Georgian Court University, Lakewood, was recognized in December for its comprehensive approach to sustainability across its campus.

GCU received the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, which is designed to recognize environmental, academic, business, government, civic and citizen leadership from across the state for efforts to protect and enhance New Jersey’s environment.

The honor was bestowed during a ceremony hosted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, and the annual awards program includes distinctions given to entities selected by a panel of judges. GCU’s recognition came in the Healthy & Sustainable Communities category, and the institution was one of just two universities among the dozen winners selected.

“This is a tremendous honor for GCU,” said Dr. Louise Wootton, director of sustainability and chair of the biology department at Georgian Court. “It’s a testament to the leadership of [Mercy] Sister Rosemary Jeffries), who was among the first university presidents to sign on to the ACUPCC agreement, setting the course for the university to become carbon neutral by 2050, as well as to commitment of all at GCU who have been working to make GCU more sustainable.”

School leaders attribute the honors to a team effort, with facilities staff members implementing sustainable landscaping practices and working to install efficient fixtures; faculty, students and staff helping to boost the campus’s recycling rate while altering individual behaviors to conserve energy; and students contributing to the cause through research and a number of other projects.

“The award also recognizes the important environmental leadership being shown through projects such as the gravel storm water basin research currently being carried out on campus, and community service projects, such as the 4,000 square foot Mercy Garden,” said Wootton.

She was joined at the ceremony by recent graduate Katelyn Hanson – a biology major – who helped to install energy-saving ceramic window films in the campus’s main academic building. Wootton said that the honor recognizes efforts that connect to a core component of the university and its faith foundation.

“This honor validates the fact that GCU is truly living the Sisters of Mercy’s commitment to stewardship of the earth,” she said.

Department of Environmental Protection commissioner Bob Martin offered his own words of praise regarding the award winners.

“Through their dedication to environmental protection, these award winners set an example for everyone to follow,” he said. “The winners and all of those who participated have set a very high standard for environmental excellence. Governor [Chris] Christie and I commend their leadership.”