May 29, 火狐体育

Montclair State University Mobilizes Green Teams for Environmental Solutions and Sustainability

In its 10th anniversary year, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies engages students in impactful environmental projects across New Jersey including corporate sustainability, flood mitigation, urban greening and regenerative agriculture

Posted in: Homepage News, Science and Technology, University

Collage of Green Teams students over 10 years working on sustainability projects across New Jersey, including urban gardens, farms, infrastructure sites and community presentations. — A Decade of Impact: For 10 years, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies’ Green Teams program has empowered students to create real-world sustainability solutions in communities across New Jersey and beyond.

This summer, college students from universities across the country are tackling pressing environmental and climate challenges at Montclair State University as part of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies’ annual Green Teams program. Their projects focus on critical issues such as regenerative agriculture, urban flood mitigation in Paterson, tree canopy equity in Montclair, corporate sustainability and inclusive workforce training for adults with autism.

“Today marks a milestone – a decade of collaboration, innovation and student-driven sustainability solutions,” said Amy Tuininga, director of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, as she welcomed the new Green Teams cohort May 28 at the program’s 10th anniversary launch event.

Since its inception, Montclair’s Green Teams program has grown into a powerful model of experiential learning and real-world problem solving. Hundreds of impactful deliverables have supported sustainable solutions for municipalities, nonprofits and corporations across New Jersey and beyond.

10 Years of Purpose-Driven Progress

This year’s Green Teams cohort includes 50 interns from 33 universities, 36 degree programs and 16 states – a reflection of the program’s growing impact. United by purpose, these students are applying their knowledge and skills to 10 projects that address urgent environmental challenges, including:

Soil health and regenerative agriculture with drone and robotic tools (Foodshed Alliance)
Flood risk mapping and GIS-based tools in Paterson (The Nature Conservancy)
Urban greening and microforest creation in Bloomfield, Montclair and Newark
Climate-smart infrastructure development with NJ Natural Gas, Eisai and the Port Authority of NY & NJ
Inclusive workforce technology, including XR job training for adults with autism (Green Do Good)
Schoolyard restoration and food forest planning at Hazel Avenue School in West Orange

Celebrating Long-Term Partnerships and Impact

“Some of our partners are long-time collaborators, while others are new to the Green Team family. Each one plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable, equitable future,” said Tuininga.

Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell praised the Green Teams program as a shining example of innovation and hope. In a world full of challenges, the program reminds us that solutions are not only possible – they’re happening right now, he said.

Dominique Lueckenhoff, executive vice president for Corporate Affairs, Environment, Health and Sustainability at Hugo Neu Corporation and keynote speaker, drew on her experience in government and private sector to urge long-term thinking and purposeful action.

She called for a “resilience revolution” to transform markets, infrastructure and communities – reminding us that sustainability means reimagining the systems we rely on, not merely reacting to crises.

“We stand at a crossroads. Choices we make today about our securities, markets, infrastructure and communities will shape generations to come.”

Amy Tuininga, director of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, stands at a podium speaking at the 10th Anniversary Gala and Launch Event. Two Green Team interns stand nearby as she introduces the 火狐体育 cohort. — Amy Tuininga, left, director of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, introduces this summer’s Green Teams at the 10th Anniversary Gala and Launch Event. The 50 interns represent diverse academic backgrounds and are ready to tackle today’s pressing sustainability challenges.

火狐体育 Green Team Projects at a Glance

Sustainable Land & Agriculture
- Foodshed Alliance and its Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise: Drone and soil data for regenerative agriculture
- Hazel Avenue School: Food forest planning and flood analysis
Urban Greening & Resilience
- Greener Bloomfield, Montclair Township, City of Newark Office of Sustainability: Microforests, tree mapping, green infrastructure
Water & Emissions Management
- Port Authority of NY & NJ: Water audits and drought strategies
- Eisai: Scope 3 emissions tracking
- NJ Natural Gas: CO₂ reuse feasibility
Climate Adaptation & Risk
- The Nature Conservancy (Paterson): Flood mitigation and GIS risk mapping
Inclusive Tech & Workforce Innovation
- Green Do Good: Virtual-reality modules for autism-inclusive training

The Green Teams program is funded through the generous support of the PSEG Foundation, the National Science Foundation, USDA and NASA.

Discover Where Science Meets Purpose

At Montclair State University, the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies and the College of Science and Mathematics advance real-world environmental solutions through research, innovation and collaboration.

Learn more about the Green Teams program and how to get involved.

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