Four Hazlet Schools Honored With Sustainability Certification

HAZLET, NJ - Four schools in Hazlet were recently awarded certification by Sustainable Jersey for Schools for environmental initiatives.

Raritan High School, Middle Road School, Cove Road School and Hazlet Middle School were recognized on Sept. 15 by the Ewing-based nonprofit organization. Raritan High School was additionally honored with silver distinction for board leadership and planning, reduced carbon footprint, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. The high school has been certified by the program since 2018.

“The Hazlet Township Board of Education recognizes the importance of minimizing the district’s use of natural resources, providing a high quality environment that promotes health and productivity and the effective management of our fiscal resources,” reads the certification for Raritan High School on the nonprofit website.

“The Board of Education in collaboration with the Superintendent of Schools, administrative staff and the district's Green Team will be to focus its energy on enhancing and improving the school district's resource management program that includes strategies for implementing effective and sustainable resource practices, exploring renewable and clean energy technologies, reducing energy and minimizing utility costs, reducing the amount of waste of consumable materials, encouraging recycling and green procurement practices, and promoting conservation principles by implementation of best practices.”

Of the 147 schools that achieved certification this year, 80 schools did so for the first time and 67 schools were recertified, according to a news release from the nonprofit. A total of 969 schools and 352 school districts are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program overall.

The Sustainable Jersey for Schools program, founded in 2014, recognizes public schools that aim to conserve resources, increase environmental sustainability and “go green”. Each school that is certified at the bronze level or above must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, which include energy efficiency, green design, green cleaning, innovation projects, climate mitigation and renewable energy.

Schools are awarded bronze, silver or gold distinction based on a point system. In 2020, six schools achieved certification at the silver level, including Winslow Township Middle School in Camden County, Franklin Township Elementary School in Hunterdon County and Spring Lake Heights Elementary, Unity Charter School, Raritan High School and Ramtown Elementary School in Monmouth County.

“We were not sure what to expect after this difficult year, but the response has been inspiring. We’ve seen an increase in the number of certified schools since last year,” said Randall Solomon, the executive director of Sustainable Jersey for Schools. “I commend the teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students for their commitment and vision for the future. Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement and these schools are leading the way to a more sustainable New Jersey, right when we need it the most.”

You can find the complete list of winners here.

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