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Bristol and New Britain achieve Sustainable CT certification

Willimantic, CT (06/12/2020) — Bristol and New Britain are the latest towns to achieve certification by Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that supports communities in becoming more resilient, inclusive and efficient. The two towns met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments, qualifying for bronze-level certification.

Managed by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, Sustainable CT includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity and long-term resilience. The program's action roadmap and support tools are especially relevant as communities seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

"Congratulations to Bristol and New Britain, our newest Sustainable C-certified communities," said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of the program. "They join a growing number of certified towns and cities, representing 44 percent of the state's population, that are demonstrating municipal practices that make our communities more inclusive, healthy, connected and strong."

Bristol and New Britain both demonstrated significant achievements in nine sustainability impact areas, ranging from community building and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. In addition, Bristol and New Britain addressed issues of belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions. Sustainable CT provides free coaching and a virtual equity classroom to help municipalities with issues related to equity and racial justice.

"We are thrilled to recognize additional communities that are using the Sustainable CT framework to respond to COVID-19 and build long-term resilience," said Laura Francis, first selectman of Durham and co-chair of the Sustainable CT Board of Directors. "Supporting local businesses, strengthening food networks, and safeguarding natural spaces for our residents have always been important, but these and other Sustainable CT actions are especially timely right now."

Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program. One hundred six municipalities have registered for the program, representing 79 percent of the state's population. Collectively, 48 municipalities, more than 28 percent of the state's communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification. Certification lasts for 3 years, with submissions rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners. The highest level of certification currently offered is silver.

Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong support from its three founding funders: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Common Sense Fund and the Smart Seed Fund.

For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving 5,000 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 162 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 34 other states and 19 countries. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in an array of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 30 public universities in the North Region by U.S. News and World Report in its 2019 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 10 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

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