Sustainable Jersey

Sustainable Jersey
Name	Sustainable Jersey
Founded	2009
Location	New Jersey, United States
Focus	Municipal sustainability, environmental protection, community resilience
Website	https://www.sustainablejersey.com

Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities in New Jersey as they pursue sustainability programs. It is a certification program where municipalities earn points for completing specific actions to protect the environment, boost local economies, and improve social equity. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and other key stakeholders. Its framework is designed to help local governments save money, conserve resources, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Overview

The program is structured as a voluntary certification system for municipalities across the state, modeled after similar frameworks like the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system. It offers a comprehensive menu of over 100 potential actions across categories such as energy efficiency, waste management, local food systems, and emergency management. Key partners in its administration include the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Participation grants towns access to technical support, grants from the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program, and recognition for their achievements in fostering resilient communities.

History and development

The concept emerged from the 2006 New Jersey Sustainability Summit, which highlighted the need for a coordinated local approach to sustainability challenges. Officially launched in 2009, it was developed through a partnership between the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and the Municipal Land Use Center at The College of New Jersey. Initial funding and critical support were provided by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and PSEG. The program's creation was influenced by pioneering municipal sustainability efforts in towns like Lawrence Township and the success of the Star City Program in Australia.

Certification process

Municipalities achieve certification by submitting documentation to demonstrate completion of specific actions, which are evaluated by a team of experts at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. The process requires towns to first establish a Green Team and complete a mandatory action, such as a greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Points are then awarded across various categories, including land use and transportation, health and wellness, and diversity and equity. To reach certified status, a municipality must meet a minimum points threshold, with higher levels of achievement recognized as Silver or Gold certification. The rigorous review ensures alignment with best practices from organizations like the International City/County Management Association.

Impact and recognition

The program has certified hundreds of municipalities, collectively implementing thousands of actions that have reduced carbon emissions, diverted waste from landfills, and conserved millions of gallons of water. It has been recognized with awards such as the Rutgers University's Planning and Public Policy Community Engagement Award. The initiative's success has inspired similar programs in other states, including Sustainable Maryland and Sustainable CT. Its impact is frequently highlighted at events like the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference and in reports from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The New Jersey Governor's office has also acknowledged participating towns for their leadership in climate resilience.

Programs and initiatives

Beyond core certification, it administers several specialized programs, including the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, which engages school districts and educational institutions. The Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program, funded by entities like the PSEG Foundation and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, provides critical financial support for local projects. Other key initiatives include the Energy Aggregation Program, the Climate Pollinator Campaign, and partnerships with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for clean energy projects. Collaborative efforts with organizations like the New Jersey Audubon Society and the New Jersey Farm Bureau promote actions related to natural resources and sustainable agriculture.

Participating municipalities

Over 80 percent of the state's municipalities are registered participants, spanning from large cities like Newark and Jersey City to small boroughs and townships. Early adopters and consistent leaders include West Windsor Township, Maplewood, and Highland Park. Many certified towns are located in counties with strong sustainability networks, such as Mercer County, Bergen County, and Burlington County. Participation is celebrated annually at the Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon, often held during the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City.

Category:Environmental organizations based in New Jersey Category:Non-profit organizations based in New Jersey Category:Sustainability organizations