Sustainable Jersey Certifies Record Number of Municipalities in 2019

Sustainable Jersey announced today that its municipal certification program continues to show remarkable growth as 100 towns achieved certification in 2019. Following the initial 83 certifications issued in October 2019, 17 towns achieved certification by the end of the certification cycle in December 2019.  Of the 100 certified towns, 69 towns received bronze-level certification and 31 towns received silver-level certification. Review the list of the 2019 Sustainable Jersey Certified Municipalities.

“As we mark the end of Sustainable Jersey’s 10^th anniversary year, it is rewarding to hit this milestone,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “The 100 certified municipalities are a testament to the efforts and dedication of our communities. Also, the hardworking Sustainable Jersey staff should be commended for processing and reviewing all of the applications for certification.” 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.

Summit City Mayor Nora Radest said, “I am proud to be mayor of a city that prioritizes working together to create a sustainable future. Being awarded a silver certification is recognition of the outstanding work of city staff and community volunteers in advancing this important goal. The City of Summit is thankful to Sustainable Jersey for its support.” Audubon Borough achieved certification in 2019 for the first time. John J. Ward, mayor of Audubon Borough said, “Through the hard work of achieving a Sustainable Jersey certification, the Borough of Audubon will become a healthy and sustainable community for future generations to enjoy.”

Currently 80 percent or 453 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities are participating in the municipal certification program. Sustainable Jersey also certifies pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade public schools through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program; currently 241 schools are certified. Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability initiatives. Sustainable Jersey participants have successfully implemented and documented over 16,500 sustainability actions. Over $5.6 million in grants has been provided by Sustainable Jersey to towns, school districts and schools for community-based projects that create healthy and sustainable communities in New Jersey.