West Hartford Achieves High Status As A Sustainable Community

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The Town of West Hartford is among a group of Connecticut municipalities recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification.

Sustainable CT is a statewide voluntary initiative that "inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive," wrote the town in an announcement.

Last week, local officials said West Hartford had achieved necessary sustainability goals.

"The Town of West Hartford met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification," wrote West Hartford officials in a statement. "This is the first year that Sustainable CT is offering Gold-level certification."

In its application for certification, the town cited achievements in 12 categories ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing.

Actions mentioned included developing the Vision Zero Plan in support of safe streets; adopting a pollination-friendly community resolution; providing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training to municipal employees; conducting a HeatSmart community energy campaign to promote electric heat pumps; hosting a regional emergency response drill; and achieving a high rating of 8 in the National Flood Insurance Program’s community rating system.

To achieve Gold certification, the town was also required to achieve Climate Leader Designation, completing a specifically identified set of actions intended to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

“Congratulations to our Gold-certified communities,” said Jessica LeClair, 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.”

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.

West Hartford and all of this year’s certified communities will be recognized at Sustainable CT’s Awards Celebration on Nov. 13. For more information about this event and to register, visit sustainablect.org/celebration.