BOZRAH, CT, October 7, 2024 – Sustainable CT, a statewide, voluntary certification program that supports sustainability best practices in Connecticut municipalities, announced a new record for municipal certifications and Climate Leader designations for 2024.
A total of 43 awards – 32 municipal certifications and 11 Climate Leader designations – have been earned by Connecticut municipalities this year, making it the highest level of annual achievement in the organization’s seven-year history.
Gold Certification Recipients:
- Bristol
- Fairfield
- Glastonbury
- Old Saybrook
- West Hartford
Achieving the highest level of certification, these communities have showcased extraordinary leadership and innovation in sustainability. Their Gold certifications recognize comprehensive and effective sustainability strategies that serve as models for other municipalities.
Silver Certification Recipients:
- Deep River
- East Haddam
- Greenwich
- Groton (Fall certification cycle)
- Litchfield
- Marlborough (Fall certification cycle)
- Milford
- Southbury
Silver Certification reflects advanced initiatives in sustainable practices and community engagement. This achievement highlights a proactive approach to sustainability and an extraordinary commitment to equity.
Bronze Certification Recipients:
- Barkhamsted
- Bethel
- Canaan (Falls Village)
- Colchester
- Durham
- Ellington
- Groton (Spring certification cycle)
- Haddam
- Killingly
- Madison
- Marlborough (Spring certification cycle)
- Monroe
- Norwalk
- Pomfret
- Preston
- Ridgefield
- Stamford
- Suffield
- Thomaston
These 19 municipalities have demonstrated significant achievements across a range of sustainability actions, including environmental stewardship, public health, and social equity. Their Bronze certification is a testament to their dedication and collaborative efforts towards creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
This year, eight municipalities earned their first certification in the program, with Barkhamsted, Bethel, Colchester, Ellington, Haddam, Monroe, Preston and Thomaston achieving bronze certification for the first time.
Climate Leader Designees:
- Branford
- Bristol
- East Haddam
- East Lyme
- Fairfield
- Glastonbury
- Greenwich
- Hamden
- Litchfield
- Old Saybrook
- West Hartford
The Climate Leader designation is awarded to municipalities that demonstrate outstanding leadership in addressing climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing climate resilience strategies. These 11 municipalities have set a high standard for climate action and serve as exemplary leaders in the state.
“It’s been a banner year for us, but even more so for Connecticut cities and towns,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. “A record number of certifications and climate leadership designations exemplifies the dedication and innovative spirit that are essential for building a sustainable future. And we’re especially happy to add eight new towns to the program. Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we’re expanding our reach, and Connecticut continues to be an ever-better place to live, work, play and visit.”
Sustainable CT certifications are awarded based on the completion of a broad range of sustainability actions, from community building and thriving local economies to vibrant arts and culture and environmental stewardship. Municipalities must demonstrate significant achievements across thirteen impact areas to qualify for certification. The Climate Leader designation recognizes municipalities that have completed rigorous actions to address climate change and have committed to ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
Certification is effective for three years, during which time the towns can continue to implement and build upon their sustainability initiatives. Sustainable CT provides a detailed framework and support for municipalities striving to enhance their sustainability and community well-being.
All these towns will be recognized at Sustainable CT’s 2024 Annual Awards Celebration on November 13 at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center – “the Kate” – in Old Saybrook, from 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information about Sustainable CT and the certification process, please visit sustainablect.org.
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Common Sense Fund, Connecticut Green Bank, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
