FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 3, 2008

FREEHOLD – Monmouth County’s lunchtime series on the environment continues June 19 with guest  speaker Andrew Topinka of Technical Group Services, who will talk about making older buildings more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and healthy for workers.  

This will be the second of six planned lunchtime sessions designed to facilitate a “green” dialog among government entities. It starts at noon and pre-registration is required.

“This is a wonderful way for various public entities, their representatives and local elected officials to come together to share ideas about what government can do to save money and protect the environment,” Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. “Last month, we heard about a very ambitious program in Middlesex County, and it got everyone talking about what they can do in their own towns.”

In May, Middlesex County Freeholder James H. Polos kicked off the series with a recap of  Middlesex County’s efforts to adopt “green” technologies. Polos is chairman of the Middlesex County Showroom of Environmental Technology (MCSET), which is a partnership between Middlesex County, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Board of Public Utilities.

For example, Middlesex County offers rebates to towns that purchase hybrid vehicles, which reduce auto emissions. The county has more than 40 hybrid vehicles in its vehicle fleet. Middlesex also offers an economic development grant of up to $100,000 per community for green building initiatives such as the installation of solar panels or solar-powered pedestrian crosswalks.

Topinka is chairman of the New Jersey chapter of the U.S. Green Buildings Council. He will give an overview of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and also how those principals can be applied to existing buildings.

Many area governmental entities are “going green” by choosing alternative building materials, utilizing renewable energy and embracing green water management techniques. Coastal counties such as Monmouth are particularly vulnerable to changes that will accompany a rise in sea level, increased rain and flooding and the loss of protective natural barrier areas. Steps that are being taken in townships and counties across New Jersey are making news every week – steps that involve building, transportation, land use, renewable energy choices, purchasing, water management and recycling.

 “This lunchtime forum is dedicated to sharing ideas for a cleaner environment and empowering people with some basic information on green alternatives that will make a lasting difference,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr., who is co-hosting the series with Freeholder McMorrow.

 The lunchtime series is being held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at the Hall of Records, Freehold.

The series is free and a light lunch will be served, but registration by June 11 is necessary due to space limitations. If you are a state, municipal or county employee and wish to attend the free lunchtime series, please R.S.V.P. by e-mail to freeholdermcmorrow@gmail.com, or by calling 732-683-8837.

Save the Date

• July 17 – John Batinsey of Eatontown, former chairman of the New Jersey Light Pollution Study Commission, will discuss ways to save money by employing proper lighting techniques. 

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