Rutgers EcoComplex Wins 2008 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

New Brunswick, N.J. -- Rutgers EcoComplex, the environmental research and extension center of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is the 2008 recipient of the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the innovative technology category.

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine  presented the center with the award at a ceremony and press event on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Drumthwacket, the official residence of the governor. Robert M. Goodman, executive director of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), accepted the award. Also in attendance were Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, director of economic development, NJAES; David Specca, assistant director of controlled environment agriculture and bioenergy technologies, Rutgers EcoComplex; Paul Falkowski, professor of marine sciences and director of  Rutgers Energy Institute; and Laurie Magee, program associate, Rutgers EcoComplex. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Mark N. Mauriello officiated the event.

The award, established in 2000 by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), recognizes outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects in the state. The award is sponsored by the state of New Jersey, NJDEP and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology.

In winning the award, Rutgers EcoComplex had to demonstrate the use or deployment of a new or alternative method, procedure, process, system or facility that is not considered to be a “proven” technology. Nominees had to explain how this technology resulted in greater environmental protection, security or economic growth than other technologies in current practice or how the technology provided comparable results at lower costs in terms of energy, economics or environmental impacts.

“We are thrilled to have Rutgers EcoComplex recognized with the 2008 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award,” said Robert M. Goodman, executive director of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. “This is a testament to the type of green-minded innovation that is driving New Jersey forward and keeping the state on the leading edge of environmental enterprise.”

Rutgers EcoComplex is New Jersey’s first environmental research and outreach center, and the first center of its kind in the nation, serving as a university-based resource hub for the state’s environmental and renewable energy industries. The center focuses on commercialization of new technologies that address pressing environmental and energy issues facing New Jersey and the nation. The pooling of resources and expertise from industry, government and academia leads to faster, smarter and better solutions to environmental problems.

The EcoComplex performs applied research, demonstration and business development of innovative, sustainable technologies that result in environmental and energy benefits, greenhouse gas reductions and conservation of natural resources, while also creating green-collar jobs for New Jersey. The EcoComplex has earned worldwide recognition for its cutting–edge work. More than 12,000 visitors have attended conferences and meetings at the EcoComplex facility this year to learn about environmental topics such as solid-waste management, renewable energy, water resources and sustainable agriculture.

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