Hillsborough Township was named Sustainability Champions with a population over 40,000.
“On behalf of Hillsborough Township, I am incredibly proud to be a recipient of the Sustainable Jersey Champion Award,” Mayor Robert Britting Jr. said. “This recognition reflects our collective commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we have taken bold steps to reduce our environmental impact, promote renewable energy, and invest in the long-term health of our town.
“I want to thank all the residents, local businesses, and municipal staff who have worked tirelessly to make sustainability a priority. This award belongs to all of us, and it inspires us to continue our efforts in building a resilient and eco-friendly community for generations to come.”
The Sustainability Champion award recognizes municipalities that have scored the most points in the Sustainable Jersey certification program in three population categories: large (over 40,000), medium (5,000 to 40,000) and small (under 5,000), according to Sustainable Jersey.
Hillsborough Township earned 830 points in the large population category. The township was certified in September.
Among the points, the township received 40 points for its Local Health Assessment and Action Plan. The Hillsborough Health Collaborative, made up of township staff, community members, business owners, and more, began the process of a local health assessment in 2023. The information from the assessment is invaluable as the township reexamines its Master Plan, according to the township’s certification.
The township received 25 points for its Building Healthier Communities. The township first joined the Mayors Wellness Campaign in 2006 pledging to increase awareness about healthy living. Since then, Hillsborough’s Mayors Wellness Campaign has been active in the community.
The township received 25 points for integrating health into municipal decision making. Staff from Planning and Zoning, Health, Sustainability, as well as members of the Township Committee took the Health in All Policies course provided by Rutgers University in February 2023.
Also among the points, the township received 20 points for community gardens. The Hillsborough Community Garden is located at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex. The garden was originally constructed many years ago, but became vacant. Thanks to a Sustainable Jersey and PSE&G grant for $2,000, the township’s Social Services Department was able to refurbish the raised planters and utilize the funds to purchase seeds, soil, gardening tools, and other related items. Girl Scout Troop 61096 and the township’s local garden club, the Neshanic Garden Club, partnered with the township on the community gardens.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Sustainable Jersey held their annual awards luncheon at the League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. Sustainable Jersey is a network and movement of municipalities, schools, and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Its mission is to empower New Jersey communities to build a better world for future generations with the tools, training, and financial incentives necessary to pursue critical sustainability initiatives, according to Sustainable Jersey.
Sustainable Jersey has a list of actions that municipalities can complete. Each action carries a certain number of points. Once a municipality gets 150 points, they become bronze certified, and at 350 points they become silver certified. There are also gold star standards in health, water, and energy, which are much more difficult to obtain. Over 80% of New Jersey’s municipalities are participating in the Sustainable Jersey Program.
Every year Sustainable Jersey recognizes municipalities that have scored the most points in the Sustainable Jersey Certification Program in three population categories. The other Sustainability Champions included Cape May City (Cape May County) for municipalities with a population under 5,000; and Madison (Morris County) received the award for municipalities with a population between 5,000 and 40,000.
