The Piscataway Goes Green project, a collaboration between Schneider Electric's Sustainability Business and Piscataway Township, New Jersey, showcases a commitment to revolutionizing how public sector entities manage energy usage and achieve sustainability goals.
The primary objective of this project is two-fold: to significantly reduce Piscataway’s energy expenses and carbon emissions while equipping the township with advanced energy solutions to meet its evolving power needs. Through a comprehensive suite of energy infrastructure improvements, Schneider Electric is helping Piscataway position itself as a frontrunner in municipal sustainability.
A critical element of this initiative is the installation of 2.9 megawatts of solar arrays across eight public buildings, including at Piscataway's Community Center, Public Safety Building, and Town Hall. These solar installations will meet 64% of the township's electricity needs, drastically reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and mitigating the financial risks associated with energy price volatility. And by integrating solar power with advanced building automation systems and modernized HVAC and lighting systems, the project ensures comprehensive energy efficiency across the Township's facility portfolio.
In addition to energy efficiency, the Piscataway Goes Green project addresses the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The project will install 28 EV charging stations, marking the largest single deployment of public EV infrastructure by any municipality in New Jersey history.
Furthermore, the project features the rollout of an advanced microgrid designed to enhance community energy resilience. With this new system in place, critical buildings like the Public Safety Building and Town Hall now have the capability to operate off the grid for approximately five days during emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted public services. The project’s financial model stands out as another significant innovation. Piscataway Township was able to fund the $24.9 million project through a combination of $13.2 million in incentives, grants, rebates, and the strategic use of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) direct pay option. The remainder of the project was financed through an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with Schneider Electric. This creative approach to funding made clean energy improvements financially feasible for the township, bridging the gap between sustainability ambition and implementation.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, Piscataway Goes Green promises transformative results. By 2026, Piscataway's carbon footprint will be reduced by 53%, accompanied by a projected $19.2 million in energy savings over the next 20 years. These outcomes not only represent significant financial benefits but also contribute to enhancing the quality of life for Piscataway residents through both improved indoor air quality in community facilities and more resilient public services.
Mayor Brian C. Wahler of Piscataway Township voiced his support for the initiative saying, "We are taking a bold step toward a greener future and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the environment. Our partnership with Schneider Electric will allow us to continue making significant strides in energy efficiency and sustainability."
Echoing this sentiment, Tammy Tolle, Vice President at Schneider Electric, remarked, "It's an honor to work alongside Piscataway's leaders in this next phase of their environmental stewardship.”
In short, Piscataway Goes Green serves as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and public-private collaboration converge. It provides a replicable model for other communities striving to meet their sustainability goals, demonstrating that with the right partners and strategy, the transition to a sustainable future is within reach.
