Cherry Hill Retains Silver Level Sustainability Status

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill has retained its Silver-Level certification with Sustainable Jersey, township officials announced this week. Cherry Hill is one of 52 municipalities that have attained recertification in 2021 and was recently honored at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon in Atlantic City at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference.

“I am so thrilled Cherry Hill has once again secured Silver-level Sustainable Jersey certification,” Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said. “This achievement is a representation of the high priority Township Council and I place on protecting our environment and preparing for the very real threats of climate change as we plan for our long-term success. Next, we’re seeing our sights on Gold.”

Cherry Hill first achieved Silver-Level Certification in 2014, but must reapply for certification every three years. To become Sustainable Jersey certified at the silver-level, townships must reach 350 points in Sustainable Jersey’s point system. Cherry Hill went well passed that, reaching 415 points.

“Cherry Hill’s recertification sends a message to our residents, businesses and community organizations – we are working for you and our shared future,” Cherry Hill Council President David Fleisher said. “We are continuing to build upon our existing reputation as a leader in municipal sustainability.”

The township’s Green Team, which was recently relaunched by the Angulo Administration, played a pivotal role in helping the township achieve Silver-level certification, officials said.

Cherry Hill has also achieved a number of other environmentally-related accomplishments, including recently becoming only the fifth municipality in the state, and the first in Camden County, to achieve National Wildlife Federation Certification as a Community Wildlife Habitat. Read more here: Cherry Hill Gets Certified With National Wildlife Foundation

Sustainable Jersey's participating communities represent over 81 percent of the state's municipalities.

“The certified towns exemplify the commitment we need to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world,” Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon said. “As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide and environmental pollution, it is essential that we support municipalities as they do the hard work to meet these challenges at the local level. These communities are helping New Jersey build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is our honor to work with them as we strive for a better tomorrow.”

Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency, health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts.