Hours of Operation
Saturday Parking Passes required starting April 5th.
Over 1,000 acres open for discovery, outdoor engagement and environmental education
Browse our library of industry professional research and resources for educators.
Read up on the ecological and stewardship research done on-site
Activities, lesson plans and resources created to inspire and educate learners of all ages
Duke Farms is a place of engagement, enjoyment and research.
Duke Farms is a 2,700-acre environmental center in Hillsborough, New Jersey
Duke Farms’ beautiful natural setting, diversity of wildlife, programming and research enhances the environmental...
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Sustainability at Duke Farms
As a living laboratory, Duke Farms takes calculated risks to develop model best practices that help others transition to clean energy more effectively and efficiently. We’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re putting it into practice at every level of our operations.
Our energy resiliency plan is a bold, whole-campus approach that demonstrates how institutions, municipalities, and landowners can decarbonize operations and build long-term resilience in ways that prioritize nature and work in real-world conditions.
With over 2,700 acres, more than 100 buildings, and a diverse mix of commercial, residential, and agricultural uses, Duke Farms reflects the complexity many communities face when pursuing clean energy goals. That’s why we’ve transformed our campus into a living testbed for integrated energy strategies—from full-site electrification to on-site renewable generation.
Our goals are ambitious—and achievable:
100% clean electricity on a net annual basis (achieved) 80% of energy use at Duke Farms will be clean and resilient by 2030 Carbon neutral, including indirect (Scope 3) emissions, by 2035 Carbon negative by 2040
At the heart of our approach is a shift from fossil fuel dependency ("fuels") to renewable, resilient and regenerative systems ("flows"). Our work integrates energy production with ecosystem restoration—demonstrating that decarbonization can be nature-positive, not nature-neutral.
We’re building a future where clean energy operates in harmony with healthy ecosystems—and sharing what we learn to help others accelerate their own transitions.
Energy that comes from renewable, non-polluting sources like the sun, wind, or water. At Duke Farms, all electricity is generated from on-site solar.
Energy that is naturally replenished and doesn’t run out—such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.
(a.k.a. Battery Energy Storage System, “BESS”) Technology that stores excess solar energy generated during the day so it can be used at night or during cloudy periods, improving energy reliability.
The process of switching from fossil fuel-powered systems (like gas heating or diesel vehicles) to electric alternatives. Duke Farms is electrifying vehicles, buildings, and equipment.
Balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed or offset. Duke Farms aims to achieve this by 2035.
Going beyond net-zero to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than is emitted. This is a long-term goal at Duke Farms by 2040.
Duke Farms addresses all three in its planning.
The ability to maintain energy supply during disruptions. Through on-site solar and storage, Duke Farms is building a more resilient energy system.
A rating system for green building design and performance. The Farm Barn Orientation Center and Orchid Range are LEED Platinum certified.
A car or truck that runs entirely on electricity instead of gasoline. EVs at Duke Farms are charged using solar power.
A device that supplies electricity to recharge electric vehicles. Duke Farms offers four public solar-powered EV chargers.
Reducing or eliminating reliance on the external electrical grid. Duke Farms generates enough solar power to achieve this on a net annual basis.
Systems that restore and enhance natural resources. Duke Farms’ approach to energy and land management aims to be regenerative, not just sustainable.
The process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from energy use. A central goal of Duke Farms’ energy transition.
Actions that leave ecosystems healthier than before. Duke Farms’ energy transition is designed to be nature-positive and carbon-negative.
Mobility systems that reduce environmental impact—like EVs, bike infrastructure, and low-emissions transit—used and modeled at Duke Farms.
Strategies to cope with current and future effects of climate change. Duke Farms integrates adaptation into land, the built environment, and energy systems
Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Sustainability
Manager of Sustainability and Technology
Facilities Manager
Motorpool Coordinator
Facilities Technician
Explore 18 miles of trails through our living lab
Tue, Apr 8, 8:30 AM
Duke Farms • 1112 Dukes Parkway West Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844 United States
Learn more about our bike rental program here.
Tue, Apr 8, 9:00 AM
Wed, Apr 9, 8:30 AM
Wed, Apr 9, 9:00 AM
Free parking passes are required starting April 5, 2025.
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