Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming efficient, resilient and inclusive, announced its first group of certified towns this week. Twenty-two municipalities met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for certification. The list of certified communities spans every county and includes some of Connecticut’s largest cities and smallest towns.

With input from municipal leaders across the state, Sustainable CT was developed over the past few years under the leadership of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, in partnership with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM).

Fairfield, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hartford and Stamford have achieved “silver” certification, the highest honor in the program. Another 17 municipalities are being recognized at the “bronze” certification level: Bristol, Coventry, Hebron, Madison, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, New London, New Milford, Old Saybrook, Ridgefield, Roxbury, South Windsor, West Hartford, Westport, Windham and Woodbridge.

“We are excited to recognize the first Sustainable CT certified communities,” said Laura Francis, first selectman of Durham and co-chair of the Sustainable CT Board of Directors. “These towns have worked hard and shown great leadership in completing many actions that increase sustainability while also saving money, promoting health and increasing residents’ connection and sense of place.”

All 22 newly certified towns worked to demonstrate significant achievements in nine sustainability impact areas ranging from thriving local economies and vibrant arts-and-culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. In addition, the towns had to address diversity, inclusion and equity when implementing sustainability actions. The certification submissions went through a series of rigorous reviews by independent experts and Sustainable CT partners.

“These 22 Sustainable CT communities are models for local governments that strive to be thriving, resilient, collaborative and forward-looking,” said Joe DeLong, executive director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. “They have built community and local economies. They have equitably promoted the health and well-being of current and future residents, and they respect the finite capacity of the natural environment.”

CCM will hold an awards ceremony to recognize Sustainable CT certified towns at their annual convention in late October.

Launched less than one year ago, Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable program for towns. Sixty-four towns have registered for the program, approaching participation by 40 percent of all towns in the state.

“Congratulations to our 2018 certified Sustainable CT communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of the program and director of Eastern’s Institute for Sustainable energy. We are eager to share the inspiring accomplishments of all of these towns in creating livable, thriving communities. They are also showing that local actions lead to positive statewide impact on our environment, economy and culture.”

Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong support from three Connecticut philanthropies: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Hampshire Foundation and the Common Sense Fund.

For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.