MAPLEWOOD’S GREEN ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Climate - Township Committee pledged, in 2006, to reduce Maplewood’s greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2015; town has a Climate Action Plan (developed through public meetings) which details strategy to reach this goal.  

2. Energy use - Town’s overall consumption of electricity decreased about 6% from 2006 to 2008, probably as a result of public awareness and action regarding conservation measures such as thermostat control and CFL (compact fluoresecent lightbulbs) lighting.

3. Energy efficiency –  Town completed an energy audit of all municipal buildings, and is now implementing recommended retro-fits, including new windows, insulation, thermostatic controls, new lighting, etc.  

4.  Lighting - In response to a national drive by the EPA,  Maplewood residents pledged, in 2007, to change 5,500 light bulbs from incandescent to fluorescent; by the end of the drive, Maplewood's pledges had exceeded those of any other municipality in the nation.

5.  Hybrid technology  – Township Committee pledged, in 2007, to convert its non-specialty motor vehicle fleet to hybrids in 5 years, and is implementing.

6.  Fuel efficient vehicles – All residents who own a motor vehicle which is rated at 34 miles per gallon or more receive a 25% discount on commuter parking; discount is 50% for all electric low speed vehicles.

7.  Fuel – First privately owned bio-diesel retail station in New Jersey is in Maplewood, and  supplies B5 fuel to town Department of Public Works.

8.  Automotive emissions – Ordinance adopted in 2008 which promotes education about and enforcement of State law prohibiting motor vehicle idling for more than 3 minutes; town erected 50 anti-idling signs. 

9.  Transportation – Since 1996, Maplewood has provided a public jitney service which, for a subsidized fee, transports commuters to and from the New Jersey Transit railroad station during rush hour periods; thus removing 300+ cars/day from the roads.

10.  Recycling -  Active program since the 1970’s; now single-stream, resulting in a 37% increase in recycling in 2007.

11.  New construction (public) – Town built a new police and court building (opened in 2008), featuring solar panels and extensive use of natural light; which was the first LEED certified public building in New Jersey; with silver rating.  You can see how much energy the solar panels are producing here.  

12. New construction (private) – Four existing redevelopment zones require construction to meet LEED requirements.

13.  Trees – Ordinance prohibits removal of all privately owned trees which are 12” or more in diameter (measured at 4 feet above the ground) without a permit.

14.  Challenges to public behavior – Maplewood Green Challenge program collects pledges from residents to 1)  adjust thermostats 2 degrees in winter and summer, 2) buy locally grown food, 3)  recycle as much as possible, and 4) maintain car tires at proper inflation levels.

15.  Public participation – Maplewood has joined the international Green Drinks movement, and holds a social event every other month to provide public with environmental information and motivation, and create opportunity for green networking; attendance averaging ~100 per event.

16.  Public education – Maplewood holds a green fair (Maplewood Green Day) every October to educate the public about environmental issues and solutions, raise consciousness, and create community cohesion bout green matters; in 2008, the event attracted over 100 exhibitions and 4,000 visitors; our green website is now live.  Here is a movie about the first Green Day in 2007.

17.  Environmental organizations – Maplewood has an active Environmental Advisory Committee, with public/private membership, that provides research ability and resources to populate campaigns and activities;  Maplewood also has a Deputy Mayor with environmental responsibilities, and an environmental subcommittee of the Township Committee, and is developing an overarching Green Team.  

18.  Environmental commitment -  Maplewood has registered to pursue the state-wide Sustainable Jersey program, and its Deputy Mayor is Chair of the state-wide Mayors’ Committee for a Green Future, which helped create Sustainable Jersey.  

19.  Awards – Maplewood received a Climate Champion of the Year award from Clean Air-Cool Planet in 2007, and an EPA award in 2008 for its environmental programs and achievements.  In April 2009, Deputy Mayor Profeta received a personal Green Leadership award from the United States Green Building Council for his work as Chair of the Mayors’ Committee for a Green Future.

20.  Public recognition -  In March 2009, Maplewood was described as one of the 5 greenest towns in New Jersey by the Star Ledger magazine, Inside Jersey.