Town of Waterford Honored with Sustainable CT Certification
Waterford is among 24 Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT certification.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced its 2022 certified communities this week.
Waterford met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Bronze level certification. The highest level of certification currently offered is Silver.
“I am extremely proud of our Sustainable CT Committee who worked tirelessly on improving our town’s use of Low Impact Development (LID) to address storm-water runoff, creating small residential rain garden projects, introducing the Niantic River Watershed Plan and identifying potential pollution sources and completing the town’s LED streetlight conversion project” said Rob Brule, First Selectman.
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Waterford demonstrated significant achievements in actions in 24 sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Waterford successfully completed actions including growing sustainable and affordable housing options, holding sustainability events and supporting redevelopment of brownfield sites.
Sustainable CT is celebrating its fifth anniversary this November and has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program. One-hundred twenty-nine municipalities are participating in this free program, representing nearly 90% of the state’s population. Collectively, sixty-two municipalities, nearly 37% of the state’s communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification. Certification lasts for three years, with submissions rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners.
“Congratulations to our 2022 certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”
The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the on-going challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, Common Sense Fund, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
Waterford and all 2022 certified communities were recognized this year at Sustainable CT’s Awards Celebration held at the West Hartford Town Hall on Monday, November 14, from 3–6 p.m.
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For information about Sustainable CT, contact:
Jim Hunt, Communications Manager
Sustainable CT,
(860) 259-4732, jamesh@sustainablect.org, sustainablect.org
~Rob Brule, First Selectman
Original source can be found here.
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