Rahway
    

In 2006, Merck has created a virtually pollution-free “clean energy” building, that combines the use of both solar panels and a fuel cell. This is the first project of its kind to integrate fuel cell and solar power at a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey.
The building features Merck’s first solar energy system. The 500-kilowatt system includes 1,600 solar panels that cover the roofs of two buildings on the Rahway campus – one of the largest roof-mounted solar installations in the state of New Jersey. Our “clean energy” building is also powered by an industrial fuel cell, which produces clean energy using hydrogen from natural gas. The building is nearly self-sufficient in producing the electricity it needs, with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. Company-wide goal is to reduce energy usage by 25 percent through 2008 from a 2004 baseline (BTU per unit area).


Rahway is a transit village – promoting the centralization of public amenities - train station (built 1999), Public Library, Recreation Center, City Hall, Post Office, Police and Fire Departments, etc. Six developers are working on projects within a half mile of the station. Plans include revitalizing the town through establishment of an arts district, development of multiuse buildings – 1,500 rental and condominium homes - commercial (stores, offices, hotel, health club, etc). Pedestrian-safe walks and bike paths encourage alternate modes of transportation. 80 % of tenants in one new complex commute by train to work. Buildings are constructed with energy conservation in mind. One central complex includes a plan for a green roof - a rooftop garden - helping to reduce heat loss, producing oxygen for cleaner air, and encouraging community/tenant interaction. The revitalization of older cities is important in New Jersey to discourage sprawl. Preserving open space and natural habitats in Rahway, Union County and in New Jersey enable us to live a more healthy life – keeping our water and environment clean.

In alliances with the Rahway River Association and the DEP Rahway has been championing the cause of open space, improving water quality and protecting natural resources of the Rahway river watershed since 1992. An erosion control project for the banks of the Orchard Brook is the latest of many.


The Rahway River Greenway Concept Plan is part of the City of Rahway Master Plan of 2006 – to develop a bucolic riverfront trail for nature observation, fishing, and as an alternative mode of travel and pedestrian traffic. Despite the man-made landscape that predominates in the region, nature remains resilient with oases of wildlife and remarkable natural areas tucked in pockets along the various branches of the Rahway River.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension

The local Cool Cities grassroots with allies and partners will help Rahway develop sustainable growth and preserve the environment. Energy conservation measures (retrofitting buildings, energy efficient building plans and equipment, renewable energy, etc.} will work towards these goals.

Our government is dedicated to smart growth and preserving the environment. In 200 4 with the help of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension rain gardens were constructed in the city - designed to absorb rain water and runoff from a home’s gutters, liders, driveways and sidewalks. Planted with native flowers, shrubs and trees, the rain garden is a low maintenance landscaped area that needs no mowing, fertilization or pesticide use. The guided runoff would enter the rain garden to provide sustenance to the small garden while replenishing the local aquifer.


Removing fill and man-made construction material from the riverbed and restoring the vegetated river corridor are among the goals of Rahway with the RRA. Along with this project and the other on-going tree planting project (150 trees to date) a more even exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen results.