12 Howell Schools Honored With Sustainability Certification

HOWELL, NJ - 12 public schools in Howell were recently awarded certification by Sustainable Jersey for Schools for innovative strides in environmental protection.

Ramtown Elementary School, Adelphia School, Howell Township Middle School North, Memorial Elementary School, Taunton Elementary School, Newbury Elementary School, Greenville School, Howell Township Middle School South, Land O’ Pines Elementary School, Edith M. Griebling Elementary School, Aldrich Elementary School and Ardena Elementary School were recognized on Sept. 15 by the Ewing-based nonprofit organization.

Ramtown Elementary School was additionally honored with a silver distinction for its board leadership and planning, professional development for sustainability, school carbon footprint, energy efficiency for school facilities and green purchasing policy.

“The Howell Township Board of Education adopted Policy 7461 "District Sustainability Policy" at the June 12, 2019 Board of Education Meeting in our effort to further become a more sustainable district. We recognize the impact sustainability can have on student academics as well as student and staff health,” reads the district’s profile on the nonprofit website.

“Our Green Purchasing Policy was implemented on June 12, 2019. The District aims to purchase, while in compliance of purchasing laws the following: green cleaning supplies, green cleaning equipment, recycled paper, energy efficient appliances, and equipment purchases,” the profile continues. “All district staff were notified of this adoption via email- this includes department heads as well as the purchasing department.”

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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