Rowan University captures another 'green' award

October 09, 2008

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers will honor Rowan University for outstanding achievement in recycling at the annual New Jersey Recycling Symposium and Awards Luncheon on October 15 in Eatontown.

The NJDEP, which will present awards in 10 categories, will present Rowan with one of its two Rising Star Awards, given for individuals or programs that have achieved exemplary results through innovation and persistence, according to the NJDEP. The Gloucester County Office of Recycling nominated Rowan for the award for its "well-rounded" and expanded recycling program. This is the eighth state or national award the University has received in the last two years. Those awards were:

• The New Jersey Clean Communities Council 2008 Excellence in Education Award, given in recognition of the University's commitment, enthusiasm and community pride through cleanups, educational programs or projects that encourage the proper handling of solid waste, according to the council. (2008)

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2007-2008 Individual Conference Champion award for purchasing more green power than any other school in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. (2008)

• The NJDEP's Governor's Environmental Excellence Award in the "Clean Air" category for the institution's steps to fight air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including purchasing wind power, implementing a landscaping plan that planted numerous trees and native plant species and constructing a cogeneration facility to supplement energy use. The New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities co-sponsored the awards. (2007)

• The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Office of Clean Energy's New Jersey Clean Energy School of the Year award, recognizing the school for its efforts related to promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, including purchasing 25 percent of its electricity from wind power sources. (2007)

• The United States Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Quality Award for placing third nationally in waste minimization in RecycleMania in 2006. (2007)

• The EPA Green Power Partnership Award for purchasing 25 percent of the electricity Rowan uses from wind-generated sources. (2007)

• The New Jersey Clean Energy Award for the clean energy the institution purchases. (2007)

"We are, of course, honored to receive this award from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers," said Dr. Donald Farish, president of Rowan University. "We are especially pleased because it recognizes an effort to which all at Rowan, employees and students, are committed — that of helping to improve our environment and therefore our future."

For more information on Rowan University's comprehensive environmental efforts, go to www.rowan.edu/RUgreen.

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