It’s official! Jersey City school Dr. Michael Conti School 5 is one of two New Jersey schools that were selected for a statewide pilot program by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  The program will help develop a master plan for green schools that could eventually be replicated nationwide. 

For the program, USGBC is partnering with Parette Somjen Architects, LLC to study P.S. 5’s current energy, water and electricity usage.  Based on the results the USGBC will develop a plan to cut down on that usage, which will result in a more cost-effective and energy-efficient school building.  The initiative will also: implement recycling programs in the school; plant flower gardens around the property; add environmental education programs to the curricula; offer healthier food options in the cafeteria; cut carbon emissions; and start the use of only green cleaning products. 

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and school Principal John Rivero announced in an assembly on Wednesday, October 23^rd, that the grammar school was selected because of its genuine willingness to become greener and energy efficient. Mayor Fulop said: “It is a priority of our administration to build LEED® certified municipal buildings and to encourage the development of private construction that meets green building standards. We are proud that a commitment to sustainability is also being fostered in our public schools. I am delighted that the New Jersey Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council has recognized Jersey City’s leadership in meeting 21st century standards of sustainability and has selected P.S. 5 to help blaze the trail toward a greener future for our community.”

And if you were wondering, the other school selected was Perth Amboy High School in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. :-)