Summit Achieves Sustainable Jersey Certification
The City of Summit has been awarded silver level certification from Sustainable Jersey for 2022.
The process was led by the Summit Environmental Commission and is the culmination of a year-long effort to document programs and policies in Summit that aim to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate local economies, and increase resiliency and progress toward an equitable society.
“Municipalities that achieve certification are considered by their peers, state government, and civic organizations in New Jersey to be among the leaders in the state,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “I am so proud that we have yet again achieved this important designation. Thank you to the Environmental Commission members and numerous city staff that collaborated on this important project. Your everyday efforts to make Summit a more sustainable community do not go unnoticed.”
The City of Summit has achieved Sustainable Jersey certification in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2019. In the 2022 certification process, Summit received 620 points from 50 separate actions.
The major categories in which Summit was awarded points include Waste Management (110 points); Public Information and Engagement, and Emergency Management and Resiliency (a total of 85 points generated from the Communications Office); and Natural Resources (80 points). The additional 345 points were spread across 11 additional categories.
“Sustainable Jersey certification benefits our city in many ways,” reports Summit Environmental Commission Chairperson Donna Goggin Patel. “Summit has been awarded grants in the past that help us to fund programs like the Summit Free Market at the Transfer Station. This would not be possible without certification. It also provides an opportunity for us to analyze all sustainable actions citywide and examine where we may be able to take additional steps to enhance our environmental efforts.”
More information on sustainability efforts and projects in Summit is available on the city website.
