EWING, NJ — Sustainable Jersey announced Nov. 12 the 82 municipalities, from 20 New Jersey counties, that achieved Sustainable Jersey certification in 2019. At 80 percent participation, Sustainable Jersey has 450 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities engaged in the certification program.
“Congratulations to all of the municipalities that have achieved certification this year,” Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randy Solomon said. “Earning certification involves more than just implementing sustainable actions. It takes extraordinary leadership and a real commitment to making our communities better. As New Jersey tops the list as one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, the next 10 years will be a critical period for making progress. Sustainable Jersey certified towns are a force for change as they create a path forward to advance sustainability.”
Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency, health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts.
In the 2019 application cycle, 27 municipalities achieved certification at the more advanced silver level, requiring that a town meet a minimum of 350 points. A municipality 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.
In Essex County, Glen Ridge and Maplewood achieved silver level, with scores of 385 and 440 respectively. Earning bronze level were Montclair with 235 points, Nutley with 205 points, South Orange with 255 points and West Orange with 250 points.
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