2023
New Jersey Resources is an energy services holding company based in Wall Township, New Jersey. It is a Fortune 1000 company, and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. New Jersey Natural Gas is its principal subsidiary.
Deliverables
This Green Team will assist New Jersey Resources with waste management and policy analysis to drive more local food-related emissions recovery and energy capture through the following deliverables:
- Conduct research and analysis on current state policies on food waste as they relate to feasible and profitable energy capture from food waste emissions
- Propose amendments to P.L. 2020. cc. (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.122) and the rationale behind the recommendations
- Identify and map food waste sources and facilities within New Jersey Natural Gas service territory
- Provide an estimate of vegetative waste tonnage disposed of within NJNG service territory and analysis of RNG volumes that could result from using synthetic gasification with this waste
- Translate increased potential into RNG volumes, costs & emissions reductions
- Summarize requirements for NJR to transition to using gas in ways recommended through sources identified and with policy changes recommended
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a joint venture between the U.S. states. The Port Authority was established in 1921 through an interstate compact authorized by the United States Congress. The Port Authority oversees much of the regional transportation infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports, within the geographical jurisdiction of the Port of New York and New Jersey. This 1,500-square-mile (3,900 km2) port district is generally encompassed within a 25-mile (40 km) radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.[2] The Port Authority is headquartered at 4 World Trade Center.
The Port Authority operates the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal. This terminal handled the third-largest volume of shipping among all ports in the United States in 2004, and the largest on the Eastern Seaboard.[3] The Port Authority operates six bi-state crossings: three connecting New Jersey with Manhattan, and three connecting New Jersey with Staten Island. The Port Authority operates six bi-state crossings: three connecting New Jersey with Manhattan, and three connecting New Jersey with Staten Island. The Port Authority Bus Terminal and the PATH rail system are also run by the Port Authority. The Port Authority oversees LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Teterboro Airport and Stewart International Airport. The agency has its own 2,232-member Port Authority Police Department.[4]
The Green Team serving the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will contribute toward ensuring Port operations and equipment are functioning as sustainably as possible by:
- Collecting and analyzing sustainability data, e.g., emissions at ports utilizing two independent databases – (1) building utility data such as heating, cooling, electricity consumption, etc., and (2) tenant site data, including vessels
- Building a model based on data from previous invoices and utility consumption. The goal will be to build the baseline and construct the model so that staff can use consumption rates starting from Jan. 1st, 2018 and determine what measures are needed to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030. This will involve filling in gaps in historical data by extrapolating data and using this to project future data and consumption
- Creating an energy consumption calculator
- Assist PANYNJ to map assets that can help reduce resource use and waste. For example, to know where below-ground valves are and be able to shut them off in the event of a below-ground leak. To do this, PANYNJ team members will integrate existing asset data into a GIS platform by: Creating a GIS inventory of ~60 fire hydrants
- Developing a GIS layer showing the associated valves digitized from PANYNJ’s previous GIS and CAD files
- Tracking approaches and building a plan for next steps in asset digitization for PANYNJ
Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is a network of healthcare providers in New Jersey, based out of Edison. Members include academic centers, acute care facilities, and research hospitals. Hackensack Meridian Health’s goal is to create one integrated network that changes how healthcare is delivered in New Jersey. The HMH network was formed in 2016 by a merger between Hackensack University Medical Center and Meridian Health. Hackensack Meridian Health is affiliated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and maintains active teaching programs at its hospitals. After the acquisition of JFK Medical Center in Edison, HMH is now the largest healthcare provider in New Jersey.[1][2]
A PSEG ISS Green Team will assist Hackensack Meridian Health in structuring a sustainable transportation program for a health system through the following deliverables:
- Research methods of vehicle tracking
- Identify structures and software to log transportation use and emissions
- Add information into Practice Green Health data platform
- Recommend strategies to reduce overall fuel consumption
- Propose goals for the overall program and realistic steps to achieve them
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK or MSKCC) is a cancer treatment and research institution in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital, MSKCC is one of 52 National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has been ranked as the number two hospital for cancer care in the nation.
Main Project
- Evaluate occupant and community health benefits of green building design and construction
- Identify metrics and key performance indicators (KPI’s)
- Use available data from MSK, healthcare industry groups (e.g., Practice Greenhealth, HCWH) and peer reviewed literature to suggest metrics and KPI’s. These data can be used to assess health and productivity benefits (e.g. air quality measures, lighting, alternative to chemicals of concern)
- Assess data and information from MSK’s green buildings as they relate to the US Green Building Council’s “Research Anthology of Health-promoting Building Strategies.” Determine what information should be considered in determining related health outcomes
- Investigate how the following might contribute to positive health outcomes
- LEED certifications in design
- WELL certification in design
- Elimination of chemicals of high concern (CoHC)
- Memorial Sloan Kettering’s (MSK’s) vendor criteria described in their product selection guidance, MSK Design Guides (e.g., Flooring Guide, Design Guide, D+C Design Guidelines, etc…) and Design x Sustainability documentation
- Examine the relationship between green buildings and effect on Social Determinants of Health
- Conduct a financial analysis
- Analyze value of monetary investments relative to health outcomes
- Describe the value-added components of green building
- Analyze and compile information available on increase staff productivity and satisfaction of green building and healthy interior design
- Building on these analyses, describe how these benefits can best be realized in MSK’s New Cancer Care Pavilion to be built on Manhattan’s upper east side by 2030
- Identify metrics and key performance indicators (KPI’s)
- Deliver polished report and succinct one pagers for delivery of green building in health care business case
New Jersey Transit Corporation, branded as NJ Transit and often shortened to NJT, is a state-owned public transportation system. They serve the U.S. state of New Jersey and portions of New York state and Pennsylvania. It operates bus, light rail, and commuter rail services throughout the state. These connect to major commercial and employment centers both within the state and its two adjacent major cities, New York City and Philadelphia. In 2022, the system had a ridership of 175,960,600.
Deliverables
- Assess placement, and type of current trash and recycling bins at locations including corporate, rail, light rail, and bus facilities.
- Design uniform language for bins and bin placement. Additionally, create uniform signage that is clear and understandable regarding what must go in a waste bin and what may go in a recycling bin.
- Running three analyses to better understand NJ TRANSIT’S current methods of recycling, this included a; SWOT analysis, Gap analysis, and Policy analysis. These analyses will give NJ Transit a better understanding of how to move forward in its waste management plan.
- Creating a survey to ask facility managers about their knowledge of the recycling efforts, and employee engagement with recycling.
- Develop signage to encourage and bring attention to single-use plastics, using reusable dining ware, and other sustainable practices for employees to reduce their waste.
Stryker Corporation is an American multinational medical technologies corporation based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. [2] Stryker’s products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling and emergency medical equipment; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices; as well as other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties.
