Commission discusses reapplying for Sustainable Jersey certification; green team to coordinate with administration

Members of the New Brunswick Parks and Gardens Commission discussed reengaging with Sustainable Jersey, the statewide municipal certification program, and how the commission might support the city’s green-team work.

Commission member Denise explained Sustainable Jersey as "a statewide initiative" that awards certification levels (bronze, silver and higher) based on a point system of documented actions across categories such as energy, stormwater and community outreach. Denise said New Brunswick’s schools remain certified and that the city’s municipal certification lapsed during COVID; the city’s green team has recently reconvened to begin reapplying.

Glenn, who also serves on the city green team, described the process: municipalities select actions from the Sustainable Jersey list, undertake projects, and submit documentation to earn points and become eligible for certification and some grant opportunities. "There are a number of these types of actions," he said, including recycling, community outreach and climate-related projects.

Commissioners discussed possible roles for the commission, including outreach to parks users, schools and local businesses. They noted the administration — specifically Brandon, identified as the green-team chair — is coordinating the municipal application. Commissioners asked Denise and Glenn to reach out to the administration to determine how the commission should participate and to return with a proposal for collaboration.

No formal vote was taken; members agreed to coordinate with the administration and green team and to report back at a future meeting.