Hoboken Sustainability Primer: From Green Buildings to Clean Power

gbNYC has noted two green projects on the Hoboken side of the Hudson previously; we pointed you to SJP Properties' Waterfront Corporate Center III and Bijou Properties' Dean Marchetto-designed, 180-unit condo project on 14th Street, both of which are seeking LEED ratings from USGBC. Green efforts in Hoboken aren't limited to these projects alone, though; Bijou is also developing the Garden Street Lofts at 14th and Bloomfield Streets, which were also designed by Marchetto and are seeking a LEED Silver rating. Meanwhile, Mayor David Roberts recently announced a tax credit plan for residential owners that install solar panels and is quick to point out Hoboken's taxi fleet that features seven hybrids. The Hoboken City Council is considering a bike lane plan dubbed "Hobikin" and recently supported an energy-efficient light bulb campaign that resulted in over 300 residents pledging to switch from incandescents to compact fluorescents. According to the Hoboken Reporter, the Council is considering a LEED-driven mandate for private development (which, as you might guess, we'd have much to say about here at gbNYC). A number of Hoboken buildings- including the Hudson School, Stevens Institute, and the North Hudson Sewerage Authority- have already started farming solar power, while Hoboken-based Bluewater Energy is hoping to build a wind farm 11 miles off the Delaware coast that would provide enough electricity to power 10,000 homes. Hoboken- like the state itself- is positioned uniquely, adjacent to a major urban area and with easy access to mass transit. I grew up in New Jersey so my thoughts may be somewhat slanted, but I don't think it's a stretch to say that the Garden State is making a serious effort at both the state and local levels towards becoming a leader in sustainable business and building practices.

• Local Green Scene (Hoboken Reporter)
• Hoboken Archive (gbNYC)