Deliverables
- Investigate and analyze incentives and resources that will increase sustainability in the following focus areas:
- operational carbon emissions (scope 1 & 2)
- value chain carbon emissions (scope 3)
- waste reduction
- sustainable design (products & packaging)
- Identify sustainable opportunities and cost savings/incentives through the following deliverables:
- Investigate the optimal mix of the following that will deliver 100% renewable energy:
- renewable energy procurement, Power Purchase Agreements, onsite renewable technologies and options (exploring different funding approaches i.e. capital vs. energy as a service), Renewable Energy Credits across the world
- Conduct analysis and project the mix from the above options that will deliver the best aggregate ROI
- Develop a database containing financial incentives and rebates for sustainability related initiatives that are focused mainly on renewable energy and energy efficiency from:
- local utilities
- counties, states, federal
- sustainable R&D credits
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions
- Identify other cost saving and incentivized opportunities for the above focus areas
Firmenich SA is a private Swiss company in the fragrance and flavor business. It employs 10,000 people across 46 manufacturing plants and six research and development centers. The company has created perfumes for over 125 years and produced a number of well-known flavors. It is the largest privately owned company in the field and ranks number two worldwide.[1]
In May 2022, a merger agreement with DSM was reached to create a leader in beauty, nutrition and wellbeing products, to be named DSM-Firmenich. The merger is expected to be completed by mid-2023. [2]
Deliverables
A PSEG ISS Green Team will assist Firmenich with sustainable lab management by establishing a ‘green lab’ program with focus areas and communications to share each quarter. Some ideas for focus areas: waste reduction, recyclable laboratory consumables, energy savings, etc.
- Project Charter / Timeline
- Written project implementation plan (this will be used for best practice sharing across Firmenich)
- Communication strategy
- Quarterly focus areas (implementable actions with solutions)
- Quarterly communications (tied to the focus areas)
- Metrics
The Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) is a publicly traded diversified energy company headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, US established in 1985 with a legacy dating back to 1903. The company’s largest subsidiary is Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G). The Public Service Electric and Gas Company is a regulated gas and electric utility company established in 1928 serving the state of New Jersey[3]. Originally a subsidiary of the New-Jersey-based Public Service Corporation, it is New Jersey’s oldest and largest investor owned utility company.
Deliverables
- Data, Metrics, KPIs, frameworks
- Competitor analysis
- An Internal DEI data and report with a focus on community impact for the PSEG Foundation
- SWOT analysis
- TNFD framework skeleton
Develop a campaign to promote recycling and reuse that is informed by research. This can be used to plan a pilot project to investigate how well an outreach campaign over the course of the 2023 – 2024 academic year achieves targeted waste reduction.
- Investigate environmental impacts from trash generated from dormitory move-outs
- Connect with the various departments within University Facilities to collect data on related current waste and recycling quantities on campus
- Prepare outreach materials.
- Research options for donation, reuse, and/or recycling of students’ gently used furniture, kitchenware, clothes, supplies, etc.
- University Garden High-clearance robotic irrigation system
- This system is planned to be used for in-season nutrient management of gardens. It is responsible for timing the correct delivery of the amount of nutrients that plantings need. While also working to improve overall irrigation efficiency, estimating the volume of water needed by a set of plantings and its required rate of supply.
- Implementing soil irrigation systems in urban settings with sensor technology
- Collect data to evaluate water savings if direct water application is implemented in both in campus community gardens and on campus lawns and horticultural plantings vs. spray irrigation.
- Analyze data and make recommendations based on pilot study results.
- Collect data remotely using technologies that will be integrated into sensor systems to capture the Water Usage
- Waste tonnage – bottles removed from waste stream, filter replacements for refilling stations, etc.
- Develop a survey to determine what would motivate users to use a bottle filling station vs purchasing bottled water.
- Create promotional materials to encourage use of reusable water bottles & bottle filling stations over purchased single-use bottles. Materials include a QR code & information for the Fill it Forward app/program and social media/email content.
- Informational materials including posters to be hung at bottle filling stations.
The Newark Community Food System is a non-partisan collective of deeply engaged community leaders based in Newark, NJ. A partnership with Newark Science and Sustainability Inc. and Whole Cities Foundation, they support and develop sustainability efforts in urban agriculture, wellness and nutrition.
Communications
- Create an Urban Agriculture social media campaign, including infographics and infomercials
- Use data and visual storytelling to include intergenerational involvement, diversity, and health benefits to explain how urban agriculture contributes to the wellness of the community and the local economy.
Engagement
- Recommend improvements to engagement for growing the existing volunteer system of NCFS.
- Organize and execute a local growers meet-up in July to begin preparations for the 2023 Citywide Garden Tour.
- Improve Newark SAS’ and NCFS’ websites and build data dashboards connected to in-garden technology.
- Support data collection within the NCFS network to generate impact statistics.
- This may include mass and nutrition of produce grown, number of people served, economic relief from access to local produce, etc.
- Create an interactive digital map, and a basic printed map to be put into a pamphlet. These can be used in tandem with our Citywide Garden Tour that runs during the second week of September.
2022
Videos
Teams
About New Jersey Natural Gas
This is NJNG’s third year participating in the Green Teams program. Their company’s mission is to “promote increased emphasis on personal energy awareness and sustainable energy behaviors.” NJNG aims to promote a more responsible use of energy as well as working together to create a positive change
Deliverables
- Summary of ideas from the brainstorming session (NJNG and Interfaith Neighbors would decide on which strategies to pursue at this time)
- Drafted a framework for strategies to be implemented (e.g. responsibility, lead time, budget)
- Event planning
- Provided feedback on any quick hit strategies that might be implemented this summer, including recommendations for any future events
- Generated a map highlighting overburdened communities within the territories that New Jersey Natural Gas serves
About NNJCF
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF), a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization, with the mission to improve community life through its work in education, public health, the arts, the environment, civic engagement, and philanthropy. Central to its success is fostering collaboration among local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits, and community groups.
Deliverables
- Compiled and analyze existing data sets related to fluvial and tidal surge river flow.
- Analyzed how rain gardens and rain barrels could decrease runoff flow rates.
- Model estimated flood depths near the USGS gages at New Milford, Oradell, and Hackensack.
- Developed infographics describing the environmental and flooding impacts of stormwater runoff.
- Created fact sheets for municipalities and residents to initiate action, particularly collaborative efforts.
- Developed public education materials promoting the benefits of rain barrels and rain gardens including information on native plants and organic gardening for residents living within the river’s floodplain to help decrease runoff and benefit water quality.
- Generated a report containing data-driven recommendations for future flood preparedness and effectiveness of rain barrels, rain gardens, etc.
- Created a timeline of recommended actions and potential results of implementation.
- Contributed to the design of a small demonstration rain garden at the boat launch site with signage for plants.
About The Trust for Public Land
“The Trust for Public Land was founded in 1972 by a diverse coalition that believed all people need and deserve access to nature and the outdoors, close to home, in the cities and communities where they live, as a matter of health, equity, and justice. While many conservation organizations set aside wildlands for biodiversity or habitat restoration, The Trust for Public Land’s founders sought to bring the benefits of parks and nature to the places, people, and communities that needed them most” (www.tpl.org).
Deliverables
- Conduct Research and Create a Database on existing national and international participatory / interactive / nature play exhibits at parks, playgrounds, museums, environmental education centers, arboretums, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, etc.
- Conduct impact evaluation and identify existing research on these sites
- Develop a library of images on the existing programs identified
- Identify Prospective Partners
- Develop a contact database for these prospective partners
- Engage with exhibit designer partners and community stakeholders to develop potential questions the exhibit(s) can explore
- Engage and collect data or information/preferences from potential users
- Conduct in-person and online surveys
- Conduct interviews
- Focus groups
- Map and Assess Assets and Access Barriers
- Mapping of neighborhood assets:
- Physical features (viewsheds, safety needs, physical accessibility, topography)
- Social and cultural resources
- Connectivity of site to local neighborhoods through identification and mapping of common pedestrian travel routes
- Map of STEM learning resources in the area / STEM learning ecosystem – the experience begins before reaching the park
- Co-plan meetings that would take place with partners (initial project introduction through ideation)
- Develop a list of possible exhibits both site-specific and not site-specific
- Advance one possible exhibit to concept sketch
About New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition
The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition (NJBWC) was founded in 2009 and “is the only state-wide advocacy organization for bicyclists and pedestrians” (njbwc.org/about/). The NJBWC is a collective voice for everyone who believes that a safer, more rideable and walkable New Jersey means a more livable, sustainable New Jersey.
