On Wednesday, the City of Hoboken was honored by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC) for achieving LEED Gold certification for its commitment to sustainability. Hoboken is the first City in New Jersey, and one of approximately 90 cities across the Country to achieve the certification. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, former Mayor Dawn Zimmer, and City staff were presented with official certification from USGBC’s President and CEO Mahesh Ramanujam at City Hall.
“I thank the U.S. Green Building Council for recognizing Hoboken as a LEED Gold City,” said Mayor Bhalla. “This certification further demonstrates that Hoboken is a leader not just in New Jersey, but across the Country in adopting policies that help improve our local environment and combat climate change. Hoboken will continue to promote comprehensive sustainability strategies throughout our City in the coming years.”
“I am extremely proud of Hoboken's progress that has resulted in its recognition as New Jersey's first LEED Gold City,” said Mayor Zimmer. "Thank you to the Green Building Council for its important work, that will help make communities throughout the State and the Country better understand the critical importance of making sustainability, preparedness and resiliency an important priority as we address the challenges created by our changing climate.
“Hoboken joins a growing group of LEED cities committed to improving quality of life for its residents,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “The city’s work is not only creating a healthier, more sustainable place to live, but it is leading the way when it comes to resilience planning. As more and more of our communities feel the impact of climate change, Hoboken is focused on strategies and action that prioritize the health and well-being of citizens.”
The LEED Gold certification for Hoboken was achieved using USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Cities rating system. LEED for Cities enables Hoboken to measure and track sustainability metrics in energy and water use, waste generation, transportation, and community development (including education, health, prosperity, safety, and equitability).
Last week, Mayor Bhalla announced Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan, which commits the City to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Climate Action Plan includes plans for the purchasing of renewable energy for City facilities and homeowners, electric vehicle charging stations, a community solar program, hybrid and electric vehicles for the City’s municipal fleet, and more.
This year, the City began purchasing 100% renewable electricity for municipal facilities, installed energy efficient upgrades in 11 municipal buildings, and made the local HOP bus service free of charge, all of which are recommended by the Climate Action Plan.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
