Program Updates
On a continuous basis, through the help of the task forces, the Certification Standards Committee reviews Sustainable Jersey for Schools program content, standards, and feedback to ensure actions are relevant, appropriate and up-to-date with current best practices. Sustainable Jersey for Schools announces new program and action updates every year at the annual New Jersey School Boards Workshop in October. New actions and action updates are typically implemented by January 1st.
2025-2026 New Actions
School Grounds
Tree Planting: 5-25 Points
This variable point action awards points to schools for planting and maintaining at least five trees on school grounds or on other public property used by students. Points awarded depend on the number of trees planted and whether pavement had to be cut to plant the trees. Additional points are available for demonstrating significant student involvement. Earning points for resubmission requires proof of the health of the trees planted in the prior certification cycle and may be augmented by planting new trees.
Green Purchasing
Sustainable Pupil Transport: 10-15 Points
This action awards points to school districts for adoption of alternative fuel pupil transport vehicles (Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D). The buses must be in service in order to receive points. The action will be awarded 10 points, with additional 5 points for districts that convert at least 5% of the school bus fleet to alternative fuel vehicles. School districts that contract for pupil transport services may receive 10 points if the service utilizes alternative fuel vehicles.
2025-2026 Action Updates
Green Purchasing
Sustainable Fleets: 5, 10, 15, 25 Points
This action awards points to school districts for adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The point changes provide: 5 points for hybrid electric plug in vehicles and electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs); 10 points for battery electric vehicles; 15 points for AFV medium- and heavy-duty vehicles; and 25 points for demonstrating that 15% of the fleet (excluding student transport vehicles Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D) comprises AFVs. Documentation of current vehicle registration is required; for the 25 point level, submission of a current fleet inventory for the district is also required.
Energy Efficiency
Behavior-Based Energy Conservation Programs: 10, 20 Points
The most recent revisions to this action include: more direct connection to EmPowered Schools as one behavior-based energy conservation program option, guidance and resources for a new tier – Home Energy Efficiency Campaign, and a change in point structure (10 additional points for the new home energy efficiency campaign). Schools can earn a total of 20 points if they implement Tier 1, the in-school program and Tier 2, the home energy efficiency campaign. A school can do one or the other; it’s not required to do both tiers.
Energy Tracking & Management: 10, 15, 20 Points
This action has been revised to update the requirements and point structure. The base 10 points remain unchanged, while the additional 10 points have been divided into two levels: 5 points for submitting a benchmarking report (e.g., from EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager) and 5 points for demonstrating an active energy management process, such as having an energy management team or coordinator and proof of regular meetings. This revision recognizes schools and districts already managing their energy use and encourages others to establish a process for future certification cycles.
Digital Learning Practices
Authentic Application of Digital Learning Tools and Content: 10, 15 Points
This action awards points to schools for implementing authentic, student-centered learning experiences that effectively integrate digital tools. Students engage in real-world tasks that promote collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving across content areas. The new update includes two required forms: An Administrative Form that captures the role that leadership plans in schoolwide planning and support, and Teacher Submission Forms that document classroom implementation. Together, these provide a holistic view of how authentic digital learning is embedded in school practice. The Authentic Learning Reflection Tool has also been added to provide guidance on the proper implementation of authentic learning, helping schools align their practices with key indicators such as real-world relevance, student agency, and cross-curricular integration.
Personalized Learning and Growing Independent Learners: 15 Points
The update introduces a new submission structure: a new Administrative Form documents schoolwide planning, staff development, and evaluation processes; and two revised Teacher Forms—each from different content areas. These forms now include a summary of the personalized lesson or project, supporting documentation, three student personalized learning plans, and a teacher reflection on the impact of digital tools and strategies.
Previous Program Updates
View Sustainable Jersey for School's Previous Program Updates to learn more about the modifications made in the past.