Sustainable Jersey has named Cherry Hill Township a “Sustainability Champion” for 2014, reflecting the township’s ongoing efforts to build a greener and more sustainable future.
The Sustainable Champion award is one of the top honors given by Sustainable Jersey to municipalities each year. It recognizes the towns that have scored the most points in the Sustainable Jersey certification program in each of three population categories. With 410 points, Cherry Hill was the top scorer among towns with a population of 40,000 or more.
Mayor Chuck Cahn accepted the award at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Awards Luncheon on Nov. 18. The luncheon is part of the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City.
“Over the last several years, the entire Cherry Hill community — our local government, schools, businesses, community organizations and, of course, our residents — have come together and truly embraced the concept of sustainability. This is the wonderful culmination of those efforts,” Cahn said.
“The Sustainable Jersey municipal awards recognize the outstanding work being done at the local level,” said Randall Solomon, co-director of Sustainable Jersey. “We are extremely impressed by the innovative and effective sustainability programs and initiatives of these towns.”
Tuesday’s luncheon also celebrated Cherry Hill’s recertification this year as a “silver-certified” Sustainable Jersey town. Of 169 municipalities currently certified by the statewide organization, just 27 have reached silver status. Silver-certified towns must complete a series of action items identified by the program, worth a minimum of 350 points. Additionally, Cherry Hill had to create a Green Team and complete at least three of 11 “priority” actions.
“Becoming Sustainable Jersey certified is a significant achievement, especially at the silver level,” said Pam Mount, chair of the Sustainable Jersey Board of Trustees. “The certified towns demonstrate tremendous leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish with impressive sustainability initiatives in New Jersey.”
Cahn called the Sustainability Champion award “a proud moment” for the entire community.
“From our robust recycling program, to our Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, to our support of local businesses, sustainability is a concept that extends into every aspect of this town,” he said. “Together, we are building a healthier, more vibrant community, in all senses of the word. Cherry Hill is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and we want it to stay that way for generations to come.”
For more information on the Sustainable Jersey program, visit www.SustainableJersey.com.
