PSEG Institute Earns State Recognition

The PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies (PSEGISS) at Montclair State University has received the 2021 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in results announced December 20.

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Program is New Jersey’s premier awards program for recognizing outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects throughout the state. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, institutions, communities, organizations, educators, youth and others who have made significant contributions to environmental protection in New Jersey.

The PSEGISS joins a community of 203 other winners since the program’s inception in 2000. The Institute was honored during a special virtual ceremony on December 20, which included remarks from New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy and PSEGISS Director Amy Tuininga.

“We’re so pleased to be acknowledged by the state for the great work of our students and transdisciplinary teams making a difference in advancing climate science,” says Tuininga.

“Each of you [award winners] is a big reason why despite the serious threat of the climate crisis, we are incredibly optimistic about the future, and you have all set an example for others to emulate right here at home and across the nation,” Murphy said during her remarks at the ceremony.

The PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies supports transdisciplinary research and community projects that grow more resilient communities. Through partnerships with New Jersey and multinational corporations and organizations, the Institute addresses local and global sustainability challenges including climate change, emissions, energy, clean water, waste, food and food insecurity.

The PSEG Green Teams Program, the Institute’s flagship initiative, is a transdisciplinary internship program where teams of students serve corporations, organizations, nonprofits, municipalities and community groups to address sustainability issues identified by host organizations. The program was recently awarded a QS-Wharton Reimagine Education Silver Award in Sustainability for innovation in higher education teaching.

“These honors highlight the Institute’s role in addressing the world’s most pressing climate challenges, and serve as even more motivation as we move forward in bringing together corporations, nonprofits and communities to make greater progress in our environmental work in New Jersey, the country and the world,” says Tuininga.

Watch the full ceremony below, the segment for the Institute begins at 26:40