Hank Kalet

South Brunswick is taking the first steps to make its municipal operation a bit greener. The township has purchased two hybrid vehicles as part of a slow process that should reduce our public energy footprint. According to Mayor Frank Gambatese,

the township is working on a plan to reduce energy costs in other ways as well, such as placing solar panels on public buildings to generate electricity. Mayor Gambatese said they are already using energy efficient light bulbs in township buildings.

It is a good start, as I said, but not nearly enough. The Township Council needs to develop a detailed plan for ways to cut back on energy use.

Hybrid vehicles are a start, but exploring alternate fuels like biodiesel or using electric cars should be on the table.

Solar panels and reduced energy use should be complemented by taking advantage of the energy markets, where it can, by finding an energy supplier that generates power in an environmentally responsible way and then offering township residents the opportunity to buy into the pool. Basically, use the township’s buying power, supplemented by the community’s, to force the market to become more green.

The township also should make sure that the school board is included in the discussion, given the size of its budget, the sheer number and size of its buildings and the size of its fleet. Monroe, for instance, has opened a new elementary school that relies on solar panels and, with the help of the township, the county and the state, South Brunswick might be able to pull off the same thing.