Summit Achieves Sustainable Jersey Certification For 7th Year

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit was once again recognized for its sustainability efforts and received a silver level certification from Sustainable Jersey for 2022.

The process of receiving this accolade was a culmination of Summit Environmental Commission's year-long efforts 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," Mayor Nora Radest said in a statement.

"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," she said.

This is the seventh time that Summit has achieved the Sustainable New Jersey certification, as it also received the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2019. In the 2022 certification process, Summit received 620 points from 50 separate actions.

Below are the major categories in which Summit was awarded points:

• Waste Management (110 points)
• Public Information and Engagement and Emergency Management and Resilience (a total of 85 points)
• Natural Resources (80 points)

The addition 345 points were spread across 11 additional categories.

Related: New Composting Program Launches In Summit On June 6

"Sustainable Jersey certification benefits our city in many ways," said 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."

Related: Permanent Dog Park To Be Installed At Summit Transfer Station

Patel said the certification also provides an opportunity for the Environmental Commission to analyze all sustainable actions citywide and examine where the city can enhance its environmental efforts.

More information on sustainability efforts and projects in Summit is available on the city website.

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