greening the Police Vehicle Fleet: Teaneck Township will purchase an electric vehicle (EV) for the police department. The Township will work closely with multiple departments and the green team to measure cost savings and carbon benefits to the environment.
Bergen	Wyckoff Township	$10,000	Clean Energy Efficiency Improvements and Community Outreach Program: The grant will offset the cost (in addition to New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) Direct Install incentive program) to implement energy-efficient upgrades in three municipal buildings. The project includes upgrading to a gas-fired energy efficient boiler for Fire Company 1 as well as installing an Energy Star electric mini-split system AC unit in Larkin House, which serves as a community center.
Burlington	Burlington City	$30,000	QASA an International Solar Educational Program: Burlington City, in partnership with Burlington City School District and the nonprofit Quest Achievement and Scholastic Academy (QASA), will implement “We Share Solar,” a STEM afterschool program that will teach Burlington students about solar and renewable energy by building solar suitcase kits and other activities. Students will provide solar suitcase lights for electric vehicle charging station locations at Lyceum Hall and Hosking House. Some of the solar suitcases will be sent to youth in Ghana where they will provide lighting for study and afterschool programs.
Burlington	Bordentown City	$10,000	Solar Study: Bordentown City will do a comprehensive study to understand how the City can use solar photovoltaic/battery system for its operations to increase energy resiliency in the event of power outages. The study will analyze how much energy could be generated from solar panels on City-owned properties, including solar canopies on parking lots, opportunities to incorporate battery storage and potential for community solar initiatives.
Mercer	Lawrence Township	$10,000	Senior Citizen Center Solar Project: The grant will fund a roof-mounted solar array that will provide sufficient electricity for Lawrence Township Senior Citizen Center. The Township used NJCEP’s Direct Install program to dramatically reduce energy use in the building and this renewable energy project will be the capstone of work on the center. The project will be a highly visible model for the whole community.
Middlesex	Edison Township	$30,000	Photovoltaic Solar Energy System Portable Power Generator: Edison Township will purchase a photovoltaic solar energy system for local emergencies. The system will also supplement electrical power to help meet increased and/or unanticipated energy demands at Edison facilities. This portable ‘NAS Mighty Power System’ can be transported on a flatbed trailer to wherever it is required.
Middlesex	Plainsboro Township	$10,000	Code Enforcement Municipal EV Market Transition: Plainsboro Township will purchase its first EV municipal code enforcement vehicle, which will demonstrate the feasibility of EVs for municipal fleets and help to promote EV adoption.
Monmouth	Red Bank Borough	$10,000	Count Basie Park Energy Efficiency Expansion Project: Red Bank will install a 5kW solar system to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions as well as costs for electricity use by the concession stands at Count Basie Park. The municipality will use this location at a high-traffic park to educate the community on solar power.
Morris	Madison Borough	$10,000	Community Solar for the Municipal Electric Utility: The grant will support engineering studies and financial analyses to evaluate community solar feasibility at three parking lot sites, generate preliminary design material and support community outreach.
Union	Westfield Town	$10,000	Innovative Low-E Window Inserts in Town Hall: Westfield Town will install 24 interior low emissivity storm windows in Westfield's Town Hall, covering a total of at least 500 square feet. This project should save 5,850 therms and 7,170 kWh over the lifetime of the project.

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