Deliverables
- Students will assist New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition to prepare for a community outreach phase of the Essex Hudson Greenway project by: collecting data, conducting analyses, and developing related maps at a fine scale, building from recent high-level, course resolution studies conducted for sites along the Essex Hudson Greenway. These deliverables include the following:
- Conducted research and develop an analysis of the demographics, transportation preferences, and open space options and uses by communities adjacent to the proposed Essex Hudson Greenway focusing on three locations:
- Bloomfield corridor / rail line – a suburban neighborhood
- Northern Newark – an urban and commercial region near the Passaic River
- Kearny Marsh and Saw Mill area – a freshwater marsh with floating island technology in an area where the Keagan Landfill is closing and there will be new open access to wildlife area
- The above analyses should determine how best to incorporate the cultural and community identity into the Essex Hudson Greenway project development, and barriers to outreach and recommendations to remove them.
- Developed and reported on strategies for outreach.
- Presented and created a report with overall recommendations for engaging communities and developing aspects of the Essex Hudson Greenway that align with the cultural identities and social and economic needs and preferences.
- Conducted research and develop an analysis of the demographics, transportation preferences, and open space options and uses by communities adjacent to the proposed Essex Hudson Greenway focusing on three locations:
About NJTransit
NJ TRANSIT is New Jersey’s public transportation corporation. Covering a service area of 5,325 square miles, NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia” (www.njtransit.com). This is NJ TRANSIT’s second year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Built a marketing campaign that demonstrates the environmental benefits of NJ TRANSIT and how to best communicate and visualize emissions savings and other benefits
- Developed visuals, slogans, and other media to promote the environmental benefits of NJ TRANSIT and sustainability at NJ TRANSIT.
- Told NJ Transit what information/framework they would need to provide to their IT department and app development partner to be able to implement an emissions savings calculator that showed the standard rider what their carbon emissions savings looks like versus a single passenger vehicle when you buy a ticket for a bus, light rail, or rail trip. NJ Transit wants this built into their existing NJ Transit app.
About AvalonBay Communities
The first hosting organization, AvalonBay Communities, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, they’ve established a leadership position rooted in building value for the long term.
Deliverables
- Reporting:
- SEC / EU Taxonomy / TNFD
- Help map against frameworks listed above
- SEC / EU Taxonomy / TNFD
- Green Building:
- Embodied Carbon
- Help define embodied carbon goal based on competitors and industry organizations (CLF, WorldGBC, Architecture 2030, etc.)
- What are our competitors achieving / what goals are they setting
- Water Goals
- Provide consumption reduction opportunities outside of what has been completed
- Assist in developing path for meeting consumption-based water goal
- Biophilia/Biodiversity
- Competitor analysis / best in class approach
- Material Health
- Competitor analysis / best in class approach
- Embodied Carbon
- Resident Energy
- Green Energy options for Residents
- Provide lists of the programs/utilities that allow residents to purchase green energy directly
- Water Risk
- Current Climate Risk Assessment / WRI comparison
- Compare the 2 different risk overlays for similarities and differences to determine gaps or flaws in our current assessment
About Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
The RWJ Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is committed to the ongoing improvement of the health, quality of life, and vitality of communities. They strive to bring the best healthcare to meet the evolving needs of residents in New Jersey. RWJ Barnabas Health is advancing innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.
Deliverables
- Developed a baseline environmental assessment of specific areas within the medical center to inform sustainability strategies/practices.
- Developed inventory of types of environmental data available and source locations.
- Examined availability of emissions data.
- Develop a gap analysis for areas that data should be gathered in the future, with the intention of submitting to Practice Greenhealth.
- Conducted a competitor analysis.
- Outlined and began drafting a sustainability report.
About New Jersey Resources
New Jersey Resources (NJR) is a Fortune 1000 company that provides natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, asset management and home services. With its demonstrated leadership as a premier energy infrastructure and environmentally-forward thinking company, NJR is committed to meeting customers’ expectations for safe, reliable service; delivering value for our shareowners; strengthening our communities and supporting a transition to a clean energy future.
Deliverables
- Identified small-scale renewable natural gas (RNG) projects in New Jersey through wastewater treatment facilities and food waste anaerobic digestion.
- Developed a model to assess costs and environmental benefits based on the variety of RNG/H2 processing methods.
- Researched Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), Renewable Thermal Credit (RTC), and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) markets
- Conducted a policy analysis which consolidates information on a number of policies that NJR could draw on to make low carbon fuels more financially feasible for utilities in New Jersey.
About Weeks Marine Inc.
A proven leader in maritime construction, Weeks has successfully completed projects throughout North and South America, from inland waterways to off-shore sites in the Pacific and the Atlantic. Weeks has three key divisions—Construction, Dredging and Marine Services.
Deliverables
- Collected data and made a database of the company’s current generator inventory
- Used the created database to calculate the company’s current carbon footprint
- Researched and proposed other equipment and technology that the company could utilize in order to help reduce their carbon footprint
About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) is a diversified energy company headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. Established in 1903, the company has long had a key role in fueling New Jersey’s economy and supporting the state’s quality of life. This is PSEG’s seventh consecutive year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Conduct research and provide recommendations for carbon offsetting to better inform stakeholders about the benefits of using carbon offsetting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Compile and report on PSEG’s efforts to support biodiversity, develop KPIs to address IUCN and requirements for other biodiversity frameworks, include information about bees
2021
Videos
Teams
About The Trust for Public Land
“The Trust for Public Land was founded in 1972 by a diverse coalition that believed all people need and deserve access to nature and the outdoors, close to home, in the cities and communities where they live, as a matter of health, equity, and justice. While many conservation organizations set aside wildlands for biodiversity or habitat restoration, The Trust for Public Land’s founders sought to bring the benefits of parks and nature to the places, people, and communities that needed them most” (www.tpl.org).
Deliverables
- The Green Team serving The Trust for Public Land was tasked with reducing run-off.
- Designed playgrounds and rain gardens.
- Provided an analysis of stormwater management of previously developed parks and playgrounds.
- Quantified the amount of stormwater The Trust for Public Land parks and playgrounds manage.
- Provided suggestions for modifications of current sites through the implementation of green infrastructure, including AutoCAD renderings demonstrating the recommended infrastructure placement.
About the City of Jersey City
Jersey City, New Jersey is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities. The Office of Sustainability was established in 2018 to oversee the City’s sustainability efforts. “The Office coordinates across departments to improve the City’s sustainability practices, research and implement new community sustainability policies, develop action plans for meeting the City’s climate sustainability goals, and interface with the community to raise awareness of sustainable practices and sustainability resources” (jcmakeitgreen.org). This is Jersey City’s third year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Collected, measured, and analyzed outdoor temperature-related data for the City of Jersey City.
- Examined three areas in their analysis: the variability between neighborhoods on the intra-heat island effect, the impact of vegetation on temperature variability, and the relationship between income and heat distribution.
- Created heat maps and other maps using ArcGIS to visualize the data.
- Made recommendations for the City to address environmental inequity issues, including the implementation of vegetation donation programs.
