Program Updates
On a continuous basis, through the help of the Task Forces, the Certification Standards Committee reviews Sustainable Jersey program content, standards, and feedback to ensure actions are relevant, appropriate and up-to-date with current trends, information and expertise. Sustainable Jersey announces new program and action updates every year at the annual New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference. New actions and action updates are typically implemented in January.
Gold Star Standard in Climate Readiness
The new Gold Star Standard in Climate Readiness is now released. Learn more about the standard here.
2024 Retired Actions
- Build-Out Analysis: A build-out analysis is part of the new Comprehensive Climate Change-Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessment action.
- Green Building & Environmental Sustainability Element: This optional element for a land use plan from 2008 and the required components of this action are now captured in the Community Energy Plan or Climate Action Plan action and the Comprehensive Climate Change-Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessment action.
2025 Retiring Actions
- Reusable Bag Education Program: Reusable bag education and outreach initiatives could contribute toward the completion of the NEW Litter Prevention Education & Compliance action.
- Tree Protection Ordinance: This action has been replaced by the NEW Tree Protection & Replacement Ordinance action.
Category Changes
- Emergency Management & Resiliency category renamed to Emergency Management
- Heat Island Assessment & Mitigation Plan is now under the Land Use & Transportation category
2026 Action Updates
Energy
Residential Energy Efficiency Outreach: 10 to 20 Points
The most recent updates to this action reflect current residential energy efficiency programs offered through New Jersey’s electric and gas utilities, along with updated information and guidance in the “What to Do” and “How to Do It” sections to address energy efficiency program enhancements and the new Building Decarbonization Program. This action can count toward Gold Stars in both the Energy and Health categories.
Health and Wellness
Tobacco Free Community: 5 to 25 Points
This action has been updated with two new options to earn the full 25 points. Option 1 now includes a resolution supporting tobacco-free outdoor dining, expanding the list from four to five. Additionally, a new Option 4 has been added: Adopt a smoke-free outdoor dining ordinance prohibiting smoke and tobacco use at outdoor establishments, increasing the total number of pathways from three to four. These updates provide greater flexibility for participants to meet the action requirements while maintaining the same point value.
Previous Program Updates
View Sustainable Jersey's Previous Program Updates to learn more about the modifications made from 2009-2025.