165 Schools Achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools Certification Making 2024 a Milestone Year

on Sep 05, 2024

Sustainable Jersey for Schools program grows to 375 certified schools

Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced today the 165 public schools that achieved certification in 2024, bringing the total number of currently certified schools across New Jersey to 375. As leading examples of sustainability excellence, the certified schools provide outstanding learning opportunities for their students and join an established cohort of recognized schools across the state.

Review the 2024 Sustainable Jersey for Schools certified schools: 2024 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Certified Schools.

Sustainable Jersey for Schools developed the voluntary certification program in 2014 as a roadmap for pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade public schools to implement sustainability best practices. To achieve certification, a school must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, earning points for each. A minimum of 150 points is needed for bronze-level certification. The more advanced silver-level requires a minimum of 350 points of sustainability actions.

“As school districts across the country struggle to make progress on sustainability goals, New Jersey’s schools are taking action and providing evidence of implementation. With 67% of New Jersey public school districts participating and 375 certified schools, there’s an incredible opportunity and potential for change,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “Thank you, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students, for your commitment and vision for the future. Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement.”

In 2024, 20 schools earned Digital Schools Star recognition as part of their Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. A Digital Schools Star demonstrates enhanced digital learning and technology integration in key areas such as policy, equitable access, personalized learning, digital citizenship and data safety. The Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification is good for three program years. To see each school’s complete certification report, visit: Participating Districts and Schools.