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Montclair State University

Business Information
Name of Organization: 
Montclair State University
Organization Type: 
Business Description: 
Montclair State University is an R2 public research, doctoral university. Montclair offers more than 300 majors, minors, concentrations and certificate programs across 13 colleges and schools providing exciting academic challenges for more than 22,000 students. https://www.montclair.edu/about-montclair/at-a-glance/
Contact Person: 
Adeline Cochran
Title: 
Assistant Director of Sustainability
Business Location: 
Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave
07043 Montclair , NJ
United States
40° 51' 22.5468" N, 74° 11' 43.1016" W
Phone: 
973-655-4000
Email: 
sustainability@montclair.edu
Number of Employees: 
3662
Website: 
https://www.montclair.edu/
Renewal Date: 
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Management and Leadership
Adopt Environmental Policy Statement
Description of Action: 
We are determined to encourage and develop a responsible and responsive campus community that will foster positive behaviors and attitudes towards environmental stewardship for the sustainability of both the present and future generations. Montclair is committed to developing community and global partnerships in our mission to assist with the attainment of sustainability at both national and international levels.
Identify Sustainability Leader
Description of Action: 
The University has a Director of Sustainability who reports directly to the Senior Vice President/Chief Operations Officer and an Assistant Director of Sustainability reporting to the Director. The Director will be responsible for the formation of a University-wide Sustainability Council and for further departmental growth through staff and student hires.
Annual Environmental Goals
Description of Action: 
Montclair State University became the first educational institution in the nation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) committing to utilize the latest green technologies and practices on its campus. By signing the MOU, the University agreed to management and operational principles that will ensure that it meets high environmental standards and reduces its carbon footprint. Annual tracking of metrics related to Green Building Infrastructure, Green Building Operations, Engagement, Transportation and Parking, Grounds and Landscape, and Procurement as outlined in the Facilities Sustainability Plan and AASHE STARS will be recorded by the Office of Sustainability. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/facilities-sustainability-plan/ https://stars.aashe.org/about-stars/
Develop Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Plan
Description of Action: 
The University purchases roll paper towels and toilet paper that are made out of recycled materials as well as green cleaning supplies.
Aspirational Goals
Description of Action: 
Montclair State University, under the leadership of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, joined the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network to build programs that will contribute to the global network of sustainability solutions. The Division of University Facilities developed a Facilities Sustainability Plan which outlines goals for the short, medium, and long term in the areas of Green Building Infrastructure, Green Building Operations, Engagement, Transportation and Parking, Grounds and Landscape, and Procurement. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/facilities-sustainability-plan/ Montclair State University Ranked 7th in Nation for Social Mobility in U.S. News & World Report College Rankings 2024: https://www.montclair.edu/newscenter/2023/09/18/montclair-state-university-ranked-7th-in-nation-for-social-mobility-in-u-s-news-world-report-college-rankings-2024/
Management & Leadership Other
Description of Action: 
The PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies supports transdisciplinary research and community projects that grow more resilient communities globally. Through partnerships with New Jersey-based and multi-national corporations and organizations, we address local and global sustainability challenges including climate change, emissions, energy, clean water, waste, food and food insecurity. https://www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/ The Institute maintains an advisory board of members from multiple areas across campus. https://www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/advisory-board/ Additionally, the Institute runs the Green Teams summer internship program. Green Teams are teams of students who serve corporations, organizations, non-profits, municipalities and community groups to address sustainability issues identified by host organizations. Teams of five students are constructed from diverse applicants whose backgrounds match those required to achieve deliverables requested by corporations and organizations. PSEG ISS provides training throughout the course of the program in core sustainability subjects, hands-on experience with sustainability skills, guidance in professional development and communication, and team building. Students also participate in community service and go on several field trips throughout the summer, such as trips to the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab and the United Nations. Teams make site visits to their host corporations at least once throughout the summer and meet weekly with company representatives to discuss the progress of their deliverables. Students are trained, and conduct the majority of their work, on site at Montclair State University under the supervision of a leadership team. They work intensely full-time each for ten weeks. At the end of the program, they present their work in a comprehensive written report to their hosting organization and give a group TED-style presentation to a broad audience. https://www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/green-teams/ The Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC) is a public research and technical assistance center to identify, quantify and interpret the ramifications of clean energy development and to facilitate energy planning. The Center provides support for clean energy policies, technology, and practices through research and education programs. We hope to develop an approach for clean energy analysis providing long-term environmental and economic solutions in order to build a sustainable energy economy. https://www.montclair.edu/clean-energy-sustainability-analytics/ The New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology (NJCWST) is dedicated to the study of water quality, pollution and technological solutions. Our dedicated team researches, monitors, and aids in the management of lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and other waterbodies throughout the state of New Jersey. We provide technical assistance to conservation groups, water managers, and municipalities in a continuous effort to keep our water safe for drinking and recreation, to ensure that our seafood is safe for human consumption, and to preserve native ecosystems and precious water resources. The NJCWST also enriches public outreach through environmental education sponsorships for K-12 students, as well as the general public.