About Greens Do Good
Greens Do Good is a vertical farm located in Hackensack, New Jersey that is “transforming the way the local community sources healthy produce by providing the freshest ingredients in a sustainable and socially responsible way” (greensdogood.com).
Deliverables
- The Green Team serving Greens Do Good focused on four areas: expansion of production, energy audit, environmental assessment, and profitability.
- Assessed the environmental impact of a central aisle expansion by examining the energy and water usage and the current HVAC system.
- Quantified the energy usage within the vertical farm and compared this to the farm’s energy bills. The team came up with suggestions on how the farm can reduce its energy bill.
- Performed an environmental assessment on three areas: water consumption, harvest waste, and CO2e emissions.
- Examined the profitability of lighting and an expansion of production to help determine which projects were worth implementing.
About Newark Community Food System
Newark Community Food System is a non-partisan collective of deeply engaged community leaders working in conjunction with its members such as Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc. (Newark SAS) and Al-Munir LLC, both organizations contributing to the growth of community gardens in Newark.
Deliverables
- The Newark Community Food System Green Team focused on combating food insecurity in Newark with community gardens.
- Created two surveys to assess the impact of gardens on the larger community and to get a better understanding of the levels of food insecurity in the greater Newark community. This involved surveying the community gardeners themselves and finalizing a food security survey that the gardeners could distribute to community members.
- Helped community gardens quantify the amount of produce they harvest through the creation of tool-kits, which included scales, calculators, and clipboards, and the coordination of a community farmers’ social event.
- Created educational materials to aid farmers in digitally quantifying their produce and to teach them about local policies and programs in Newark.
About the City of Newark
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with over 270,000 residents. Newark’s Sustainability Office “supports policies and programs that improve public health and quality of life, drive down costs through better stewardship of resources, and expand green job and business opportunities for Newarkers” (www.newarknj.gov/departments/sustainability). This is the City of Newark’s fifth year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Helped the City of Newark with tracking their sustainability progress and obtaining certifications.
- Focused on CDP-ICLEI and LEED for Cities and Communities.
- Identified areas of improvement for the City, such as its high land surface temperature and high area of impervious surfaces.
- Made recommendations for the City, including increasing Newark’s tree canopy by conducting tree mapping.
About Solar Landscape
“Solar Landscape is the largest developer and owner of community solar projects in New Jersey. Founded in New Jersey in 2012, they have installed more than 110 high-quality commercial solar projects, removing approximately 6,000 tons of climate-altering carbon dioxide from our air” (www.solarlandscape.com).
Deliverables
- The Green Team serving Solar Landscape focused on reducing carbon emissions and air pollution by expanding the outreach of community solar programs.
- Created documents and presentations in both English and Spanish to share with potential partners.
- Designed social media campaigns to increase engagement.
- Researched necessary permits and logistics to plan a kickoff event.
- Identified potential non-profit partners.
- Created original designs for future promotional use.
- Included recommendations for the Solar Landscape website.
- Created an original animated video to educate community partners about community solar.
About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) is a diversified energy company headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. Established in 1903, the company has long had a key role in fueling New Jersey’s economy and supporting the state’s quality of life.This is PSEG’s sixth consecutive year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- The PSEG Green Team focused their research on three different areas: waste reduction, environmental justice, and European Union (EU) Taxonomy.
- Worked with PSE&G’s waste department to develop a statement of work, devising project plans that included creating a benchmark for landfilled and recovered waste and research that led to the recommendation of reusable plastic pallets and cable reels.
- Used GIS software to find overlaps in overburdened communities and climate vulnerability.
- Researched EU Taxonomy and the precedence it may set if the US government established a similar system.
About Steven Winter Associates
“Steven Winter Associates, Inc. provides research, consulting, and advisory services to improve commercial, residential, and multifamily built environments for the private and public sector. They specialize in energy, sustainability, and accessibility consulting as well as certification, research, and development and compliance services” (www.swinter.com).
Deliverables
- The Steven Winter Associates Green Team’s deliverables focused on the solar potential of multifamily affordable housing buildings in New York City.
- Conducted a manual solar screening of over 1,500 affordable housing buildings and developed an automated process of screening for solar potential using LIDAR data and ArcGIS Pro.
- Created Helioscope solar array designs for the most ideal solar candidates on three different portfolios.
- Researched marketing strategies and produced pitch deck templates for solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and air to water heat pump technology.
- Completed an energy efficiency analysis to compare previously conducted automated and manual solar screenings.
About Dr. O’Neil’s Lab (Montclair State University)
Dr. Glen O’Neil is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montclair State University. Under his guidance and in alignment with his research in electrochemistry and chemical sensing, a Green Team was embedded in his lab to work on cutting edge and marketable hydrogen-related energy technology.
Deliverables
- Investigated membrane-less electrolysis cells for producing clean hydrogen for energy storage applications. The team’s deliverables focused on three aspects: engineering, chemistry, and marketing.
- For the engineering component, they performed iterative design of membrane-less electrolyzers using 3D printing including optimizing channel width, electrode size, electrode placement, and more.
- To complete their chemistry deliverable, they optimized catalyst loading for maximum device efficiency.
- Conducted market research and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to determine the marketability of the membrane-less electrolyzer.
About Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization in New Jersey, that includes 17 hospitals and home health services, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and outpatient centers. Hackensack Meridian Health has consistently been rated amongst the top performing health systems in New Jersey for clinical quality. This is Hackensack Meridian Health’s third year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Utilized toolkits from Practice Greenhealth (PGH) to create greenhouse gas inventories for hospitals across the network.
- Calculated Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of ten hospitals for the years 2018-2020 which included purchased electricity, stationary combustion from natural gas and diesel, fleet vehicles, waste anesthetic gas, and refrigerants.
- Researched emission reduction strategies that would best suit the healthcare system. Among the suggestions were solar power, fleet electrification, natural refrigerants, and usage of anesthetic gases with a lower global warming potential.
About Prudential
“Prudential, the parent Fortune 500 company, has subsidiaries that provide a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, and investment management. Prudential ranks among the top 10 largest institutional asset managers in the world with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management” (www.prudential.com).
Deliverables
- The Green Team serving Prudential worked to compile best practices for employee-led sustainability initiatives in the corporate setting in the hopes of elevating Prudential’s own internal Green Teams.
- Researched and analyzed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports of Fortune 500 companies to determine best practices and initiatives.
- Conducted focus groups with Prudential’s internal Green Team leads across seven different locations.
- Created and disseminated a survey to Fortune 500 companies to get a landscape analysis of best practices.
- Using their data analysis and research, the team made internal and executive tool-kits with recommendations for employee-led sustainability initiatives.
About NJ TRANSIT
“NJ TRANSIT is New Jersey’s public transportation corporation. Covering a service area of 5,325 square miles, NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia” (www.njtransit.com). This is NJ TRANSIT’s second year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Supported NJ TRANSIT’s efforts towards converting to more environmentally friendly energy sources.
- Conducted literature reviews on battery electric buses’ efficacy; performed a life-cycle assessment of battery electric buses, analyzing battery electric bus technology; and conducted a gap analysis.
- Highlighted the areas of largest environmental impact, factors worth considering when choosing the battery for electric buses, areas where additional data is needed, as well as recommendations based on their findings.
