The Meadowlands Challenge encourages area businesses to examine their energy use and recycling practices and to find ways to improve them. Green building features or sustainable practices recognized by the challenge include those in the energy conservation, water conservation, recycling, reuse and commuting categories.
The award was presented at the Meadowlands Regional Chamber 2009 Annual Awards Gala celebrating the NJMC's 40th anniversary on Oct. 23 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The NJMC is the zoning and planning agency for a 30-square-mile area along the Hackensack River covering parts of 14 municipalities in Bergen and Hudson Counties.
"We are proud that the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission has honored us as a green leader," said Beckerman president, Keith Zakheim.
"With a client roster that includes many clients in the growing alternative energy arena, we felt it was important to find ways in which we could make our office environment more sustainable."
Beckerman launched its sustainability initiative following its move to its new headquarters in Hackensack in July. Under the leadership of Greg Menken, LEED AP, Beckerman's director of sustainability, the firm's "green team" developed a 10-point sustainability policy.
The policy includes such features as using green cleaning supplies; reducing paper use; purchasing recycled goods and materials; recycling paper, containers, packaging and printer cartridges; reducing energy consumption by office machinery and lighting; and reducing gasoline consumption through telecommuting and carpooling.
In addition, the Beckerman program promotes social responsibility by encouraging the support of local efforts to achieve a sustainable community.
"Recognition programs such as the Meadowlands Challenge are critical to encouraging the practice of sustainability," Menken said.
"Our program is still in its infancy so we are excited about the potential benefits to our firm, as well as to our clients and to the Meadowlands region."
One of the goals of the Meadowlands Challenge is for area businesses to share their techniques to recycle more, consume less and embrace other environmentally friendly practices, said Robert R. Ceberio, executive director of the NJMC.
"We commend those businesses that have joined the Meadowlands Challenge and are committed to reducing their energy consumption and sharing their best practices with others," Ceberio said.
"By conserving energy and operating more efficiently, businesses can make a positive impact on both the environment and their bottom lines."
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