Waste
Waste Reduction
Description of Action: 
Montclair's Dining Services offers reusable Green to Go containers to customers. https://dineoncampus.com/montclair/green-togo-program Montclair partnered with Fill it Forward to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles on campus. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/water-at-montclair-state/ Our Impact Board is available at https://impact.fillitforward.com/montclairstateuniversity Montclair operates a Surplus Furniture Program which allows furniture and other durable items to be donated or redistributed on campus, keeping them out of the landfill. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/surplus-furniture/
Lbs Saved: 
129
Waste Reuse
Description of Action: 
Electronic waste (e-waste) is handled by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety through use of a contractor who donates to organizations and charities that can reuse/renew the devices. If the e-waste is not usable, the components are recycled and a certificate of the final destination is provided to ensure that the e-waste is not dumped. Montclair operates a Surplus Furniture Program which allows furniture and other durable items to be donated or redistributed across campus, keeping them out of the landfill. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/surplus-furniture/
Waste Recycling
Description of Action: 
Montclair contracts with Gaeta Recycling and operates a single-stream recycling system. In FY23 the university had a diversion rate of 33% or 542.6 tons (1,085,200 lbs).
Lbs Saved: 
1,085,200
Food Waste
Lbs Saved: 
15887
Description of Action: 
The Montclair chapter of the Food Recovery Network partners with Dining Services to rescue wholesome, edible surplus food that would have otherwise been discarded and donates it to hunger-fighting community partners. https://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/new-jersey#montst
Hazardous Waste/Toxic Use Reduction
Description of Action: 
Hazardous waste is handled by a contractor, Veolia, through the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. The contractor collects waste from labs and lightbulbs which contain mercury for safe disposal.
Energy
Energy Efficiency
Description of Action: 
Combined Heating, Cooling, and Power (CHCP): Montclair has a CHCP plant to supply hot water and centralized cooling. The plant, which uses natural gas for electrical energy production, continuously produces 5.4 megawatts of power. The plant provides approximately 75% of the university's electricity, saving on average $2.2 million annually on energy, over 30 years it will be a $66 million cost savings. Microgrid: Beyond the 5.4 megawatts available from the gas turbine, as well as power directly from the grid, the Microgrid incorporates 5.3 megawatts of emergency generation which can run indefinitely on natural gas, and more than four days on fuel oil in case the supply of natural gas is interrupted. This provides an unparalleled level of resiliency, the ability to maintain power even when the regional grid power is entirely down. The benefits aren’t just operational, they’re financial as well. The Montclair State University CHCP plant combined with its Microgrid currently saves the University in excess of $4 million annually by lowering total energy costs and managing and controlling on-campus energy use. It can regulate how much power it purchases from the regional grid, and can actually sell power back to the grid operator when the controller determines that that’s the best economic choice. By having the ability to export power back to the main energy grid, Montclair State is reducing its own energy use and becoming a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable partner for its grid power provider, Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG). Lighting Upgrade Projects: Over the past several years, Montclair has replaced fluorescent and metal-halide fixtures in several locations, resulting in significant savings:https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2024/04/12/panzer-fitness-center-gets-a-lighting-upgrade/ https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2024/01/24/yogi-berra-stadium-gets-a-lighting-upgrade/ https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2023/08/07/russ-hall-lighting-retrofit/ https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2022/12/22/student-recreation-center-gets-another-energy-saving-upgrade/ https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2021/08/31/student-recreation-center-gets-an-energy-saving-upgrade/ Improved HVAC Scheduling: Over the last year, Montclair has improved HVAC schedules to realize more savings. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2023/09/12/benefits-of-hvac-scheduling/ Since the merger with Bloomfield College in 2023, Montclair has been auditing the buildings there for potential energy efficiency projects.
