Thank you for your interest. This is the first step toward taking action. There is a lot that schools can do to create a more sustainable community.
QUICK FACTS:
Hopewell Valley Regional School District has rooftop solar on multiple buildings, as well as geothermal heating and cooling systems, which have reduced energy usage by 30%.
With a solar array and rooftop solar on four buildings, Franklin Township Public Schools have saved over $440,000 in two years.
Plainfield Public Schools anticipate saving nearly 2.5 million over the next 15 years with the installation of rooftop solar on seven buildings.
Colleges, universities, public K-12 schools, and select nonprofits should follow one of these process to make their buildings more efficient and lower their energy bills.
Facilities with an average peak demand less than 200 kW are recommended to proceed with a number of state-funded programs that are administered by our local utility utility provider, PSE&G. This may include Direct Install, a program which can provide lighting retrofits, HVAC systems, commercial refrigeration equipment, and motors for as little as 20% of the cost, interest free over 60 months. Custom efficiency projects and prescriptive incentives may also be an option for your facility.
Facilities with an average peak demand of 200kW or greater are recommended to perform a Local Government Energy Audit, and proceed with an Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP). An ESIP is a financing mechanism that allows schools in NJ to make energy-related improvements to their facilities using the value of energy savings that result from the improvements. In other words, the ESIP method is a way for public schools to finance new energy-efficient infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayer.
Several school districts in New Jersey have incorporated solar with big savings for their district by following these steps.
The first step involves engaging an energy consultant. Some districts implement this through a competitive process while others achieve this through the Alliance for Competitive Energy Services (ACESplus).
Once the contract is awarded, the contractor designs and installs the system, obtaining all necessary permits, inspections, and approvals.
If onsite renewable energy generation is not an option, you can still offset your energy use by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs). The Alliance for Competitive Energy Services (ACES) can help school districts to obtain such renewable energy products at competitive prices.
Support commuters by providing covered bike parking or storage. Offer outlets to allow e-bikes and e-scooters to recharge.
Install EV charging. New Jersey’s It Pay$ to Plug In program provides grants to offset the cost of purchasing and installing charging stations.
Environmentally preferable purchasing helps the environment — with significant savings for you. The NJ School Board Association offers sustainability consulting services for schools.
Review the School Food Waste Guidelines prepared by the NJDEP for K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
Educate janitorial staff and aides, as well as teachers and administration, on collection rules. Ask volunteers to assist in education at the bins.
Granola bar wrappers and chip bags can get upcycled through special hard-to-recycle options.
Consider areas that could be planted with meadow grasses. This will support pollinators and birds and save you money from mowing maintenance.
Have your landscaper mulch leaves back into your property. This nourishes your soil and reduce the need for costly fertilization.
Check out our Yard guidance.
Be sure to get credit (and free promotion) for your actions! Join one of the following certification programs which provide a helpful roadmap and resources to achieve greater sustainability goals. Best of all, no one has to act alone!
Perfect for non-profits and higher education institutions
Sustainable Princeton is a non-partisan, non-profit organization in Princeton, NJ with a mission to inspire our community to develop and implement solutions that positively impact our environment. It’s our vision that Princeton be a model town that examines every action through the lens of sustainability ensuring a healthy environment, a strong economy, and the wellbeing of all community members now and in the future.
