HGA prepared a new comprehensive Master Plan for the Village of Ridgewood. A component of the Master Plan was the development of a Green Building and Sustainability Element, which focused on the Village’s recent sustainability efforts, including certification by Sustainable Jersey, as well as the establishment of new goals, objectives, and recommendations.

During the public outreach process, a poll question was issued asking the public to rate the importance of sustainability issues in relation to typical day-to-day activities. “Minimizing waste” received the highest number of “very important” rankings with “Minimizing carbon emissions” coming in second.

Recommendations revolved around implementing green building standards and checklists, renewable energy generation and conservation, improving air quality, stormwater management, waste management, water conservation, protection of natural resources, and the promotion of public health, safety and the general welfare.