Hillsborough has once again met the stringent requirements to achieve Silver Certification through Sustainable Jersey.
The Silver level means a municipality has made significant progress in a number of categories toward sustainability and is a statewide and national leader, according to information provided by the township on Dec. 15.
Hillsborough is one of 52 towns that have gained certification in 2021 and was honored at the annual Sustainable Jersey Luncheon on Nov. 16 in Atlantic City at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference.
This year’s achievement represents the following for Hillsborough:
- Seventh year in a row Hillsborough achieves Silver Certification and 10 overall certifications in 12 years
- 645 total points earned, third highest total among the 52 certified municipalities
- 2009-21: 10th Sustainable Jersey certification in 12 years for Hillsborough
- 2009-21: Hillsborough most certified town in Somerset County
- ● 2009-21: Hillsborough second most certified town in New Jersey
“Hillsborough has been at the forefront of sustainability issues since 2006 with notable projects in the areas of energy, economic development, green infrastructure, and environmental and habitat conservation. Hillsborough is the most Sustainable Jersey certified town in Somerset County and the second most certified town in New Jersey. We are very proud of our participation in Sustainable Jersey and of our ever expanding sustainable initiatives throughout the community,” Mayor Shawn Lipani said in the statement.
“Thanks to the efforts of our Business Advocate/Sustainability Director, David Kois, who once again spearheaded the submission along with the volunteers of the Sustainable Hillsborough Steering Committee and employees from our municipal departments. We are extremely proud of the municipal employees’ involvement and expanding sustainable initiatives throughout the community, as we continue to change the mindset to what sustainability really means,” Committeeman Doug Tomson, liaison to Sustainable Hillsborough Steering Committee, said in the statement.
Notable new actions for which the township received credits toward the 2021 recertification included: digitizing public information, supporting local farmers market, lead education and outreach programs, private well outreach & testing, and community food pantry, according to the statement.