2020
Videos
10:00 am – ~11:00 am – Keynote “5 Things to Tackle Climate Change”
Ralph Izzo, President, Chairman and CEO, PSEG – Live Keynote Address and Q&A – limited capacity
11:00 am – 11:30 am – Green Teams 2020 Launch Event
Welcome and Remarks by Dr. Katia Paz-Goldfarb, Montclair State University’s Assistant Vice President for Hispanic Initiatives; Meet the 2020 Green Teams Members; Hosting Organizations and Summer 2020 projects will be revealed + Q&A
Agenda
- Welcome:
Amy Tuininga, Director PSEG Institute of Sustainability Studies - Opening Remarks:
Kyle Tafuri, Director of Sustainability Hackensack Meridian Health - Special Remarks:
Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Congresswoman, Representing NJ’s 11th District - Speakers:
Jose Lozano, President & CEO, Choose New Jersey
Bruce Stiftel, Professor Emeritus, School of City & Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology - Green Teams Final Presentations
- Closing Remarks
Trina Mallik, Climate Change & Energy Policy Manager, The Nature Conservancy New Jersey Chapter
Teams
About the City of Jersey City
Jersey City, located between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers, covers nearly 15 square miles of land at the center of the New York City metropolitan region. Jersey City’s Office of Sustainability researches and implements new community sustainability policies, develops action plans for meeting the City’s climate sustainability goals, and interfaces with the community to raise awareness of sustainable practices and resources. This is Jersey City’s second year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Made progress in accurately mapping and analyzing Jersey City’s street trees through the collection of various attributes of the trees such as latitude and longitude; species; health; diameter at breast height; and pit area
- Created estimates of carbon sequestration by the city’s trees, using an Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA)
- Made recommendations on communicating tree-related educational information to the public
- Developed a report and presentation that offers a strategic plan for improving the city’s tree canopy
- Created website dashboard
Outcomes
About the City of Newark
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with over 270,000 residents. Newark’s Sustainability Office “supports policies and programs that improve public health and quality of life, drive down costs through better stewardship of resources, and expand green job and business opportunities for Newarkers.” This is the City of Newark’s fourth year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Worked on climate action for the City of Newark by gathering, organizing, and cleaning various energy-related data sets to better inform proposed actions
- Developed a greenhouse gas inventory using ICLEI’s ClearPath software, which included future forecasting carbon use scenarios and recommendations to reduce the city’s energy usage
- Created a map and dashboard as visual aids linking Newark locations to their associated energy consumption data
- Identified areas needing additional vetting of data sources, accuracy of available data, and missing data
About Newark Science and Sustainability (SAS)
Newark SAS’ mission is to combine social entrepreneurship with environmental awareness and sustainability to improve the culture of health of Newark residents. The non-profit is led by Tobias Fox, and aims to “implement various initiatives to increase awareness of environmental, ecological and wellness issues through educational programs and hands-on activities.” This is the second year Newark SAS participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Researched and made recommendations for various software that Newark SAS’s community gardens could use to track data for food production and environmental factors
- Created code for data collection technologies using a Raspberry Pi and sensors to collect air temperature, soil humidity, and relative air humidity for a future greenhouse project
- Created an employee website for easy visualization of incoming data
- Developed an interactive map of all of the community gardens that are a part of the Newark Community Food Network
- Made infographics displaying the layout and types of produce being grown for Newark SAS’s Garden of Hope
- Created short promotional videos highlighting community supported agriculture for Newark SAS to use on their social media and website
About NJNG
This is NJNG’s second year participating in the Green Teams program. Their company’s mission is to “promote increased emphasis on personal energy awareness and sustainable energy behaviors.” NJNG aims to promote a more responsible use of energy as well as working together to create a positive change
Deliverables
- Promoted energy efficiency for three municipalities through NJNG home energy analysis program and Direct Install program for businesses
- Identified new marketing channels for residential and commercial outreach
- Created a promotional and educational video, website, tax bill, infographics, and newsletter inserts
- Supported communities in earning points for the Sustainable Jersey Municipal Energy Initiatives
About NNJCF
The NNJCF, a non-profit, was first founded in 1998. The Foundation’s geographical reach extends to Bergen County and the surrounding region. Their mission is “to improve community life through its work in education, public health, civic engagement, the arts, philanthropy, and the environment. Central to its success is fostering collaboration among local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits, and citizen groups.” This is their first year participating with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Developed a closed loop food system model that can be used at the municipality or county level
- Analyzed organic waste generated by three municipalities
- Evaluated economies of proposed systems including composting (small and large scale), anaerobic digestion systems, and pay-as-you-throw trash removal
- Proposed food waste reduction strategies for municipalities to do in both the short term and long term
- Created educational materials to disseminate information
About PSEG
Established in 1903, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest investor owned utility. They are a regulated gas and electric utility company serving 2.3 million electric customers and 1.9 million gas customers, approximately 70 percent of the state’s population. Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, they have approximately $47.7 billion in assets and $10.1 billion in revenues.
Deliverables
- Organized and analyzed energy consumption data from PSEG headquarters
- To increase employee engagement, the team researched, gathered, and created various ways to engage PSEG employees with sustainability
- Researched alternative methods of waste disposal for various types of waste
- Calculated PSEG’s relevant Scope 3 emissions
2019
About Newark
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with over 270,000 residents. Newark’s Sustainability Office “supports policies and programs that improve public health and quality of life, drive down costs through better stewardship of resources, and expand green job and business opportunities for Newarkers.”
Deliverables
- Created a STEW-MAP to connect community organizations who exhibit environment stewardship
- Developed infographics, posters, and post cards worked to provide information related to Newark’s Sustainability Action Plan, with the goal of creating a clean, green, healthy, prepared, and engaged community
About Montclair State University Facilities
This was the first year that Montclair State University (MSU) Facilities Department worked with the Green Teams. Team MSU Facilities worked on various projects regarding water sustainability on campus.
Deliverables
- research different trends of current water-efficient fixtures
- Calculate Return on Investments (ROI) on replacement fixtures for various buildings on campus
- Helped build a rainwater collection system for the Campus Community Garden
- Designed topographic map using GIS software to install rainwater collection systems to help curb flooding on campus
- researched and created a presentation to help aid resident assistants on campus to teach their students how to consume water more sustainably
About Newark Science and Sustainability
Newark SAS’ mission is to combine social entrepreneurship with environmental awareness and sustainability to improve the culture of health of Newark residents. The non-profit is led by Tobias Fox, and aims to “implement various initiatives to increase awareness of environmental, ecological and wellness issues through educational programs and hands-on activities”. This is the first year Newark SAS has participated with the Green Teams.
Deliverables
- Created best-practices guide for urban farm planning management
- Connected key partners who are involved in food initiatives across Northern New Jersey
- Designed sustainable energy park that can be implemented into reality
- implemented a plan to expand a Farm-to-Table Co-op
- Developed a plan for tackling the food insecurity in Newark by envisioning a “food oasis”
About New Jersey Natural Gas
This is New Jersey Natural Gas’ first year participating in the Green Teams program. Their company’s mission is to “promote increased emphasis on personal energy awareness and sustainable energy behaviors”. The company aims to promote a more responsible use of energy as well as working together to create a positive change.
Deliverables
- Generated renewable natural gas infrastructure feasibility study
- developed various financial and environmental models for different biogas resources throughout New Jersey
- Analyzed the different incentives that were needed to drive market demand for RNG to New Jersey
- Determined the effect of RNG on Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) at different levels of penetration,
- Researched successful RNG projects around the United States to validate the most beneficial ways to implement RNG in New Jersey
Outcomes
- Dyer, A.; Miller, A.C.; Chandra, B.; Galindo, J.; Tran, C.; Bates, J.; Olivier, V.; Tuininga, A.R. The Feasibility of Renewable Natural Gas in New Jersey. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1618.
