ATLANTIC CITY - Sustainable Jersey announced the recipients of the 2025 annual awards and recognized 83 New Jersey municipalities that achieved Bronze and Silver certification this year before a capacity crowd in the Crown Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel during the NJ League of Municipalities Conference. The event celebrated the top municipalities and their accomplishments in advancing local sustainability.
Atlantic City was awarded Silver Certification with 430 points and Galloway Township received Silver Certification with 390 points. In Atlantic County, Linwood, Pleasantville and Somers Point achieved Bronze Certification.
“It’s inspiring to see communities of every size across New Jersey leading the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “These municipalities are not waiting for change, they’re creating it, through action, innovation, and collaboration.”
To become certified, municipalities must complete a range of sustainability actions and document their progress. Bronze-level certification requires a minimum of 150 points, while silver-level certification requires 350 points or more. Currently, 191 towns are certified, and Sustainable Jersey’s 468 participating communities represent nearly 83% of the state’s municipalities.
See the full list of the 2025 Sustainable Jersey Certified Municipalities here.
Established in 2009, the Sustainable Jersey Annual Awards celebrate municipalities and leaders who demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainability.
2025 SUSTAINABLE JERSEY ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
Sustainability Champion (over 40,000 residents)
Hillsborough Township, Somerset County with 845 points
Sustainability Champion (5,000 – 40,000 residents)
Madison Borough, Morris County with 1,000 points
Sustainability Champion (under 5,000 residents)
Bordentown City, Burlington County with 605 points
Mayor Art Ondish Leadership Award
The Honorable Sean Elwell, Mayor of Elsinboro Township, Salem County
Creativity & Innovation Award
Downe Township, Cumberland County
Rookie of the Year Award
Middlesex Borough, Middlesex County
Collaboration Award
Fair Haven Borough, Monmouth County
Gold Star Recipients:
• Princeton (Mercer County): Gold Star in Health
• Readington Township (Hunterdon County): Gold Star in Water
