| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.04 |
| Liaison | Prabhakar Shrestha |
| Submission Date | Jan. 13, 2023 |
New Jersey Institute of Technology
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.67 / 2.00 |
Prabhakar
Shrestha Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
As one of just 32 polytechnic universities in the United States, NJIT is a proponent of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of sustainable technologies. NJIT advocated for the rate design change called the Green Enabling Mechanism (GEM), which aimed to remove the incentive to sell more electricity and gas and instead encouraged utility investments in energy efficiency, renewables, and other clean energy technologies.
To further support green infrastructure and clean technologies, NJIT participated in PSE&G’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program with 10 parking spaces in NJIT’s parking garage reserved for electrical vehicle parking. PSE&G provided the charging units and NJIT provided free charging to students, faculty, and staff who drive electric or hybrid-electric vehicles.
NJIT previously testified on behalf of PSE&G after Superstorm Sandy for the Energy Strong program. Under this program, PSE&G has been elevating switching and substations out of the reach of floodwaters so customers will not lose power during severe weather. In addition, they have improved the reliability of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and waste treatment plants, by fortifying equipment so it is available to the residents when the next big storm hits New Jersey. The progress made has been impressive, with over 250 hospitals throughout the state being impacted.
On 2020, Andrew Christ, senior vice president for Real Estate Development and Capital Operations at New Jersey Institute of Technology, requested the Board of Public Utilities to recognize Engineered Solutions as a core utility program in the BPU’s EE Straw Proposal, to make the energy saving opportunities available for colleges and universities, and support achieving the State’s clean energy goals and helping to keep college affordable for all New Jersey students.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.