A Dedication to Our Environment
Counties across the country have dedicated themselves to combating global warming and climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by as much as 80 percent by 2050 – that’s an average annual reduction of 2 percent a year. The State of New Jersey has mandated a statewide reduction of GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
Monmouth County is part of this effort as well. Patterned after the Sierra Club’s Cool Counties program, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has directed the Planning Board to be the lead county agency in identifying ways in which the county can reduce GHG emissions.
The Program Goals Include
- to reduce energy bills
- continue open space and farmland preservation efforts
- implement better land use policies
- incorporate Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in new construction and the rehabilitation of buildings
- develop alternative sources of energy
- expand transportation and work choices to reduce traffic congestion
- promote waste-to-energy programs
- foster economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new technologies.
The Board of Chosen Freeholders considers it important that Monmouth County take steps toward helping New Jersey achieve its climate stabilization goals and encourages the county’s 53 municipalities to do the same. The county has also been promoting various “green” initiatives by:
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Providing a series of environmental forums that have focused on ways in which LEEDS standards can be incorporated into building plans, using hybrid vehicles, reducing lighting pollution and energy costs and watershed management. These monthly sessions are dedicated to sharing ideas for a cleaner environment and empowering people with some basic information on green alternatives that will make a lasting difference.
Learn about energy conservation at New Jersey Natural Gas