kWh Saved: 
298,755
Money Saved: 
4,122,880
Renewable Energy
Description of Action: 
MSU is home to a 285 kwh Solar Field. The solar arrays were constructed in a commuter student parking lot. The solar field supplies power Alice Paul Hall in the Village at Little Falls. Montclair entered a retail renewable energy agreement with ENGIE Resources LLC, a subsidiary of ENGIE North America Inc. The contract extends through 2025 under which Montclair State University will purchase Green-e™ certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from wind, solar and hydro projects across the U.S. The University will receive Green-e® certified RECs which are independently verified by the Center for Resource Solutions and represent the environmental benefits of one megawatt-hour of renewable energy. Over the course of the agreement, the RECs purchased contribute to support CO2 emissions avoidance by more than 7,600 metric tons, while matching 100% of the University’s forecasted retail electricity consumption from the grid. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2023/02/15/montclair-state-announces-renewable-energy-commitment/
kWh Saved: 
9,371,000
Transportation
Employee Commute
Description of Action: 
Montclair's campus is located in between two NJ Transit train stations that give direct access to New York City and other major cities in New Jersey. Montclair has on-campus stops for several major bus lines as well as bus stops within walking distance on Normal Ave. and Valley Rd. Faculty and staff are eligible for benefits which allow the use of pre-tax dollars to pay for transit passes and parking. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/transportation/ Montclair encourages the use of bicycles. There are 25 bike rack locations throughout campus. Student Rec center has a free bike rental program.
Fleet Vehicles
Description of Action: 
There are currently four (4) electric vehicles (EVs) in the fleet - three vans and one Tesla sedan. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2024/06/17/driving-towards-sustainability/
Gallons of Fuel Saved: 
278
Money Saved: 
628
Transportation Other
Description of Action: 
To promote the use of public transportation and reduce the number of single occupant vehicles driven to campus, Montclair and NJ Transit have partnered to offer full-time undergraduate and graduate students a 25% discount on a rail, bus, or light rail monthly pass when they enroll online through NJ TRANSIT’s Quik-Tik program. https://www.njtransit.com/studentpass
Water
Water Conservation
Description of Action: 
Montclair uses native and drought-tolerant plants in all campus landscaping. As part of our Green Building program, all newly constructed and renovated buildings are equipped with WaterSense efficient plumbing fixtures. Water-saving fixtures such as the waterless urinal started appearing on campus with the construction of University Hall in 2004. They do not overflow and have reduced water usage by 45,000 gallons per year for each urinal. Additionally, many older buildings that are not scheduled for major renovations are being evaluated for fixture replacements to ensure that we conserve water, no matter the age of the building. Equipment with once-through water chilling are being replaced - ice makers across campus, for example, or the walk-in refrigerators & freezer in the Freeman Hall kitchen. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/2021/03/04/freeman-dining-hall-gets-a-water-saving-upgrade/
Gallons Saved: 
4,000,000
Stormwater Management and Site Design
Description of Action: 
Montclair State University operates under the the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Public Complex Stormwater General Permit, which authorizes the discharge of stormwater from large publicly owned complexes such as colleges, universities, prisons and hospital complexes. In order to remain in compliance with this permit and the associated regulations, the University is required to maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) which ensures that the University is following best practices in its daily operations to keep pollutants out of our stormwater system. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/03/Updated-SPPP-12-01-22.pdf The Center for Environmental and Life Science on campus features a rain garden and a green roof. The University refrains from using fertilizer and uses calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) which has low toxicity and biodegradable, about as corrosive as tap water. Permeable pavers were installed between Cole and Morehead Halls. These are also known as grass pavers because grass grows in their open spaces. The open spaces allow stormwater to be absorbed into the ground while still providing a firm structure for emergency vehicle access. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/stormwater-on-campus/
Certification Programs
LEED™ Silver, Gold or Platinum
Description of Action: 
Susan A. Cole Hall (formerly College Hall) – LEED Gold® – July 14, 2021. The School of Communication and Media – LEED Silver® – October 18, 2018. The Center for Environmental and Life Sciences – LEED Gold® – March 29, 2017. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/sustainability/green-building-on-campus/
Environmental & Community Restoration
Environmental Success
Description of Action: 
University Facilities has a section of their website dedicated to stories about sustainability projects & initiatives. This information is also included in their annual report. The annual report is provided to the University's Board of Trustees. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/category/sustainability/ The PSEG Institute also publishes their stories online at https://www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/news-and-announcements/ The New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology (NJCWST) enriches public outreach through environmental education sponsorships for K-12 students, as well as the general public.
Industry-Specific
Industry Specific Practices
Description of Action: 
Montclair operates under the the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Public Complex Stormwater General Permit, which authorizes the discharge of stormwater from large publicly owned complexes such as colleges, universities, prisons and hospital complexes. In order to remain in compliance with this permit and the associated regulations, the University is required to maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) which ensures that the University is following best practices in its daily operations to keep pollutants out of our stormwater system. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/03/Updated-SPPP-12-01-22.pdf
Industry Specific Other
Description of Action: 
The University has several student organizations that promote sustainability on campus and throughout the local community such as: USGBC, Environmental Club, Food Recovery Network, Montclair State Dietetics Org, Center for Student Involvement, and more.
