SJI Celebrates Earth Day with Community Service and Conservation Efforts; Offers Energy Efficiency Tips

FOLSOM, NJ, April 22, 2025 – In celebration of Earth Day, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas, two subsidiaries of SJI, provided resources and supported local communities through a series of volunteer efforts. In addition to employees heightening their awareness of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, they are helping set up beach fencing for nesting birds and attending various cleanup events. SJI is also working towards its expected target completion date of Q4 2025 for the Linden Renewable Energy (LRE) project.

Update on the Linden Renewable Energy Project
Progress continues to be made on the LRE project, anticipated to be one of the largest food waste-to-renewable natural gas facilities in the United States. Concrete is being poured for the largest aerobic tank foundations at the site and tanks are almost complete with building shells expected to be constructed shortly. The Elizabethtown Gas (ETG) main extension, which will blend the RNG from the project directly into the existing natural gas distribution system, is expected to be done in several weeks.

SJI’s Green Team Hosts Lunch & Learn on Greenwashing and Climate Change
The Green Team, an SJI Employee Resource Group, hosted an informative Lunch & Learn session, “Deepening Your ESG & Climate Education,” presented by SJI’s ESG team on March 26 at SJI headquarters in Folsom. The event aimed to deepen employee knowledge of ESG topics such as greenwashing and the impacts of climate change.

Employees Celebrate Earth Day in the Community  
The Green Team continued its mission of empowering employees to support and create a sustainable environment through a series of volunteer opportunities in the communities we serve.

On March 28, the Green Team partnered with the Nature Conservancy to set up fencing on the South Cape May Meadows Preserve beach that will protect beach nesting birds from predation. In addition to their volunteer activities, SJI employees committed to donating more than $20,000 to the Conservancy this year as part of the company’s Employee Giving Campaign. A dollar-for-dollar company match brings the total donation to more than $40,000.

“We need all hands on deck to tackle species loss and climate change in New Jersey and across the world,” said Dr. Barbara Brummer, The Nature Conservancy’s New Jersey State Director. “The Nature Conservancy is grateful to SJI’s employees and leadership for supporting conservation.”

On April 22, the Green Team will be collaborating with colleagues to build raised gardens from wooden pallets recycled from our division sites in Glassboro, Cape May and Folsom.

Employees from SJI will also be participating in two cleanup efforts, one organized by Elizabeth City on April 22 and another by the Atlantic County Utilities Authority at its Earth Day Festival in Egg Harbor Township on April 27.

South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas Tips for Energy Savings
As a trusted community partner, we look for ways to involve customers in our efforts to protect the environment and be more energy efficient.

“Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful ways to help customers take control of their energy use, reduce their utility bills, and improve overall affordability,” said Maureen Minkel, Senior Director of Marketing & Energy Efficiency, SJI. “One notable initiative is Conserve, a dedicated website for South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas, that empowers customers with valuable energy-saving resources and practical tips. Through this platform, customers can explore a wide range of energy efficiency programs and tools designed to lower energy consumption and support their energy needs – while keeping costs down.”

Here are ways to keep cool while reducing energy costs and usage this season:

• Turn off fans when rooms are not in use and close shades to keep the house cool. 
• Choose natural lighting during the day whenever possible, or consider solar lighting for the outdoor patio or front yard.
• Unplug chargers, devices and appliances when not in use.
• Set a smart thermostat and keep the house warmer than normal when you are away and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. 

For more information about SJI and its subsidiaries, please visit sjindustries.com.