About New Jersey Natural Gas
This is New Jersey Natural Gas’ first year participating in the Green Teams program. Their company’s mission is to “promote increased emphasis on personal energy awareness and sustainable energy behaviors”. The company aims to promote a more responsible use of energy as well as working together to create a positive change.
Deliverables
- Worked in collaboration with NJNG employees to design and create an application for the “Amazon Alexa”
- Designed and developed a “skill”/prototype for the Amazon Alexa where when prompted the Alexa can talk to customers about energy saving and safety tips
- Created a “roadmap for the future” that offered suggestions for NJNG employees to implement in the future in regards to this application
- offered recommendations on how to best maintain the “Amazon Alexa” application and how to communicate the availability of the skills to customers
- Offered coaching assistance to staff regarding the ability to refresh content to ensure that it remains accurate throughout the years
Deliverables
- Created industry-specific analysis of competitors in terms of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors (ESG’s)
- research international benchmarking and regulatory requirements for the regions where PGIM Real Estate assets are located to enable PGIM Real Estate to be informed of any regulations that may hinder or help the company
- determine PGIM Real Estate’s most at risk occupied properties along with the top water related risks affecting these properties by utilizing aqueduct and measurable applications
About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest investor owned utility. They are a regulated gas and electric utility company serving 2.2 million electric customers and 1.8 million gas customers, approximately 70 percent of the state’s population. Headquartered in Newark, NJ, they have approximately $35 billion in assets and $11 billion in revenues.
Deliverables
- Mapped the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Reporting Initiatives (GRIs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to PSEG programs
- completed five SDG information sheets for PSEG to use in the 2019 Sustainability Report
- Created infographics to spread awareness about the SDGs and inform those in the
- company as well as the general public that PSEG is working to achieve the SDGs.
- Compiled a list of initiatives for PSEG to implement into their company to help align with the 2030 sustainable development goals.
About Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority – Foam Cycle
This is Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority’s first year participating in the Green Teams Internship Program. Foam Cycle is an initiative out of the Sussex County Municipal Authority and aims to reduce the amount of styrofoam by creating something with it instead.
Deliverables
- Aided the company in creating a waste diversion circular economy + start up business from recyclables
- Calculated disposal charge savings
- Calculated Return on Investment (ROI)
- Analyzed costs and associating time to recover costs of proposed sustainability projects.
- Examined current partnership to suggest areas where SCMUA and Foam cycle can grow to further their sustainable practices.
- Developed promotional strategies
2018
The family owned and operated Earth Friendly Products is a global manufacturer of environmentally friendly cleaning products. The company was established in 1967, and is known for leading the green cleaning industry with its ECOS Laundry Detergent.
Deliverables
- Tested wastewater chemicals
- Implemented wastewater treatment options
Hackensack Meridian Health provides patient-centered health care services in hospital, community and in-home settings. The company advances medicine and treatment options through clinical education and research.
Deliverables
- Developed of a renewable energy plan
- Assembled a company-specific competitor analysis
The Hydrogen House Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to education and the pursuit of clean and renewable energy technologies. Mike Strizki, the founder of Hydrogen House, converts solar energy into hydrogen gas and stores the clean energy in hydrogen fuel cells.
Deliverables
- Fixed and installed solar panel arrays
- Stationed new inverters on site
- Worked on a hydrogen fuel cell refueling station
- Positioned solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells on site
Municipality Description: Jersey City, located between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers, covers nearly 15 square miles of land at the center of the New York City metropolitan region. Jersey City’s Office of Sustainability researches and implements new community sustainability policies, develops action plans for meeting the City’s climate sustainability goals, and interfaces with the community to raise awareness of sustainable practices and resources.
Deliverables
- Analyzed greenhouse gas inventory of the city
- Calculated vehicle fleet emission
- Compiled a weatherization building plan
Outcomes
NJ American Water delivers clean, safe, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to 2.7 million people in New Jersey. They have a team of top scientists, researchers and plant operates, dedicated to maintaining and delivering clean water.
Deliverables
- Redesigned and cultivated methods of enforcement for Recycling Program
- Watershed management
- Inventoried of invasive species
- Developed methods of removing invasive species
- Compiled company specific competitor analysis
NJ TRANSIT is New Jersey’s public transportation corporation. NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. The agency operates an active fleet of 2,221 buses, 1,231 trains and 21 light rail vehicles. NJ TRANSIT provides nearly 270 million passenger trips each year.
Deliverables
- Analyzed the bus fleet, with electric replacement
- Compiled best practices report and cost analysis of electrical technology
- Generated a methodology on implementation of electric buses on a route
- Provided a case study for implementing electrical vehicles on specific route supplied by company
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection manages the state’s natural resources and works to solve pollution issues. NJDEP staffs approximately 2,900 people, and is a leader in the country for its pollution prevention efforts and innovative environmental management strategies.
Deliverables
- Produced marketing materials specific to company programs
- Assisted in creation of Princeton Sustainable Business GIS Map Tour
- Created a membership survey
- Compiled program evaluations and recommendations
- Re-modeled a sustainable registry program
Prudential, PGIM’s parent Fortune 500 company, has subsidiaries that provide insurance, investment management and other financial products and services in over 30 other countries. Prudential Financial’s Global Investment Management (PGIM) has become the 9th largest institutional asset manager in the world with $1 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2016. We will be assisting PGIM Real Estate which manages $65 billion in assets.
Deliverables
- Competitor analysis, focused on SDGS for Prudential Financial
- Developed GRI template
- Made science based target setting for future goals
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest investor owned utility. They are a regulated gas and electric utility company serving 2.2 million electric customers and 1.8 million gas customers, approximately 70 percent of the state’s population. Headquartered in Newark, NJ, they have approximately $35 billion in assets and $11 billion in revenues.
Deliverables
- Created report aligning PSEG with climate action goals and Paris Accord
- Drafted an in-depth guideline for how PSEG should create a two degree analysis
Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies that offer innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes.
Deliverables
- Produced Chemical regulations list
- Suggested potential reduction strategies throughout the company
- Compiled and reviewed environmental measures data from all SGA sites
Suez provides water and waste recycling services to over 7.5 million people in the United States and Canada. Their mission is to deliver these services safely and cost-effectively, while positively impacting local communities.
Deliverables
- Generated algal blooms remediation
- Constructed invasive species list
- Compiled and created Compost Program
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with over 270,000 residents. Newark’s Sustainability Office supports the community through efforts in public health and business opportunities.
Deliverables
- Created a framework for GHG inventory
- Developed outreach materials for Newark’s Sustainability Plan
- Translated all documents related to the community into Spanish
- Generated a stewardship map for the city of Newark
2017
About the Company
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest investor owned utility. They are a regulated gas and electric utility company serving 2.2 million electric customers and 1.8 million gas customers, approximately 70 percent of the state’s population. Headquartered in Newark, NJ, they have approximately $35 billion in assets and $11 billion in revenues.
Project Summary
PSEG asked their Green Team to develop solutions to improve the collection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data internally, and to research new ways to improve external communication of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. To achieve these goals, the company’s Green Team developed the following deliverables:
- Created a database using Oracle that allows PSEG to collect and store ESG data in one centralized location.
- The team completed an industry materiality assessment, third-party reporting assessment and consulted with PSEG representatives to determine the indicators used to populate this database.
- Developed a stakeholder survey to assist PSEG in identifying new ESG issues that are material to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Conducted an analysis of PSEG’s CSR performance within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), and provided PSEG with options to leverage the UNSDG to improve overall communication of CSR issues.
