The Plainsboro Township Committee has directed township staff to work with Sustainable Jersey toward formal certification of sustainability. Such certification will provide recognition of Plainsboro’s many programs and policies that adhere to the principles of sustainability.
Sustainable Jersey is a certification program for New Jersey municipalities that seek to “go green, save money and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term.” Launched in 2009, with the help of the NJ League of Municipalities, Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support and reward communities that pursue sustainability programs. There are currently two levels of certification: bronze and silver.
Sustainable Jersey is organized around three fundamental components of sustainability: prosperity — the support of local economies and community resources; planet — responsible environmental management and conservation; and people — providing opportunity for all.
Plainsboro Township plans to work with Sustainable Jersey to achieve certification by documenting current efforts and pursuing new policies and practices that demonstrate adherence to the goals of a sustainable community. Plainsboro registered with Sustainable Jersey in 2009 but has not yet received certification.
The township’s efforts will be guided by the Plainsboro Environmental Advisory Committee, which has been designated as the Sustainable Jersey Green Team. Chaired by Michael Abramowitz, the green team will work with township staff to promote a sustainable community.
Deputy Mayor Neil Lewis noted that “In the coming months, the green team will also launch efforts to inform the public about the township’s efforts and encourage the community to ‘go green’ in the name of our environment and our future.”
West Windsor first registered with the Sustainability Jersey program in March 2009. It first received silver certification in 2010, and was recertified as a silver member most recently in October, 2013. West Windsor is one of only 22 towns in New Jersey to hold silver certification.
