Township's Green Team Scores State's Sustainable Certification

The state's program aimed at encouraging communities to examine how to reduce energy use and pollution has recognized Warren Township's efforts with the Sustainable Jersey certification.

The certification is awarded when communities achieve a score of at least 150 points via projects, such as energy efficiency in municipal buildings, community events with environmental themes, and educational programs. Warren earned  215 points for its efforts, attaining the Bronze level designation.

"To see wegot over 200 points when only 150 are needed was very rewarding," Laura Mandell, chairwoman of the township's Green Team, said.

The township amassed the points through a series of projects in 2011, including the creation of the Green Team, April's Earth Day Fair, the township's School Based Energy Conservation Programs, energy audits of municipal buildings, the energy efficiency of municipal buildings, establish an Anti-Idling Education and Enforcement and other educational programs, the Community Gardens, and an inventory of local Natural Resources and Open Space Plans.

“This recognition demonstrates why, in 2009, Warren Township was designated by Money Magazine as the 'Sixth Best Small Town to Live in the United States'," Mayor Carolann Garafola said. "In 2009 I recommended that the Township Committee pursue the Sustainable Jersey certification. I applaud the hard work of the members of the Green Team in achieving the bronze certification and thank them for their hard work and dedication. It is our goal to make Warren a green and friendly community to live and work.”

The Township Committee will be recognizing this achievement at its May 3 meeting.

Mandell credited the members of the Green Team for the achievement, adding some of the key members included Carl Day, who worked on the energy efficiency categories which added 70 points to the township's score; Ila Gillenwater, who helped with the school-based energy categories; Pamela and Michael Thwaite, who along with Nina Mon co-ordinated the anti-idling program; Phil Lobo, who coordinated the open space inventory; Environmental Commission member Jack Hentchel, who co-ordinated programs with the commisson; Allison Winter, who did the community mapping projects; and intern Liz Sarno, who prepared a recycled oil program; and Diane Skoss, with the Community Garden project. 

Mandell also cited the help of the township administration, and the Public Works Department and its supervisor, Doug Buro. She said some of the programs the Green Team had planned were impacted by the October snowstorm, which kept the PWD busy for many weeks.

All of Warren’s certified points can be viewed at the Sustainable Jersey Site under “Participating Communities.” Click on Warren’s green pin in the center of the map of New Jersey to see all the documentation that accompanied the certification.

Warren was one of 15 communities receiving certification last week, which also included Berkeley Heights Township, East Brunswick Township, Edison Township, High Bridge Borough, North Plainfield Borough and Upper Saddle River Borough.