Princeton Schools, Municipality Unite To Reduce Fossil Fuel Use

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools and the Municipality of Princeton recently received a $10,000 Sustainable Jersey grant, the township announced.

The municipality and school district, along with Sustainable Princeton, will work to develop plans to transition away from fossil fuel powered landscaping equipment.

Through the grant, they hope to create a healthier work environment for landscape staff, with environmentally beneficial land management techniques.

The grant is funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund.

The project will also see student involvement through analysis of equipment and usage data to share the emissions impact of the proposed land management shifts.

“We are looking forward to partnering with the municipality on this project and to providing our students with the opportunity to study a real-world challenge,” superintendent Barry Galasso said in a statement.

Princeton was one of nine communities selected for funding of innovative energy projects.

The grant provides for training and battery-powered equipment for grounds management staff to more sustainable practices.

Municipal officials said they hoped to demonstrate sustainable landscaping practices all residents and institutions can use for environmental health.

“If we are going to ask Princeton’s residents and businesses to change their approach to landscaping, the municipality must lead by example,” Councilwoman Eve Niedergang said in a statement.

“This is an opportunity for us to understand in earnest what will be required to embrace practices that are healthier for workers and the environment.”

According to the municipality, this grant will achieve two strategies outlined in the Princeton Climate Action Plan — reducing emissions from land maintenance equipment and expanding no-mow/low-maintenance areas.

“It is urgent that we act now to address climate change. This grant represents an exciting opportunity for the municipality and school district to alter their own behaviors, thereby positively impacting a large portion of land in our community and leading the change for our entire community,” said Sustainable Princeton Executive Director Molly Jones.