New London Earns Certification From CT Sustainability

Information via City of New London

NEW LONDON – Projects as varied as the SmartRide program, Cultural District designation, natural resources inventory, support for women’s businesses, tree planting program, and allowing hens on small residential lots have earned the City recognition for its efforts to improve sustainability.

The City is one of 24 municipalities to earn certification in 2022 from Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive. Certification is effective through the end of 2025.

Certification requires municipalities to demonstrate significant achievements in a wide variety of sustainable impact areas including inclusive community building, thriving local economies, vibrant arts and culture, clean transportation, and diverse housing.

“This recognition belongs to our City Hall staff and the volunteers who helped with many of the projects that led to our certification,” said Mayor Michael Passero.

Passero recognized community members Marijo Logan, Karen Stevenson, Rene Parrine, Susan Munger, and Karl Saszik for their volunteer efforts.

Staff members Richelle Meneses, Executive Assistant to Passero, former City Planner Sybil Tetteh, Public Works Director Brian Sear, Parking Director Carey Redd, and Finance Accountant/Purchasing Agent Joshua Montague also were applauded for their “incredible, diligent, and time-consuming professional efforts to achieve this recognition.”

Two of the City’s projects may be highlighted in Sustainable CT materials as effective use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The organization commended New London for using some of the federal funding to contract with the Women’s Business Development Council to support new business, and to help bring the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s headquarters back to downtown. The Chamber headquarters will include the Regional Innovation Center, which will serve as a business incubator and support mechanism for new business owners.

The City’s efforts to improve housing also were recognized, including creation of the Partnership for Strong Communities 2018 housing data profiles and the 2018 Regional Housing Needs Assessment.

The Sustainable Purchasing Policy, which encourages staff to use purchasing cooperatives, and women and minority-owned businesses, helped meet the organization’s criteria for social impact. The policy requirement to seek out sources that use clean energy and abide by green standards helped meet the criteria for environmental impact.

Sustainable CT will celebrate its fifth anniversary this November and has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program. Of the state’s 169 municipalities, 129 participate in this free program, representing nearly 90% of the state’s population. Sixty-two municipalities have earned Sustainable CT certification, which requires an evaluation of projects by independent experts in project areas.

“We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. “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.

New London and all 2022 certified communities will be recognized this year at Sustainable CT’s Awards Celebration scheduled for Nov. 14 from 3-9 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall. For more information about this event and to register to attend, visit sustainablect.org/celebration.