OLR Report 2014-R-0227 answers the questions: How is the “Sustainable Jersey” program managed? Who are the stakeholders involved? What is the program’s certification process? What types of actions qualify for certification? What grants does the program offer to communities? Does Connecticut have any similar programs?
“Sustainable Jersey” is a nonprofit organization that, among other things, offers a certification for New Jersey towns that perform various sustainable actions, such as energy efficiency measures, climate change mitigation and planning, or waste management initiatives. Participating towns earn points for each action and are certified after reaching certain point totals and meeting other requirements.
Sustainability is commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable Jersey identifies three concepts as interrelated components of sustainability: (1) supporting local economies and using community resources, (2) practicing responsible environmental management and conservation, and (3) contributing to a strong civil society that provides opportunities for all.
Sustainable Jersey developed as a collaboration between the Sustainability Institute at the College of New Jersey, New Jersey League of Municipalities, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Task forces, which develop the list of actions towns can take, include representation from academia; the nonprofit sector; the business community; and state, local, federal, and county government.
Towns that wish to obtain certification from Sustainable Jersey must (1) pass an ordinance expressing intent to do so and designating a liaison; (2) establish a commission (i.e., a “green team”) to coordinate efforts; and (3) accumulate points by performing various qualifying actions. Through its task forces and staff, Sustainable Jersey establishes sustainable actions, places them in categories, and designates some as priority actions. To earn bronze certification, a town must earn at least 150 points, perform two priority actions, and perform actions from at least six different categories. Silver certification requires 350 points, three priority actions, and actions in at least eight different categories.
Towns that have registered with the program get special priority access and notification of incentives and grants and are eligible for the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program. In 2013, the program distributed 22 “capacity building” grants and 12 larger project-based grants. Municipalities can also access the program’s guidance tools and other resources, such as training workshops, webinars, and leadership meetings. Certified towns receive a customized Sustainable Jersey logo that can be used on the town’s promotional material and are honored at an annual Sustainable Jersey luncheon at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference. Annual Sustainable Jersey awards are bestowed to towns that receive the most points or excel in leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
In Connecticut, two programs reward municipalities for various efforts related to sustainability, but they have a more narrow scope than Sustainable Jersey. The Clean Energy Communities program, administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, financially rewards participating communities for taking certain actions to promote greater energy efficiency and more widespread use of clean energy. The Green Circle Award, administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), recognizes local governments, businesses, civic organizations and individuals who have participated in certain energy conservation, transportation, pollution prevention, or recycling-related activities or projects that promote natural resource conservation or environmental awareness.
For more information, read the full report.
