Evesham officials and members of its Green Team and environmental commission displayed their Sustainable Jersey certificate last month.
Evesham Township accepted a certificate last month that recognizes its silver-level certification from Sustainable Jersey, the nonprofit that supports communities as they pursue sustainability programs.
The certification – which Evesham actually earned in September – recognizes a commitment to resource management and the well-being of residents and places the township among other New Jersey municipalities building more resilient and prosperous communities through environmental stewardship.
Sustainability Jersey offers a road map of nearly 150 action items towns can complete to earn points and achieve certification. Participation provides a clear pathway for local governments to address issues such as climate change, waste reduction and public health. Action items can also lead to cost savings, grant opportunities and enhanced community engagement.
To earn silver, a municipality must go beyond the threshold for bronze certification of 150 points and meet a higher mark of at least 350 points, which represents a more broad-based and integrated approach to sustainability.
Evesham achieved its silver certification with 400 approved points, a status that will be recognized for the next three years.
“Achieving silver certification is a powerful statement about our community’s values,” said Mayor Jaclyn Veasy. “It shows that we’re not just thinking about today, but that we’re actively working to build a better, more sustainable future for our children and generations to come.
“It’s a source of pride to know that Evesham is recognized for our dedication to these critical initiatives,” she added. “This certification reflects the spirit of our residents and the collective belief that our home is worth protecting.”
Deputy Mayor Dr. Krystal Hunter, council’s liaison to both the township’s Green Team and its environmental commission, also praised the those who helped make the certification achievement possible.
“This recognition from Sustainable Jersey is a testament to the incredible, collaborative effort of so many people,” she noted. “I want to personally thank every member of our Green Team, environmental commission, dedicated township staff and many other officials.
“They put in countless hours of hard work behind the scenes, from brainstorming ideas to meticulously gathering the data needed for our application. Their passion for our community and our environment is what truly made this all possible.”
The township’s success in achieving the silver certification reflects a wide range of approved actions. Highlights include:
- A commitment to sustainable land use with the creation of a Green Development Checklist and a Sustainable Land Use Pledge to ensure new construction projects align with environmental best practices.
- Community resilience demonstrated by Evesham’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan and community energy plan, and a strategic focus on Green Infrastructure Implementation, such as the installation of multiple rain gardens and an enhanced Stormwater Management Control Ordinance to manage water resources effectively.
- Engaging residents directly through unique, hands-on programs, such as the Marlton Garden Tour, the Earth Day informational event, weekly Marlton Farmer’s Markets for healthy/sustainable living and the BioBlitz project to document local bio-diversity.
- Advancing a greener municipal fleet by purchasing Alternative Fuel Vehicles, promoting renewable energy to residents through community solar initiatives, and reviewing inclusivity through a Community Equity and Diversity Profile.
To learn more about Sustainable Jersey, visit: www.sustainablejersey.com
