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.

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.

Sustainability & Climate Planning

Community Asset Mapping: 10 Points
Municipalities can earn points for this action by conducting Community Asset Mapping that includes a geographic map of spatial assets and a list of both spatial and non-spatial assets.

Previous Program Updates

View Sustainable Jersey's Previous Program Updates to learn more about the modifications made from 2009-2025.