New Jersey Schools Commit to Sustainability

November 19, 2014 1674 Views Brain Spaces, Connecticut Department of Corrections, Eastern U.S., energy efficiency leases, KMLK Group, New Zealand Green Building Council, power purchase agreements

EWING, N.J. — Four school districts in New Jersey are on board to begin making sustainable improvements at their schools, with the guidance of a new certification program sponsored by a state nonprofit: Sustainable Jersey for Schools.

Sustainable Jersey for Schools launched on Oct. 28 and four districts already registered to pursue environmentally friendly programs. The districts include Allendale School District in Bergen County; Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District in Bergen County; Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District in Monmouth County?; and Springfield School District in Union County.

“Our district is very proud to be one of the first districts in the state of New Jersey to have passed a resolution committing our support to Sustainable Jersey for Schools,” said Beverly MacKay, superintendent of schools for Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District, in a statement.

Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a partnership between Sustainable Jersey and the New Jersey School Board Association (NJSBA). Launched in 2009, Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support and reward municipalities as they make strides toward sustainability. To date, 416 of the state’s municipalities are participating in the program, making commitments to energy efficiency and water conservation and doing things such as creating community gardens. Their efforts are rewarded with energy cost savings and program participation will help the chances that the school will achieve Department of Energy Green Ribbon recognition.

Likewise, Sustainable Jersey for Schools promotes a comprehensive and results-oriented approach to sustainability for schools. Participating schools can choose from 87 actions, such as performing energy audits, integrating sustainability into student learning and boosting recycling efforts to earn points for certification.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the first four districts that have registered with Sustainable Jersey for Schools,” said Donna Drewes, co-director of Sustainable Jersey, in a statement. “These districts and their schools should be commended for being proactive in their pursuit of sustainability. The program will help schools improve efficiency, cut waste and contribute to students’ education in the key areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, often referred to as STEM education.”

Participating New Jersey schools receive certification as an individual school, and the certification is valid for three years. There is no fee for the certification, the use of the program tools or participation in training workshops.

While the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program is voluntary, the state of New Jersey enacted a law in 2007 that requires stabilization of statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, followed by a further reduction to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050.