CAPE MAY CITY – The city has been designated a silver-level community by Sustainable Jersey, a network of municipalities and school districts seeking ways to make New Jersey more sustainable in the face of environmental challenges. The municipal program was launched in 2009, and school districts joined in 2014.
More than 80% of the municipalities in the state are registered as participants in the program. Of the 466 participating municipalities, 208 are certified, with 140 holding the bronze-level certification, 68 silver and seven gold. The program involves actions and documented results that a community has met a set of rigorous standards.
In Cape May County, nine municipalities are currently certified, five others are registered participants but are not currently certified, and two others are not participants in the program. A certification, once awarded, is good for three years before a municipality must go back through the process for recertification.
Cape May City has held the prestigious silver certification since 2017, with recertifications in 2021 and 2024. This year Cape May City was a Sustainability Champion, leading the state in points for towns of less than 5,000 total population.
Among the many activities and accomplishments that gained Cape May the top spot among Sustainable Jersey small municipalities was the establishment of a team that helps to maintain the creative assets of the historic town in ways that enhance its sustainability. A green team helps to facilitate community partnership and outreach.
This year energy efficiency was high on the city’s list, with programs for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles, use of solar energy for municipal buildings and an enhanced electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Other actions included light pollution regulations, green building policies, anti-idling programs and a bike and pedestrian plan, among others.
Among those certified in 2024, the city’s 445 points put it in the top 10 municipalities in the state regardless of size.
Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