Emergency Preparedness
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Description of Action: 
Montclair State University Emergency Services is a division of the University Police Department responsible for emergency planning, training, response, and recovery. Montclair State University Emergency Services oversees the Office of Emergency Management, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Emergency Medical Services. Campus alerts are sent to students in the form of text message, email, social media and an alert posted on the main University web page. University Police provide guidance for on-campus emergencies, including a list of "what if...?" scenarios: https://www.montclair.edu/university-police/emergency/what-if/ University Police and Community Partners Conduct Emergency Response Drill: https://www.montclair.edu/newscenter/2023/03/09/university-police-and-community-partners-conduct-emergency-response-drill/ Hemorrhage/Bleeding Control and Narcan Kits Added to Campus AED Cabinets: https://www.montclair.edu/student-health-center/2023/09/12/control-the-bleeding-and-narcan-kits/
Community
Support the Well-Being of Your Employees
Description of Action: 
The Montclair State University Employee Assistance Program provides free support services for all University employees and their families. https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/current-employees/employee-assistance-program/ NJWELL is a wellness program offered to active employees of the public sector who participate in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and their covered spouses/partners. https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/health-benefits/nj-wellness-program-njwell/ Montclair State University offers flexible work arrangements as a voluntary work alternative for some employees and some positions, where practical. https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/flexible-work-arrangements/ Additional benefits are detailed at https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Description of Action: 
Automated HVAC systems ensure comfortable indoor temperatures and appropriate CO2 levels. Building finishes, cleaning products, and other materials will not emit or “off gas” any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the indoor air.
Serve Customers with Disabilities
Description of Action: 
Montclair State University is committed to the full inclusion of students with disabilities in all curricular and co-curricular activities as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) will assist you in receiving the accommodations and services necessary to equalize access. The DRC provides assistance to students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, neurological, and chronic medical disabilities.‌ https://www.montclair.edu/disability-resource-center/
Support Community Initiatives
Description of Action: 
To combat the reality and struggle of food insecurity for our community, Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL) established the Red Hawk Pantry. The Pantry is open to all Montclair State University community members: students, faculty and staff. The following items are available: food items, health/personal care products, school supplies, tableware/utensils. Additionally, pantry staff can assist community members in applying for SNAP benefits. https://www.montclair.edu/hunger-free/red-hawk-pantry/ Rocky's Closet is an initiative to help students at Montclair State University who are in need of professional clothing. The Closet accepts new or slightly used professional clothing and/or shoes/accessories for business settings. All donated clothes for Rocky’s Closet have been dry-cleaned and are ready to wear. We accept gender-neutral/inclusive clothing and casual clothing options as well. https://www.montclair.edu/social-justice-diversity/rockys-closet/ The Montclair State University Campus Community Garden (MSUCCG) was founded in 2018 as the first community garden at Montclair State University. With support from the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, the College of Science and Mathematics, and University Facilities, it established 20 raised garden beds, totaling 1,000 square feet of space for sustainable urban agriculture open to our campus community each year. During the traditional growing season, they provide produce to the Red Hawk Pantry. Outside of the growing season, they work with student groups and offices on campus to help increase awareness of food needs, provide resources and support for addressing food insecurity on campus, and engage in research to monitor food insecurity on campus. They work to provide additional produce to our partner, the Montclair Community Farm, who provides food to older adults living in Montclair that do not have regular access to fresh produce. https://www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/community-garden/ Montclair is a partner advisor in the Montclair Community Farms coalition. The Montclair Community Farms serve as hands-on resources that engage and educate the community and youth farmers in urban farming, sustainable agriculture, affordable food access, and healthy food and lifestyle choices.
Community Other
Description of Action: 
Montclair's dining contractor, Gourmet Dining offers sustainably-sourced products as well as nutritional advice and dining options for cultural and religious observances. https://www.montclair.edu/dining-services/sustainability/ https://dineoncampus.com/montclair/health-wellness--dietitian-services https://dineoncampus.com/montclair/celebratory-feasts-for-all-inclusive-observance-dining The Sustainability Seminar Series is organized by the PhD Program in Environmental Science and Management and is available to the campus community and the public. https://www.montclair.edu/environmental-management-phd/sustainability-seminar-series/
Finished Application: 
1
required_descriptions: 
7
Member Since: 
Friday, April 20, 2018
Description of Action: 
Montclair encourages students, faculty, staff, and the public to utilize the four (4) EV charging stations located on campus. https://www.montclair.edu/facilities/our-services/parking-services/electric-vehicle-charging/