Sustainable Jersey – Karen Wu – 2019

Goals 

Sustainable Jersey, the leading non-profit organization in sustainability-driven certifications for over 450 municipalities and over 850 schools in New Jersey. EDF Climate Corps fellow Karen Wu was brought on to spearhead energy efficiency projects, quantify financial savings, and identify grants and incentives for the Borough of Hopatcong, Parsippany Township and Mt. Arlington School District.

Solutions

Wu assessed her 3 clients energy usage and met with staff to identify areas of focus. She applied for Direct Install (DI) for Mt. Arlington School District and Local Government Energy Audits (LGEA) for the Borough of Hopatcong and Parsippany Township. The DI and LGEA programs provide free energy audits for buildings that qualify for the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, which pays for up to 80% of energy efficiency upgrades. Wu worked with each community to analyze state incentives to create a financing pathway with little capital costs that would best fit their needs.

Potential Impact

Wu’s work could save the cities and school district a combined $222,400 in annual energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by 913 metric tons per year. Each client has the tools to become more sustainable communities by taking advantage of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program incentives. Wu’s efforts helped set these municipalities and school district on a path to energy efficiency.

If the recommended energy conservation measures are installed, Wu’s projects with Direct Install and LGEA could save $20,160 in annual energy costs for Mt. Arlington school district, $18,000 annually for Hopatcong municipality, and $184,400 annually for Parsippany municipality.