WH Among State's Top 5 In Sustainability

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A statewide organization overseeing sustainability practices has put West Hartford among Connecticut's top five best towns that are good to the community and the environment.

Sustainable CT, a statewide, voluntary certification program that supports sustainability best practices, announced this week the honorees of the its inaugural group of "Climate Leaders."

The program was piloted in 2022 to support the acceleration of municipal actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.

Based on their actions, five towns earned distinction as the first group of Sustainable CT Climate Leaders: Fairfield, Glastonbury, New Britain, Stratford and West Hartford.

Sustainable CT offers support to help towns implement actions to build community connection, social equity and long-term resilience.

Certified communities demonstrated significant achievements in at least 12 sustainability impact areas, ranging from thriving local economies and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and affordable housing.

In addition, certified municipalities addressed issues of equity and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions.

“Congratulations to our first-ever Sustainable CT Climate Leaders and 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 and Climate Leaders are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”

“We are thrilled to recognize additional communities that are using the Sustainable CT framework to build long-term resilience to climate change,” said Bryan Garcia, co-chair of Sustainable CT and president and chief executive officer of the Connecticut Green Bank.

“Our support for equitable communities, affordable housing, clean and efficient transportation and energy, and resilient and accessible food systems, helps to strengthen and unify our communities faced with the impacts of climate change and its effect on our economy.”

Sustainable CT is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month.

A total of 129 municipalities are participating in this free program, representing nearly 90 percent of the state’s population.

Collectively, 62 municipalities, nearly 37 percent 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.

All 2022 certified communities and Climate Leader award recipients will be recognized at Sustainable CT’s Awards Celebration being held at West Hartford Town Hall on Monday, Nov. 14, from 3 to 6 p.m.

For more information about this, visit sustainablect.org/celebration. For more information on Sustainable CT, visit www.sustainablect.org.