City of Rahway: Sustainable Jersey Recertification

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Rahway has received Sustainable Jersey Certified Community status for the fifth time since 2010, the city announced in October 2025. The 2025 designation came at the bronze level, with Rahway earning 210 points under the statewide program's scoring system.

Union County Life covers sustainability and environmental governance across all 21 Union County municipalities. Rahway is one of four Union County towns certified in the 2025 cycle, alongside Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, New Providence, and Summit.

What the Certification Covers

Sustainable Jersey is a free, voluntary program administered by a New Jersey nonprofit. Municipalities earn points by documenting progress across categories that include energy and water conservation, waste reduction, natural resource protection, community health, and long-term sustainability planning.

Certification is not permanent. Towns must apply each year and demonstrate continued progress to maintain or advance their standing. The 2025 cycle drew 83 certified municipalities statewide, with 52 earning bronze and 31 earning silver.

What It Means for Rahway

City officials said the designation reflects both performance outcomes and a longer-term approach to environmental governance. The certification process also requires cross-department coordination, embedding sustainability standards into day-to-day municipal operations rather than treating them as one-off projects.

Rahway's five certifications span more than a decade, beginning with its first designation in 2010.

Residents can learn more about the city's sustainability programs at cityofrahway.org.

Stay informed about Rahway news and announcements on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is Sustainable Jersey certification?
Sustainable Jersey is a free, voluntary statewide program that certifies New Jersey municipalities for documented progress in environmental and sustainability practices. Towns earn points across categories including energy conservation, waste reduction, land protection, and community health.

Q: What level did Rahway receive in 2025?
Rahway earned bronze-level certification with 210 points in the 2025 cycle.

Q: How many times has Rahway been certified?
Rahway has received the Sustainable Jersey Certified Community designation five times, with its first certification in 2010.

Q: Does Rahway automatically keep this certification each year?
No. Municipalities must apply annually and demonstrate continued measurable progress. Certification does not carry over automatically from one cycle to the next.

Q: Are other Union County towns also certified?
Yes. In 2025, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, New Providence, and Summit also received Sustainable Jersey certification, at varying point levels.