About the Company
Prudential, PGIM’s parent Fortune 500 company, has subsidiaries that provide insurance, investment management and other financial products and services in over 30 other countries. Prudential Financial’s Global Investment Management (PGIM) has become the 9th largest institutional asset manager in the world with $1 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2016. We will be assisting PGIM Real Estate which manages $65 billion in assets.
Project Summary
PGIM asked their Green Team to assess the company’s overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and provide solutions to improve the company’s reporting on CSR issues. With these objectives in mind, PGIM’s Green Team accomplished the following:
- Completed a 16 company competitor analysis, providing PGIM with a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of its overall CSR performance.
- Provided a business case analysis on the benefits of reporting to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and completed a gap analysis of PGIM’s current CSR reporting relative to GRI standards.
- Developed a stakeholder survey to assist PGIM in identifying ESG issues that are material to its stakeholders.
About Newark
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with over 270,000 residents. Newark’s Sustainability Office “supports policies and programs that improve public health and quality of life, drive down costs through better stewardship of resources, and expand green job and business opportunities for Newarkers.”
Project Summary
The City of Newark asked its Green Team to assist the city in the development of its 2018 Sustainability Action Plan. To assist the city, Newark’s Green Team produced the following deliverables:
- Administered a stakeholder engagement initiative to provide insight on sustainability initiatives the city should address in its 2018 sustainability report. Specifically, Newark’s Green Team:
- Created 93 focus prompts for stakeholders based on initiatives from the city’s 2013 Sustainability Action Plan, and evaluated these prompts based on their importance and feasibility to stakeholders.
- Clustered data into 12 sections based on stakeholder responses to focus prompts.
- Identified “low hanging fruit” (issues of high importance and high feasibility) issues for the City of Newark to immediately address.
- Volunteered at four Newark Sustainability Summer Series Events and provided recommendations for the city to increase further engagement with the city’s residents.
- Created a series of infographics on greenhouse gas, water usage, energy usage and waste disposal to display and additional city events throughout the year.
About the Company
ADP is global provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions. The company also provides clients with business outsourcing services, analytics and compliance expertise.
Project Summary
ADP asked its Green Team to identify, analyze and implement solutions to sustainability challenges at ADP. To assist ADP, it’s Green Team Produced the following deliverables:
- Developed a series of infographics to increase employees understanding of recycling and proper disposal of electronic waste.
- Created new template for the company’s monthly Green Newsletter, and wrote the company’s newsletters for the months of June and July.
- Developed guidelines and template for a new ADP website that communicates the company’s new and existing sustainability initiatives in a more engaging manner.
- Created a survey and reporting template for ADP sites to determine what Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards they currently meet, and what criteria they need to fulfill in order to achieve full LEED certification.
- Created a database of grants and other external funding sources for ADP utilize when pursuing new sustainability initiatives.
About the Company
Meridian Health provides patient-centered health care services delivered in hospital, community and in-home settings. The company also advances medicine through clinical education and research.
Project Summary
Hackensack Meridian Health asked its Green Team to improve its internal and external communication of its sustainability initiatives. Specifically, the team worked on the following:
- Wrote a sustainability report highlighting Hackensack Meridian’s current sustainability initiatives.
- Developed a sustainability e-learning module for employees covering topics such as waste, energy, hazardous chemicals and food.
- Administered an employee survey and conducted a focus group to determine what sustainability issues Hackensack Meridian employees value, and what can be done to increase awareness of the hospital’s sustainability programs.
- Created infographics to be displayed around the hospital that highlight Hackensack’s sustainability programs, and provide information on recycling, water disposal and reducing energy use.
- Started an Instagram account and sample posts to illustrate how to communicate sustainability issues to patients and other stakeholders.
About the Company
Honeywell is a global manufacturer of a variety of commercial and consumer products, and provides engineering services and aerospace systems solutions to customers worldwide.
Project Summary
Honeywell asked its Green Team to assess its internal sustainability performance, develop new strategies to reduce energy, water and waste; organize its sustainability data; and improve external communications of sustainability issues. To achieve these goals, the team produced the following deliverables
- Analyzed Honeywell waste data and calculated the monthly/annual waste diversion rate (WDR) for each of the company’s sites worldwide.
- Created a dashboard using excel that allows Honeywell to view WDR by site, region and business group. This dashboard also provided information on the company’s overall non-hazardous waste, hazardous waste, landfill waste, and recycled waste.
- Mapped each Honeywell site using Arc GIS for better visualization of WDR data by site.
- Identified high-performing sites and low-performing sites that Honeywell can engage with to improve future performance.
- Wrote a “Best Practice Guidelines” outlining opportunities to improve sustainability performance at Honeywell.
- These guidelines addressed topics such as installing water filling stations and no flush urinals and eliminating Styrofoam cups.
- Provided an excel tool for the company to conduct a return on investment (ROI) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) on specific topics.
- Completed a competitor analysis to provide Honeywell with an analysis on how it is performing relative to its peers, and what steps that can take to improve its overall sustainability reporting.
- Developed guidelines for Honeywell to improve its sustainability communications on its website.
About the Company
ECOS was established in 1967, and is a global manufacturer of environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Project Summary
ECOS asked its Green Team to research ways to utilize its wastewater runoff and increase employee engagement in sustainability. To that end, the ECOS team produced the following deliverables:
- Researched three major wastewater treatments–activated carbon filtration, coagulation flocculation and air stripping of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – that ECOS could implement to treat its wastewater on site.
- By treating wastewater onsite, the team found that they could reduce disposal costs by 50%.
- Researched testing companies for ECOS, and provided information on pricing, sampling,and testing methodologies.
- Developed a number of initiatives for the company to increase employee engagement including:
- Writing and administering a survey to gauge employee understanding of sustainability.
- Implementing a sustainability kickoff week to increase employee participation in ECOS’ sustainability initiatives.
- Updating the company’s bulletin board to facilitate easier communication of sustainability related issues.
About the Company
Humanscale is a global manufacturer of ergonomic products such as self-adjusting seating, sit/stand desks, monitor arms and task lighting.
Project Summary
Humanscale asked its team to help them research sustainability initiatives that would help the company achieve the International Living Future Institute’s Living Product Challenge certification. To that end, the Humanscale team produced the following deliverables:
- Researched “carbon handprinting” initiatives for the company to implement, such as donating extra wooden pallets to Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.
- Created guidelines for Humanscale to implement an energy audit at its Piscataway facility.
- Developing infographics on recycling and waste disposal to better educate its office employees on proper waste management techniques.
- Provided options for Humanscale to implement submeters at their facilities to better track and reduce overall energy use.
- Researched native landscaping options for Humanscale to reduce its overall water usage.
About Princeton
Located in Mercer County NJ, Princeton Township has a population of over 28,000. Sustainable Princeton is a partnership between the Princeton Environmental Commission and the New Jersey Sustainability State Institute, with consultation with the residents of Princeton.
Project Summary
Princeton University asked its team to work with the Township of Princeton on its waste management program. To that end the team produced the following deliverables:
- Developed solutions to reduce bulk waste and increase composting. Specific solutions include:
- Shifting to a pay-as-you throw trash disposal program.
- Implementing a three bin system to better categorize and organize waste for haulers.
- Creating a sticker system for bulk waste to identify what can be reused and what can be disposed.
- Presented solutions to the Township of Princeton and compiled a report of recommendations and case studies to the Township.
2016
Our pilot Green Team program. 35 undergraduate students from 22 different degree programs participated. Each transdisciplinary team focused on a sustainability challenge for one of seven corporations located throughout New Jersey.
About the Company
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest investor owned utility. A regulated gas and electric utility company serving 2.2 million electric customers and 1.8 million gas customers, approximately 70 percent of the state’s population, it holds approximately $35 billion in assets and $11 billion in revenues. They are headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.
Project Summary
PSEG asked its Green Team to assist them in developing a new sustainability report written to the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Their Green Team developed the following:
- Created an excel tool identifying “core” (non-industry specific) and utility specific indicators that would allow PSEG to report to the GRI G4 standards. This tool was used by PSEG to report on its progress towards meeting GRI standards on the company’s website.
- Created a competitor analysis identifying sustainability best practices and offering opportunities for PSEG to expand upon its current sustainability initiatives.
- Filmed a public service announcement (PSA) to increase employee engagement with the company’s sustainability initiatives.
About the Company
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), a Fortune 500 global bio-pharma company that manufactures prescription pharmaceuticals in several therapeutic areas, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis and psychiatric disorders, has delivered 12 new medicines to patients in the past seven years, and has strong commitment to the preservation of natural resources.
Project Summary
BMS asked their Green Team to research innovative ways to increase employee engagement with existing and new sustainability initiatives at BMS. To achieve this goal, the Green Team provided BMS with the following deliverables:
- Developed an employee survey designed to provide BMS with insight into understanding and improving employee engagement with its sustainability program.
- Conducted a focus group to understand factors that would motivate younger employees to engage with BMS’ current sustainability initiatives.
- Proposed a redesign of BMS’ internal “Go Green Sharepoint” site to better promote the company’s sustainability initiatives amongst employees. This redesign included the implementation of interactive global maps that allow employees to view best practice initiatives at BMS sites around the world.
- Provided a competitor analysis of initiatives to promote corporate sustainability and improve employee relations.
About the Company
Founded in 1907 and supported by three generations of the Cox family, Cox Printers was purchased by the Kaufman family in 1982. Cox Printers offers a wide range of services to its customers from off-set and digital printing to direct mail, signage and marketing.
Project Summary
Cox Printers asked their Green Team to provide solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, identify/develop a carbon calculator for present and future outputs, and establish environmentally sustainable partnerships with local community organizations. By the end of the summer, their Green Team produced the following deliverables:
- Calculated Cox Printer’s carbon footprint using carbon calculator developed at University of California Berkley, and provided an analysis of how Cox Printers’ footprint compares to similar businesses in its region.
- Recommended utilizing biodegradable shrink wrap as a new packaging solution, after conducting a cost analysis. Based on their results, Cox put an order to use this shrink wrap on future packaging projects.
- Developed two separate “green roof” proposals designed to reduce heating/cooling costs and overall carbon emissions, while increasing employee engagement with the company’s sustainability initiatives.
- Provided solutions to reduce electricity consumption and improve vehicle fleet efficiency.
- Proposed donating excess produce from the company’s green roof to a local food bank.
- Recommended purchasing Pyrex and Glasslock Containers for company kitchen to reduce employee waste consumption.
About the Company
With its multidisciplinary team of research, financial management and environmental planning professionals, Greener by Design brings a comprehensive understanding of the economic and policy underpinnings of a rapidly changing environmental landscape as well as a fresh perspective on how technology, innovation and legislation will influence the market in years to come.
Project Summary
Greener by Design asked its Green Team to provide research and technical support for various internal and client based projects. Its Green Team provided the following the company with the following deliverables:
- Wrote a whitepaper comparing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) certified buildings to those constructed using a LEED™ approach.
- Provided a map simulation of under-utilized and closed properties for a large sanitation company. These maps provide a projection for potential redevelopment of these underutilized sites, while also creating an inventory of those properties in the region.
- Researched how a microgrid can incorporate existing renewable, or newly distribute, energy generated at Maher Terminals Llc. in order to reduce emissions.
- Analyzed marketing and communication material and strategies for small, sustainability management consulting firms.
About the Company
New Jersey Manufacturer’s Insurance began in 1913 to serve factory workers seeking insurance. In more than a century, NJM has grown to offer personal auto, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, homeowners and umbrella insurance, from three locations – West Trenton, Parsippany and Hammonton.
Project Summary
NJM asked its Green Team to identify low-cost, easy to implement programs that benefit the environment, share information about green programs supported by businesses similar to their company, review current sustainability practices and provide plans for best practices and return on investment (ROI) analyses for their West Trenton location. The NJM team produced the following deliverables:
- Created a proprietary carbon calculator to calculate NJM’s annual carbon footprint and identified opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Conducted ROI analyses on installing hand dryers, solar panels and LED lighting at NJM’s West Trenton campus.
- Provided a detailed report on installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at NJM’s West Trenton location.
- Created infographics highlighting NJM’s current sustainability efforts, as well educational infographics designed to reduce employee waste and increase recycling.
About the Company
Prudential, PGIM’s parent Fortune 500 company, has subsidiaries that provide insurance, investment management and other financial products and services in over 30 other countries. Prudential Financial’s Global Investment Management (PGIM) has become the 9th largest institutional asset manager in the world with $1 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2016. We will be assisting PGIM Real Estate who manage $65 billion in assets.
Project Summary
PGIM Real Estate has asked its Green Team to help create a Sustainability Report Template that aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting framework, identify opportunities to enhance its existing sustainability initiatives, and develop methods to engage property managers/employees in reducing waste. Their Green Team developed the following:
- Developed a GRI reporting for template, identifying “core” (non-industry specific) and real estate specific indicators that would allow PGIM to report to the GRI G4 Standards. The team also provided PGIM with information on how to test “materiality,” in order to help PGIM better identify reporting indicators in the future.
- Wrote a “Get Green Guide” – a 30+ page document identifying best practices in waste management and recycling.
- Designed posters and other infographics to be displayed at PGIM managed properties that educate employees on the best ways to reduce waste and increase recycling. (see below)
- Created a competitor analysis identifying sustainability best practice in the real estate sector and offering PGIM opportunities to expand upon its current sustainability initiatives.
PGIM Recycling and Composting Posters:
About the Company
Sabert Corporation designs, manufactures and distributes food packaging products such as plastic bowls, platters and trays, plates, cups, spoons, forks and containers. Sabert serves bakeries, caterers, convenience stores, food processors, non-commercial foodservice companies, restaurants/delis, supermarkets, food distributors and grocery stores across the United States
Project Summary
Sabert asked its Green Team to complete a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its 32 oz round pulp bowl in its Green Collection product line. As part of this assessment, the team analyzed the differences between bagasse sheets and bagasse slurry, the carbon footprint of the round pulp bowl’s supply chain—from its production in Asia to its storage in the United States, and the environmental impact of its disposal through recycling, composting and via landfill. The team also made recommendations on improving overall sustainability at Sabert.
At the end of the program, the Institute held an event for teams to share their individual results to all participating companies, as well as local/multi-national corporations and academic institutions.
Here’s what participating companies and students said about the Green Teams:
The team was well prepared, full of energy and ideas. They hit the ground running. It’s hard to believe so much was accomplished during the ten weeks of the program.
The PSEG program provided us with the first steps toward building a firm foundation for our next series of green sustainability initiatives.
I really enjoyed my time working at the PSEG ISS Green Teams program. This program helped me gain business connections,
improve team working skills, and interact with community members. It was an unforgettable experience that I recommend
to everyone.
Montclair State University is beginning to distant itself as being the leader for sustainability programs offered through [a] university in the state of New Jersey